What is the best way to sell old jewellery?

At PM Antiques, we regularly speak to clients who know they want to sell but are unsure how to do so confidently or fairly. The good news is that there is more than one route to market, and understanding the differences can make a real impact on both price and peace of mind.

Start with clarity before selling old jewellery

One of the most common things we see is hesitation. Jewellery is often inherited, gifted or kept for decades, which can make selling feel daunting. That pause is sensible. Rushing straight to a scrap buyer or quick sale can mean overlooking qualities that collectors actively seek on the second-hand market.

Before choosing where to sell, it helps to be clear on what matters most to you:

• Speed and simplicity
• Achieving the strongest possible price
• Certainty around what you own
• Minimising admin and risk

Different types of jewellery suit different selling routes, and not all value sits in the metal alone.

Why antique and vintage jewellery can be worth more than you expect

Many sellers assume modern jewellery is automatically more valuable. In reality, antique and early 20th century jewellery can outperform newer pieces, particularly when it comes to diamonds.

Old mine and old European cut diamonds were shaped by hand and designed for candlelight rather than modern LEDs. Their softer sparkle is now highly sought after by collectors, often achieving prices 10 to 30% higher than comparable modern cut stones when sold through specialist routes. This premium reflects rarity, character, and period authenticity rather than technical perfection.

We also see platinum jewellery regularly underestimated. This is partly due to market trends. Platinum prices have declined steadily over recent years, while white and yellow gold prices have increased, with white gold showing particularly strong growth. As a result, platinum pieces are sometimes assessed conservatively when valued purely on metal content.

However, early platinum jewellery, especially Edwardian and Art Deco pieces, carries value far beyond the raw metal. Platinum was prized for its strength and ability to support fine, delicate settings. When correctly identified and assessed for period, how it’s made, and gemstones, these pieces can achieve significantly stronger prices than scrap-based valuations suggest.

Selling to local jewellers or gold buyers

High street jewellers and gold buyers remain a popular option for those looking for a quick and straightforward transaction. Payment is usually immediate, and the process is familiar.

This route often suits broken or heavily worn items, plain gold or silver jewellery, and sellers prioritising speed over maximum return.

The main advantage of selling to a local buyer is simplicity. There is no waiting period, no photography or marketing, and minimal paperwork. For sellers who want a fast resolution, this can feel reassuring.

The downside is that offers are typically based on scrap value. Design, age, gemstones, and collectability are often overlooked, meaning sellers may achieve 20 to 40% less than the same piece could realise through a specialist antique jewellery route. At PM Antiques, we regularly see jewellery initially assessed as scrap achieve far stronger results once period, condition, and demand are properly understood.

Trade guidance from bodies such as the National Association of Jewellers advises sellers to understand how a price is calculated and to use accredited members wherever possible. Look out for the logo in shop windows or local websites:

Selling antique jewellery online

Platforms such as eBay and Etsy open jewellery up to a global audience of collectors. This can work well for distinctive antique or unusual pieces, where individuality matters more than metal weight.

Advantages include control over pricing, exposure to specialist buyers, and strong demand for period jewellery.

That said, online selling carries risk. Platform fees, buyer disputes, returns, and non-payment must all be managed. Accurate descriptions and strong photography are essential, and mistakes can be costly.

Diamonds are a common pitfall. Without specialist knowledge, antique diamonds are often priced as modern equivalents, despite collectors paying premiums of 15 to 25% for original cuts when sold through trusted specialists.

At PM Antiques, we make sure all our jewellery has accurate and detailed descriptions. For example, our listings include clear imagery, the gross weight and ring size, such as with our 9ct yellow gold and five stone opal dress ring. See below. 

When auction houses are the best option for selling jewellery

Auction houses are well suited to high value, rare or historically important jewellery. Their specialists catalogue pieces in depth and promote them to established collectors.

This option is often appropriate for:

• Antique jewellery with clear provenance
• Signed or designer pieces
• High quality gemstones

Auctions can achieve strong headline prices, but sales are never guaranteed. Seller commissions commonly sit between 20 and 30%, and payment can take several weeks depending on auction schedules. PM Antiques offers a more balanced alternative, combining specialist expertise with lower overall risk, clearer pricing expectations, and a more personal selling experience.

Why a professional jewellery valuation is important before selling

One of the biggest obstacles to selling confidently is simply not knowing what you own. A professional valuation provides clarity on metal, stones, period and realistic selling expectations. This is particularly helpful for inherited jewellery where terminology like cut, clarity or hallmarks may be unfamiliar.

A proper valuation will usually cover:

• Metal type and purity
• Estimated gemstone details
• Approximate weight
• Guidance on current market value

For diamonds in particular, correct identification can make a substantial difference. We regularly see antique diamond jewellery increase in expected value by 20% or more once cut, age, and setting are properly understood.

Interestingly, many collectors place less emphasis on modern certificates for antique jewellery. Expert descriptions and period knowledge often matter more on the second-hand market.

Have you got a piece of jewellery and want guidance? Contact us if you have jewellery to sell.

How to prepare old jewellery for sale

We often say that a well presented piece tells its own story. Light wear can actually support authenticity, helping to date jewellery and show it has been genuinely worn and loved.

Before selling, we recommend:

• Professional but gentle cleaning
• Checking clasps and settings
• Taking clear photographs from multiple angles
• Keeping original boxes or paperwork where available
• Small details can significantly influence buyer confidence.

If you would like guidance for your jewellery, contact us at PM Antiques. We are always happy to talk through your pieces, share insight and help you decide the most suitable next step with confidence. Explore our full range of jewellery at PM Antiques and collectables.