How Much You Should Expect to Pay

There are enormous variables in the prices of jewelry. The quality of the stones play a huge part in the pricing. The condition, age and workmanship vary greatly, as do the prices charged for the same type of item by the different jewelry sources. Here are a few tips to keep in mind when shopping for jewelry.

Call up several local jewelers who buy scrap gold and find out what they are paying for 10, 14, and 18k gold and platinum. Check their prices for common gold chains by the gram retail. This will give you some sort of referance point for valuing gold and platinum pieces. You will probably have to pay about double the scrap price or more to get anything of real value.

Get a copy of "Jewelry & Gems, The Buying Guide" by Antoinette L. Matlins and A.C.Bonanno published by Gemstone Press. Read it several times and look up words you don't fully understand. Carry it with you while you are shopping for referance. It covers diamonds, colored gemstones, pearls and gold jewelry. I use our copy often.

Get copies of guide books to Antique Jewelry where they list prices. Study them thoroughly and carry them with you when you shop. Be ready to pull them out and compare pieces offered to you with the prices of similar pieces shown in these books. Do not be afraid to get explanations when prices differ greatly from those listed.

Shop around and compare prices. Don't be afraid to haggle, as most dealers and private parties are willing to cut prices some for a sale. Ask questions if something doesn't make sense and stick with it until satisfied with the answers or go elsewhere.

If you find a piece you really want and can afford it, buy it after getting an agreement that it can be returned for refund after you get an independant appraisal of its value. We try to sell jewelry at close to half of the full appraised value where ever possible, and you can often buy fine pieces for similar prices. It just takes building up your knowhow and a willingness to shop around. Good luck!