our Archive for June, 2013
Sell Watches: Facts from Used Watch Buyers
As San Diego’s #1 watch buyer, we here at San Diego Jewelry BuyersTM love all things about high quality timepieces Those who own Swiss watches or want to sell watches to a local buyer might find the following facts about fine mechanical timepieces interesting.
1) In 2008 a gold chronograph wristwatch by Patek Philippe called the “Trossi Leggenda” was auctioned by Sotheby’s for a record breaking $2.25 million.
2) Experts believe that the Egyptians were the first to invent watches, which estimated time by the flow of running water.
3) The first pocket watches were invented in 16th century England, and worn around the neck because they were so big.
4) Leonardo da Vinci drew a fusee (a cone-shaped pulley) for a clock. The system used in his sketch was later used in the watch industry.
5) In 1583 Galileo discovered that the speed of a pendulum swing depends on its length.
6) In 1790, Jacquet-Droz and Leschet introduced the first wristwatch in Geneva, Switzerland as a watch fixed to a bracelet.
7) The first wristwatch for men was invented by Louis Cartier, who created it for his friend Brazilian pilot Alberto Santos-Dumont.
8) Breguet was the Russian Tsars’ timepiece of choice. A Breguet was also worn by Napoleon at Waterloo.
9) Sir Edmund Hilary conquered Mt. Everest in 1953 wearing a Rolex Oyster.
10) The Omega Speedmaster is the first and the only watch worn by NASA astronauts in their missions to the moon.
For information on how you can sell watches for cash today, contact San Diego Jewelry Buyers for a free, no hassle, appraisal.
We are San Diego’s trusted A+ BBB rated watch buyer and luxury pawn shop.
Sell Rolex: Real vs. Fake Rolex Watches
Rolex is probably the victim of more brand copying than any other watch manufacturer in the world, with hundreds of thousands of fake “Rolexes” in circulation, and not just on city streets, but in used watch shops and online retail stores. Many used watch buyers are rightfully nervous when buying a second-hand Rolex, for fear of not getting the genuine article.
To increase your confidence in buying a pre-owned Rolex, San Diego Jewelry BuyersTM, San Diego’s leading buyer of Swiss timepieces, has put together the following useful watch tips. These tips are also helpful for those who want to sell watches like Rolexes but are unsure if their watch is authentic.
1) An authentic Rolex Oyster Perpetual has a screwed-back case.
2) Rolex Oysters are made from stainless steel, platinum, or gold.
3) A Rolex manufactured with gold is never gold plated, but is made with either 14k or 18k gold.
4) If there is rubber anywhere on the used Rolex (band or case) it is a fake.
5) Never buy a new or pre-owned Rolex from Craigslist or on the street.
6) The only Rolex watches that have day and date features are the men’s full-size watch.
7) Rolex does not use skeleton dials (ones that display the moving parts of the watch).
8) When you buy a Rolex use a credit card, which makes the watch easier to return should you discover that it is a fake.
9) Rolex does not make watches with a glass (see through) case.
10) A Rolex President is always made from one of the following precious metals: platinum, 18k yellow gold, or 18k white gold. These Rolexes can often command a high price from San Diego watch buyers.
11) Both new and used Rolexes should always come with a warranty.
12) Less than 10% of all Oyster Perpetual Rolexes have a quartz movement, so be extra careful when assessing the authenticity of this kind of watch.
13) Rolex has never manufactured its watches in China.
14) If you would like to sell Rolex watches, be sure to contact a qualified San Diego watch buyer who specializes in used Rolex watches and other fine Swiss timepieces.
For more info on how to sell watches, contact San Diego Jewelry Buyers for a free, no hassle, appraisal.
We are San Diego’s trusted A+ BBB rated Rolex watch buyer and estate jewelry buyer.
How to Sell Used Rolex Watches in San Diego
A Rolex is built to last a lifetime, which is why a used Rolex often commands such a good price from San Diego watch buyers. If you are considering selling your used Rolex, please keep in mind the following tips and facts provided by the staff of SDJB.
1) Rolex sets the prices of authentic new Rolex watches which may not be discounted by authorized dealers. But such price controls can not be enforced when it comes to the market for used Rolex watches; and this benefits both the buyer and seller of a used Rolex watch.
2) San Diego watch buyers like SDJB look for original Rolex parts when buying a Rolex watch. Non-Rolex replacement parts will lower the price for your pre-owned Rolex watch considerably.
3) You will get a much better buying offer for your used Rolex if it is being sold with the original Rolex box and papers. This is due to the serious problem of counterfeit Rolex watches.
4) A Rolex watch with an original band that remains tight and like new will bring a higher buying offer than the same used Rolex watch with an older looking, looser band.
5) Do not refurbish the dial of your pre-owned Rolex before selling it. The original dial is worth more than a refurbished dial, even if the original dial does not look like new.
6) Be sure you know exactly what material your used Rolex watch is made from before researching its worth, be it made from platinum, stainless steel, two-tone gold, or 14k/18k white or yellow gold.
7) Don’t be discouraged if your used Rolex is not working. A pre-owned Rolex that is not working often will receive a buying offer close to one for the same watch in working condition.
8) Those that plan to sell Rolex watches on e-bay are advised to:
a) Take a picture of your used Rolex, showing the serial number, before shipping the timepiece.
b) Use a Paypal account that is linked to a bank account with a $0 (or very small) balance to protect yourself from fraud.
c) If you suspect that the buyer is engaging in return fraud and has tampered with your used Rolex or replaced it with a counterfeit, open the package at the post office in the presence of a post office official.
d) If possible, show potential buyers proof of where you bought your Rolex watch.
e) Sell only to Rolex buyers who are located in the United States.
9) If you are selling your used Rolex to a friend or acquaintance that has concerns about buying a used Rolex watch, please have them read San Diego Jewelry Buyers’ article about Real Rolexes vs. Fake Rolexes.
10) If you need immediate cash for your used Rolex today, seek out a local fine jewelry and watch buyer like SDJB, who specializes in elite timepieces, and who has market contacts locally, nationally, and internationally. The larger the network of buyers your professional Rolex buyer has, the easier it is for them to pay you a higher price for your pre-owned Rolex.
For more info on how to sell Rolex watches for cash today, contact San Diego Jewelry Buyers for a free, no hassle, appraisal.
We are your trusted A+ BBB rated San Diego watch buyer and estate jewelry buyer.
Sell Diamonds: Facts from San Diego Buyers
As San Diego’s #1 diamond buyer, we here at San Diego Jewelry Buyers love all things diamonds. Those who own diamond jewelry or want to sell diamonds to a local buyer might find the following facts about diamonds interesting.
1) In 2007, a flawless 6.04 carat blue diamond fetched a price of $7.98 million, making it the most expensive gemstone per carat in the world.
2) The largest diamond ever found weighs 3,106 carats. It is commonly called the Star of Africa, and adorns the scepter of King Edward VII of England.
3) The diamond engagement ring is worn on the third finger of the left hand, because the ancient Egyptians believed that the vein in that finger led directly to the heart.
4) Diamond derives its name from the Greek word adamas, which means unable to be conquered.
5) Only about 20% of the world’s diamonds are suitable for jewelry.
6) Diamond certification does not appraise the monetary value of a diamond. It describes the quality of the diamond without putting a price tag on it.
7) Diamonds are composed of just one chemical element: carbon. When crushed to dust they turn black.
8) CZs weigh 55% more than diamonds. So, the easiest way to spot the difference between two same size stones is to weigh them.
9) The first recorded diamond engagement ring was given by Archduke Maximillian of Austria to Mary of Burgundy in 1477.
10) The world’s smallest diamond was cut by Pauline Willemse. It is 50 times smaller than the head of a ballpoint pen.
For information on how you can sell diamonds for cash today, contact San Diego Jewelry Buyers for a free, no hassle, appraisal.
We are your trusted A+ BBB rated San Diego diamond buyer and luxury pawn shop.
How to Sell Diamonds to San Diego Buyers
1) Background check the potential San Diego diamond buyer with the Better Business Bureau online, and by browsing customer reviews on independent web sites. If you see a bunch of reviews for a particular business posted on the same day, be wary of the legitimacy of these reviews. Look for reviews that provide concrete details about a customer’s experience, vary in style and content, and are spaced out over a period of time.
2) If you sell diamonds that are 1 carat (or more), these diamonds will bring a significantly higher buying offer than a diamond that is just under 1 carat (.98 carats for example). This is because stones of 1+ carat are more rare. Two 1/2-carat diamonds will thus also be less valuable than a single 1 carat diamond.
3) You are likely to receive a higher offer on your loose diamond if it has a branded cut which is highly sought after, such as Hearts on Fire.
4) Loose diamonds of high quality that have a pinkish or bluish hue will command a higher buying offer than most clear diamonds. If you have such a diamond, be sure to go to a buyer, like San Diego Jewelry Buyers, who specializes in rare diamonds.
5) If you bought your diamond from a fine jeweler, you are likely to receive a cash offer that is 60-80% less than the retail price. This is because the retail price of a diamond covers much more than just the value of a diamond but the overhead costs of running a fine jewelry store.
6) Keep in mind that Clarity and Color are equally important when valuing a diamond. The ratings for both qualities must be high for you to receive a significant offer from a San Diego diamond buyer.
7) If your loose diamond comes with a certificate from a respected lab like GIA, this will make it much easier to value and sell. Please click on the following link to learn how to read a diamond grading report.
8) If you are getting diamonds independently appraised, make sure that the appraiser is not closely affiliated with the jewelry buyer to whom you want to sell diamonds.
9) As a knowledge building exercise, price a GIA certified 1.00 Carat F color, VVS1, Ideal Cut diamond at Blue Nile and two other online retailers. Compare prices and then take the lowest one. A diamond buyer will likely pay you around 40% of that lowest retail price.
10) You are more likely to get a better buying offer from a local diamond buyer than a large, nationally run, diamond buying outfit. Do solicit offers from more than one San Diego diamond buyer before selling your loose diamond.
“Disclaimer: Percentages given for estimated diamond prices are based on December 2008 market conditions. These percentages, like real estate and commodity prices, can fluctuate greatly according to the current condition of the market.”
For information on how to sell diamonds for cash today, contact San Diego Jewelry Buyers for a free, no hassle, appraisal.
We are San Diego’s trusted A+ BBB rated loose diamond buyer and estate jewelry buyer.
Understanding a Diamond Grading Report
Sometimes called a diamond certificate, a diamond grading report is one of the most valuable tools you have when selling your diamond to a qualified San Diego diamond buyer. This grading report is conducted by a gemological laboratory, and is an independent evaluation of the diamond you want to sell. Today, the report is often included with the purchase of a diamond or diamond jewelry
A grading report is not an “endorsement” of your diamond but a detailed description of the diamond’s characteristics. This makes it easier for the diamond buyer to assign a proper value to the diamond or diamond engagement ring that you wish to sell. There are many different diamond and gemstone labs producing diamond grading reports, but all basically contain the same information.
The report that you present to a San Diego diamond buyer, along with your diamond, should contain the following elements:
Name: The name of the gemological lab that produced the report is perhaps the most important detail on the certificate. The most trusted lab for large, high quality, diamonds is GIA. Other labs which diamond buyers will usually trust are IGI, AGS, AGSL, EGL, and HRD.
Number: This is the diamond grading report (certificate) number which uniquely identifies your diamond. The lab keeps a copy of this and all the details of your diamond.
Shape & Cutting Style: Shape refers to your diamond’s outline when viewed face up. This could be round, marquise, heart, or some other shape. The cutting style refers to your diamond’s facets and how they have been arranged. This could be brilliant, princess, emerald, or some other cutting style. The cushion cut diamond is often found in antique diamond jewelry.
Measurements: If you have a round diamond the measurement numbers will reflect: minimum diameter – maximum diameter x depth. If you have a fancy shaped diamond the measurement will be: length x width x depth. Measurements are taken to the 100th of a millimeter.
Weight: The weight of your diamond is measured in carats. On the grading report this weight is measured to the 100th of a carat. The price that you receive when selling a diamond will be significantly more if the diamond is at least 1 carat.
Color: The color of your diamond is graded from D (the best) down to Z. Beyond the Z grading are fancy color grades. San Diego diamond buyers are especially looking for diamonds with a grade of F or better.
Clarity: The clarity of your diamond is graded on a scale from F (the best and extremely rare) down through IF, VVS1, VVS2, VS1, VS2, SI1, SI2, I1, I2, and I3. You are more likely to sell your diamond for a good price if it is VSI or better, especially if the color is a high grade, too.
Cut Grade: Many laboratories are now including “cut grades” in their diamond grading reports. This grade is generally based on overall proportion, symmetry, and polish, which together contribute to the fire and brilliance of your diamond. The cut grade that a diamond buyer will be looking for is Ideal or Excellent.
Finish (Polish & Symmetry): Your diamond’s polish refers to the quality of the polish on the facets, while the symmetry refers to how evenly the facets are arranged. Diamond buyers are looking for a polish and symmetry grade of very good or better.
Fluorescence: This is an optical effect that occurs when your diamond is exposed to ultra-violet light, making the diamond appear slightly blue. While some people in San Diego like this blue effect and purchase diamonds specifically because they have a strong fluorescence, high quality diamonds in general have little to no fluorescence.
Plot: Your fingerprint is unique. And so is a diamond. Your diamond’s uniqueness is graphically represented in the diamond grading report with the plot. The internal and external characteristics are plotted in different colors.
Proportions (Depth & Table): The depth of your diamond is a percent figure, which shows the percent of the depth (table to culet) relative to the width of the stone. The table of your diamond refers to its largest facet, which you see when the diamond is face-up. The table percent signifies the table size as a percentage of the diamond’s average width.
Girdle: This part of your diamond grading report describes the dividing line between the crown (top part of the stone) and the pavilion (bottom part of the stone). A faceted girdle can sometimes improve the value of your diamond.
Culet: Not all diamonds have a culet, which is the facet on the pointy bottom part of a diamond. A large cutlet can detract from a diamond’s brilliance, especially if your diamond is round or brilliant. In general, if there is a culet, you want it to be very small.
For information on how to sell diamonds for cash today, contact San Diego Jewelry Buyers for a free, no hassle, appraisal.
We are San Diego’s trusted A+ BBB rated diamond buyer and estate jewelry buyer.
Where & How to Sell a Diamond for Cash
Do you want to sell a diamond in San Diego? Before selling a large diamond or expensive diamond jewelry, you should know the quality of your diamond(s). In this article from San Diego Jewelry Buyers (SDJB), we will first explain how to sell a diamond by covering the basics regarding the quality valuation of diamonds. Then we will explain where to sell a diamond by showing why SDJB has become the diamond buyer of choice for thousands of fine jewelry sellers in California and across the country.
You may have heard that the quality of a diamond is based on the 4 Cs. When you sell a diamond in San Diego, your California diamond buyer will first evaluate these four diamond characteristics. So, what are they? Let’s learn them:
Sell a Diamond: How to Evaluate My Diamond Color
Diamonds can occur in virtually any color, including white, blue, yellow, orange, red, green, pink, purple, brown, steel gray, and black. Fancy colored diamonds are those that exhibit an intense shade of color. Diamonds that are considered highest quality by the jewelry industry are ordinarily colorless or have a very faint bluish hue.
The Gemological Institute of America (GIA) grades diamonds using the following scale, with a D color rating being the highest and a Z color grade the lowest:
D, E, F: Colorless Diamonds
G, H, I, J: Near Colorless Diamonds
K, L, M: Faint Yellow Diamonds
H, O, P, Q, R: Very Light Yellow Diamonds
S, T, U, V, W, X, Y, Z: Light Yellow Diamonds
Fancy colored diamonds have a color intensity that is greater than the Z color grade. They are graded using a different grading scale, one that is similar to the scale used when grading colored gemstones. Certain rare fancy diamonds can be worth just as much or than a D color diamond. The diamond buyers at San Diego Jewelry Buyers are always looking to buy large diamonds in the D-J color grades and rare fancy colored diamonds, but we also will consider purchasing diamonds with lower color ratings.
Sell a Diamond: How to Evaluate My Diamond Clarity
The clarity of a diamond refers to the appearance of internal diamond characteristics called inclusions and surface defects called blemishes. If you want to sell a diamond in San Diego for the most cash, it should have both a high color rating and a high clarity rating. A high color grade when selling your diamond won’t matter much if the clarity grade is poor. Here is the scale that GIA uses when grading diamond clarity:
1) FL = A Flawless grade diamond that has no inclusions or blemishes visible under 10x magnification.
2) IF Diamond = An Internally Flawless grade diamond that has no inclusions visible under 10x magnification. Only small blemishes can be seen on the diamond surface.
3) VVS Diamond = A Very, Very Slightly Included grade diamond that has tiny inclusions that are difficult for a trained grader to see under 10x magnification. The VVS category is divided into two grades: VVS1 and VVS2, the former being the better.
4) VS Diamond = A Very Slightly Included grade diamond that has minor inclusions that are difficult to somewhat easy for a trained grader to see when viewed under 10x magnification. The VS category is also divided into two grades: VS1 and VS2.
5) SI Diamond = A Slightly Included grade diamond that has noticeable inclusions that are easy to very easy for a trained grader to see when viewed under 10x magnification.
6) I Diamond = An Included grade diamond has obvious inclusions that are clearly visible to a trained grader under 10x magnification. Included grade diamonds also have inclusions that usually are visible without magnification which threaten the durability of the stone.
San Diego Jewelry Buyers specializes in purchasing diamonds with a VS clarity grade or better. Our diamond buyers consistently make best cash offers on high quality loose diamonds and fine jewelry set with high clarity diamonds.
Sell a Diamond: How to Evaluate My Diamond Cut
A diamond cut refers to the way in which your diamond was cut for polishing and is related to the symmetry and proportion of your diamond’s facets (flat sides). A diamond cut does not refer to the shape of your diamond (i.e. round, heart, pear, marquise, etc.) The better your diamond has been cut, the more luminosity it will have-and likewise it will be worth more.
On a GIA grading report the cut ratings are: Excellent, Very Good, Good, Fair, and Poor. This rating system was established in 2006. So earlier diamond grading reports will not show this ranking. At San Diego Jewelry Buyers, our diamond buyers purchase both antique cut diamonds and modern cut diamonds from famous luxury brands, such as Tiffany, Cartier, and Harry Winston. Hearts On Fire is a newer, lesser-known diamond brand that produces ideal cut diamonds of the highest cut grade, making it one of the most sought after diamonds on the market today, and a diamond brand that San Diego Jewelry Buyers purchases for a premium cash price.
Sell a Diamond: How to Evaluate My Diamond Carat Size
Carat size is the easiest diamond characteristic for consumers to evaluate. One carat equals 200 milligrams. For diamonds less than 1 carat, the measurement is often stated in points-one point being equal to one one-hundredth of a carat. Everything else being equal, the price per carat increases with carat weight because larger diamonds are more rare and desirable for use in fine jewelry.
What to keep in mind about carat weight when trying to sell a diamond for cash is that there are sharp jumps in price/value at certain carat weights. For example, a 0.99 carat diamond could bring a significantly lower cash offer from a diamond buyer than a comparable 1.01 carat diamond. This is because there is greater demand for diamonds that are one carat or more.
Sell My Diamond: How to Evaluate the Hidden Price Factor
Although the 4 Cs are important when evaluating the worth of a diamond, there is a hidden factor to consider when you want to sell a diamond or sell diamond jewelry for cash. We’ve mentioned it already in our discussion: Demand. When you go to sell a diamond to a San Diego diamond buyer, they will evaluate the demand for your diamond and at what price they can resell it. Therefore, when choosing a diamond buyer, you need to consider how that diamond buyer is evaluating demand and resale prices.
If your San Diego diamond buyer is a fine jewelry store, they likely are basing demand simply on what the demand is within their jewelry store. If you sell diamond jewelry online, the price will be based on the demand by visitors to the website. A big reason why San Diego Jewelry Buyers is rated as the #1 diamond buyer in Southern California is because we have multiple channels through which we evaluate the demand and resale price of your diamonds and jewelry.
SDJB resells diamond jewelry through an exclusive worldwide resell network that we’ve developed over decades, AND we resell fine jewelry in our showroom, AND we resell diamonds online through our e-commerce relationships. This gives our San Diego diamond buyers a much more accurate sense of the true resale value of your diamond jewelry, and allows us to pay you more of the cash you deserve.
Sell My Diamond: SDJB’s Owners Make the Biggest Difference
SDJB’s head diamond buyer Izhak Abu began his career as a professional diamond cutter in 1988 and is a recognized diamond expert with over twenty years of worldwide industry experience. Upon looking at your diamond, Izhak will know exactly its worth on the global market. If your diamond is a poor cut, he often will still buy it so that he can re-cut it to make it more valuable. Thanks to Izhak’s knowledge of the global diamond marketplace and his ability to recut diamonds, he is able to make cash offers on diamonds that are higher and more accurate than other Southern California diamond buyers, who lack his background as a diamond cutter and his international diamond experience.
“How to sell my diamond and jewelry now?” Selling diamond jewelry to SDJB is fast, secure, and easy. Simply call us at 800-557-9413 to arrange a free diamond appraisal, with absolutely no obligations.
How to Sell My Antique Diamond
In today’s knowledge article, SDJB’s diamond buyers will provide information on antique diamond cuts and answer the question “How can I sell my antique diamond?”. The first step in selling an antique diamond for cash is to make sure that your diamond is really an antique diamond. Is a 65 year old diamond an antique? No, if you are looking to sell a 65 year old loose diamond, this diamond would be considered a vintage diamond.
For a diamond to be an antique, it should be at least 100 years old-which is the age listed in government guidelines for determining antique jewelry. Now that we know how old an antique diamond must be, we can move on to classifying the most popular diamond cuts:
Antique Pointed Diamond: Found frequently in jewelry produced before and during the Georgian period (1714-1837), a pointed cut diamond is also known as a writing cut diamond. This simple antique diamond cut has eight facets (flat sides). If your antique diamond looks like two opposing pyramids, you’ve got a pointed cut diamond.
Antique Table Cut Diamond: Like a pointed cut diamond, the table cut diamond was relatively easy to produce. All the diamond cutter had to do was cut a little less than one half of a point from a pointed cut diamond to produce a flat table on the diamond. This flat diamond table is what was then displayed in the antique jewelry. The table cut diamond was very popular before and during the Georgian period
Antique Rose Cut Diamond: Things started to get a little more complicated with the introduction of the antique rose cut diamond in the 18th century. This more fashionable diamond cut came in two varieties: the single rose cut and the double rose cut. Both types of rose cut diamonds have a flat bottom, but a double rose cut diamond has two horizontal layers of triangular facets arranged symmetrically.
Antique Old Mine Cut Diamond: The complexity of diamond cutting increased with the introduction of antique brilliant cut diamonds like the old mine cut. Popular in 18th century Georgian jewelry and early to mid 19th century Victorian jewelry, an old mine cut diamond has all the facets of the present round brilliant cut diamond. But it does not have the same fire and precision because diamond cutting during this period was done by hand with less advanced tools. An old mine cut diamond usually has a square or cushion shape, rather than a round one, and a high table (flat surface at the top of the diamond). It is also sometimes referred to as a Peruzzi cut diamond, an antique cushion-cut diamond, or a triple-cut diamond.
Antique Old European Cut Diamond: Diamond cutting took another leap forward with the introduction of the Old European Cut diamond in the late 19th century-which was when the Victorian period was about to end and the Art Nouveau and Edwardian eras were getting ready to begin. A true forerunner to the modern brilliant cut diamond, the Old European Cut diamond has 58 facets and a round shape.
While simple antique diamond cuts like pointed cut diamonds and table cut diamonds can often be identified by non-professionals, it probably will be difficult for the average person to identify what type of diamond cut they have or what historical period their diamond is from. Since several antique diamond cuts were produced regularly over hundreds of years, it can be hard even for a professional jeweler to identify the exact age of many antique diamonds.
Before selling an antique diamond, it is a good idea to show your diamond to an estate buyer with proven expertise in antique diamonds and fine jewelry. Evaluating the worth of an antique diamond is much more difficult than appraising the value of a modern brilliant cut diamond or a branded diamond like Hearts on Fire. Your diamond buyer must be able to:
1) Assess how rare your antique diamond is.
2) Assess how well the diamond has been cut in comparison to other antique diamonds which were cut during the same historical period.
3) Assess how unique the antique diamond is in relationship to other diamonds produced during the same period.
4) Assess how much demand there is for your antique diamond (and antique jewelry if applicable) in the worldwide estate jewelry marketplace.
Where to Sell My Antique Diamond
Deciding where to sell an antique diamond therefore isn’t something to be done without investigating the potential buyer’s credentials and reputation. Customers across the United States often choose San Diego Jewelry Buyers (SDJB) as the best place to sell diamonds because we are an established diamond buyer with an A+ rating at the Better Business Bureau. And we have a reputation for purchasing extraordinary diamonds valued into the hundreds of thousands of dollars.
Head diamond buyer Izhak Abu brings with him an intense knowledge of diamond cutting, having begun his career as a professional diamond cutter. As an international diamond expert and diamond cutter, Izhak can appraise the quality and rarity of antique diamond cuts to a degree that other estate diamond buyers (who lack his training and experience) cannot.
Because of Izhak’s expertise as an international diamond trader and diamond cutter, it becomes evident why so many people sell antique diamonds to SDJB versus selling an antique diamond at an auction house like Christie’s or Sotheby’s.
Selling an antique diamond via an auction house involves uncertainty and months of waiting. However, selling an antique diamond to San Diego Jewelry Buyers means an immediate fair cash offer based on an honest and accurate appraisal of your antique diamond’s value on the estate diamond and jewelry market worldwide.
Want more answers to questions about “How to sell my antique diamond?” Call San Diego Jewelry Buyers toll free at (800) 557-9413 to schedule a free consultation and diamond appraisal.
Want to sell an antique diamond ring? Click the following link for answers to “How to sell my antique diamond ring?“
Where to Sell Sapphires – Sell Sapphire Jewelry
Note: While this article focuses on where to sell sapphire jewelry in San Diego, the advice applies to selling sapphire jewelry anywhere in the United States.
If you are looking to sell sapphire rings, sapphire necklaces, or even loose sapphires in San Diego, you have several choices: 1) You can try to sell sapphire jewelry online at a website like eBay; 2) You can try to sell sapphire jewelry to a San Diego jewelry store or pawn shop; or 3) You can sell sapphire rings and other sapphire jewelry to a dedicated San Diego jewelry buyer or consignment store.
When selling sapphires in San Diego the two primary concerns that sellers have are: Where can I sell my sapphire jewelry for the most cash? and Where can I sell sapphire jewelry in the quickest amount of time? You want to keep both of these questions in mind when choosing where to sell your sapphire rings, sapphire earrings, and other valuable sapphire jewelry.
Selling Sapphire Jewelry on eBay
Some sellers in San Diego do get good cash offers for their sapphire jewelry on eBay. But other sellers end up never being able to sell their sapphire pendants, rings, or necklaces-or they receive very low offers. The reason so many people fail to sell sapphire jewelry for a good price on eBay is because potential buyers are worried about buying imitation sapphire jewelry or jewelry set with very low quality stones.
There is a lot of imitation and poor quality sapphire jewelry in circulation, and much of that jewelry can land on eBay, despite the steps that eBay takes to protect buyers. The San Diegans who successfully sell sapphire jewelry on eBay are those sellers with an established eBay account and a long track record of positive buyer reviews.
The most successful sellers of used sapphire jewelry on eBay are those who are professional jewelers with bricks and mortar stores-as potential buyers trust these sellers the most. These business sellers also have the ability to take excellent photos of the sapphire jewelry they have for sale, and have eBay stores that are frequented by thousands of buyers looking for great deals on sapphire jewelry.
Lastly, there is the time issue. If you want extra cash right away, then selling sapphire jewelry on eBay is not your best option, as it could take weeks, or even months, to get a good cash offer and there is no guarantee that an acceptable cash offer will even materialize.
Selling Sapphire Jewelry to a San Diego Jewelry Store or Pawn Shop
When people are thinking about where to sell sapphire rings and other fine jewelry, the first place that often comes to mind is their local fine jeweler. In the past, most San Diego jewelry stores did not buy pre-owned jewelry back from the public unless they were an estate jeweler. However, with the huge surge in gold prices in recent years, many more California jewelry stores are buying previously-owned gold jewelry set with sapphires back from the public.
Unlike when selling used sapphire jewelry on eBay, you will get paid immediately when you sell sapphire necklaces, earrings, and other fine jewelry to a San Diego jewelry store. However, in many cases the amount of money you receive will not be as much cash as you deserve. The reason for this is that the average California jewelry store is in the business of selling NEW sapphire jewelry to customers. Their primary business is not buying USED sapphire jewelry back from the public. That means that the average San Diego jewelry store is not an expert on appraising the market value of pre-owned sapphire jewelry, nor do they have an expansive network of resale channels in which to sell your sapphire jewelry.
The situation is similar when selling sapphire jewelry to a San Diego pawn shop. While you will get paid immediately in cash, the typical California pawn shop is in the business of providing collateral loans on everything from guns to electronics to gold jewelry. Like the average California jewelry store, the ordinary San Diego pawn shop lacks expertise in estate jewelry appraising and resells sapphire jewelry only through its own showcases, not through an international resale network.
If you do sell sapphire jewelry to a San Diego jewelry store or pawn shop, make sure that they have many years of experience dealing with estate jewelry and ask them specifically how they are appraising the market value of your sapphire jewelry and arriving at their cash offer.
Selling Sapphire Jewelry to a Dedicated Jewelry Buyer or San Diego Consignment Store
When you sell your sapphire jewelry to a dedicated San Diego jewelry buyer, you get paid immediately in cash. So waiting for your payment is not an issue, as it is when selling sapphire jewelry on eBay. A California jewelry buyer’s primary business is the buying and selling of pre-owned sapphire jewelry and all types of estate jewelry set with diamond and precious gemstones. They are experts in appraising the value of estate jewelry (i.e. pre-owned jewelry) and they have developed an extensive network of buyers in which to resell your sapphire jewelry.
Because of their experience and expertise, you will likely get a better cash offer from a dedicated San Diego jewelry buyer than you will at an ordinary fine jewelry store or pawn shop. In addition, dedicated California jewelry buyers often are valuable resources of information if you are selling antique sapphire jewelry or vintage sapphire jewelry-sharing with you all they know about your sapphire ring, earrings, or other item.
If you don’t need a cash payment immediately, then selling your sapphire jewelry through a San Diego consignment shop is likely the best way to get the most cash for your jewelry. But you shouldn’t choose just any California consignment store to sell your sapphire jewelry. You want to deal with a San Diego consignment shop that specializes in the sale of used luxury items like fine jewelry.
Californians looking to sell sapphire jewelry often choose San Diego Jewelry Buyers because we are a well-known dedicated jewelry buyer who also offers luxury consignment services via our sister company Authentic Luxury Goods. So, whether you need cash right away, or are willing to wait a while, SDJB can get you the most cash for sapphire jewelry in San Diego.
Appraisals & San Diego Jewelry Appraisers
There is a lot of confusion surrounding jewelry appraising these days, especially among customers who are seeking to sell or get a cash loan on their pre-owned fine jewelry. At San Diego Jewelry Buyers we often get questions regarding jewelry appraisals. Sometimes these questions involve the price listed on an existing appraisal certificate; other times it is whether or not a customer should get their jewelry appraised–and if so, how to locate a reliable jewelry appraiser.
The following Q & A should eliminate much of that confusion and help you feel more confident when selling jewelry in San Diego.
1) When should I get my jewelry appraised? Jewelry appraising is a good idea if you want to cover your jewelry’s full value under an insurance policy. It is also wise if you have some vintage or antique jewelry which you are unsure of the value. But if you are looking to sell mass market fine jewelry that costs under $1500 retail, then appraisals are often a waste of money. Why? Because you usually can expect only 10%-30% of that jewelry’s retail value when you sell it. Therefore, the $50 (or more) that you spent on the appraisal is taking a big cut from the $100-$300 you are likely to receive in the end.
2) Why am I being offered so much less than the price on my appraisal certificate? Because the amount on the appraisal certificate is the potential retail value of your jewelry item. This price can be up to 1000% more than the manufacturer’s cost. An informal ‘resale’ appraisal conducted by a local jeweler is also often inflated because: a) the jeweler does not wish to reveal their markup percentages; and b) the jeweler works primarily with new jewelry and has little experience in the second-hand fine jewelry market.
3) What kind of vintage/antique jewelry should I get appraised? It is a good idea to get an appraisal on any antique jewelry that is signed and you are unsure of the value. Certain rare costume jewelry can sometimes be worth more than vintage gold jewelry. If you know the name of the jewelry manufacturer or designer, you can often save yourself some time and money by first looking them up online, and checking what their items are being sold for on auction sites like e-bay. If you live in an area with an auction house, check whether that house offers free appraisals. Many do.
4) How do I pick the right jewelry appraiser? Your appraiser should be a graduate gemologist from a recognized institution like GIA or someone with formal appraisal training who has been certified by an organization such as the American Society of Appraisers. In general, a good appraiser will have solid experience in all aspects of the jewelry business. Check their references.
5) How much should I pay a jewelry appraiser? The fee you pay should be on an hourly rate or a per piece rate. These rates vary but you can expect to pay at least $50 for valuation. Do not take your jewelry to an appraiser whose fee is a percentage of the value at which they appraise your item.
