Where Is the Best Place to Sell Antique Jewellery?

Antique jewellery is seen as timeless and elegant, generally encompassing pieces created over a century ago, although 'pre-loved' may be a more accurate term given the popularity of jewellery made in the last 50 years. These treasures are valued not only for their age but also for the craftsmanship, materials, and the stories they tell. Such jewellery often reflects the artistic movements and cultural heritage of its time, making each piece unique and desirable.

When considering selling your antique jewellery, there are many avenues open to you. The primary options for selling include online marketplaces, private sales, and auction houses.

^{Victorian Kashmir Sapphire and diamond cluster hinged bangle}

^{Sold for £70,000}

Online platforms like eBay offer a vast audience and convenience as sellers can list their items with detailed descriptions and photos from home, reaching potential buyers worldwide, and managing all elements of the sale themselves. These platforms allow direct transactions between buyers and sellers, often without significant fees. However, the downside is that sellers must have strong knowledge of the market value or risk undervaluing their pieces. Additionally, online sales may not always attract serious collectors, impacting the final sale price.

Another option is selling through private dealers or to collectors directly. This method often involves specialised antique jewellery dealers. Private sales can yield significant returns as dealers and collectors can offer a premium for unique pieces. However, difficulty lies in finding the right buyer and negotiating a fair price while factoring in the profit that a dealer will expect to make. This approach also requires significant expertise in the antique jewellery market because, as with online selling, there is a risk of undervaluation if you are not entirely clear about what you are selling.

^{An Early 20th-century pearl and diamond pendant necklace}

^{Sold for £35,000}

Auction houses stand out as a superior option for selling antique jewellery, particularly for those aiming to achieve the best possible return. A reputable auction house like Dawsons can provide expertise and an international platform, marketing pieces to a global audience. Their Jewellery Auctions attract serious collectors and investors, which ensures extremely competitive bidding and higher sale prices.

Renowned for their expertise in antique jewellery, Dawsons’ team of gemmologically qualified Valuers provide accurate valuations, and will ensure that jewellery is marketed effectively to potential buyers. We work with the seller to achieve the best possible price at auction for their jewellery. Remarkable successes at Dawsons monthly jewellery sales include a Cartier Kashmir sapphire and diamond flower brooch (circa 1930) that sold for £340,000 and a rare 11.03ct diamond three-stone Kutchinsky ring that achieved a £51,000 hammer price.

^{Late Victorian diamond garland necklace}

^{Sold for £38,000}

The expert team at Dawsons provide a seamless service covering valuation, logistics, marketing, and sale.Indeed, we offer a range of valuation options, including; virtual video valuations, home visits, and meeting atour Hampstead valuation office or Berkshire showroom. Our aim is to make the whole sales process as simple as we possibly can for our clients, with the objective being to secure the highest prices for them.

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Nicky Houston

Our Head of Department - Jewellery, Silver & Watches... Nicky is a highly respected Auctioneer & Valuer, who had dreams of becoming an artist. Whilst she may not have made it as a successful artist herself, Nicky has helped many a customer to successfully sell and buy beautiful pieces of jewellery and works of art over her many years working within the auction industry.

 

Jewellery Silver & Objects of Virtue Watches

Are you thinking of selling any antique jewellery?

With access to a global audience of over 10 million known bidders, Dawsons can secure the best prices.

Get in touch with an expert Valuer for confidential sales advice, we would be delighted to help:

0207 431 9445 / info@dawsonsauctions.co.uk