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Sterling silver flatware has been a beautiful accompaniment to meals for many decades. Families have often passed it down through the generations as a precious keepsake. In today’s fast-paced world and informal lifestyles, though, the formality of ornate sterling flatware seems out of place for most meals, so it sits in a drawer or closet, going unused. Sterling silver prices have been high for the last few years and possibly going higher, so if you are thinking that your sterling flatware has value that you could be using for something else, like a family vacation, money to invest or to help out with your finances, now is the time to find out how much your sterling silver is worth. Following are four simple steps you can follow to find details on your sterling flatware’s value.

1. Identify Your Flatware

Examine your sterling flatware and look for defining marks that will tell you the country in which it was manufactured and a few other details. For example, flatware made in the United States will be marked with “silver” and the manufacturer’s name. These marks are called hallmarks, and there are many reference books and online guides that show pictures of these marks and help you identify your flatware with them. English sterling flatware may have hallmarks showing the manufacturer’s name, date, city of origin and “sterling.” Most sterling silverware will also be marked 925, which stands for 925 parts of pure silver to every 1000 parts of metal. Before 1906, there were no laws that required the stampings, so older flatware may still be sterling, even without this mark.

2. Identify your pattern

Once you have been able to identify your sterling flatware’s manufacturer, it becomes easier to identify the pattern because you only need to look through the patterns of one manufacturer. However, if you have not yet been able to identify the manufacturer, you will have to look at a lot more patterns before you can locate your pieces. Keep in mind that some companies will re-issue certain patterns periodically and the value will vary based on the year of issue.

3. Research the Value

While looking for information on the hallmarks and pattern of your pieces, take note of the prices you find in guidebooks and online resources. You might not find your exact pattern, but chances are, you will find something very similar. If your sterling flatware is quite old, you may also have additional utensils that are not included in more modern sterling flatware sets, such as bon bon spoons or finger sandwich tongs. Unique pieces like these will be worth much more. Sets from the 19th century often had over 100 different pieces, including many utensils not used today.

4. Adjust the Value

Finally, you will need to adjust the value of your own sterling flatware based on its condition. If your pieces show extreme signs of wear and handling, this will definitely reduce the value your pieces would bring as antiques, compared to prices quoted in books and price guides. If your silver flatware is tarnished, this is not considered bad, and you are best off not attempting to clean it. Older pieces of sterling acquire a patina that collectors prize, and you may actually devalue the pieces by cleaning them.

That’s all there is to it. Finding the value of your sterling flatware is not a difficult process, but it does take some steps and the right information to help you narrow down the items you have and their exact value. When you examine your flatware and identify it, you can get a better understanding of whether your pieces have value as antique or rare flatware pieces. Even if these factors do not increase the value, you still have the sterling silver itself, so your flatware will always hold a certain amount of value. Especially with the high prices of silver right now, if you have been considering selling your sterling flatware, now would be a great time to do so.

Many people are surprised to come across old diamonds and diamond jewelry they have had hidden in the back of a drawer or sitting in an old jewelry box for years. In many cases, these diamonds are in rings that were kept for some emotionally significant reason or relationship that no longer exists. Sometimes, diamond rings may even serve as a painful reminder of the past that is best forgotten. If you come across loose stones or a diamond ring among your belongings, maybe it’s time to turn that old treasure into something you can use today, such as a vacation or a special shopping trip for yourself. Selling a diamond ring is fairly easy, although it does require a bit of footwork to get the best price possible. Following are a few steps that will lead the way.

1. Investigate auctions. Many people use the eBay auction site to sell their diamond rings because the website is easy to use, attracts millions of buyers worldwide, and gives you a glimpse of the selling prices for other, similar pieces of jewelry. If you decide to go this route, post a clear, close-up picture of your ring and include additional photos of any certification or appraisal paperwork you have on the ring or the diamond. This method takes time, and there is no guarantee your ring will sell for your asking price, but you could get a good price for your diamond ring if you are willing to be patient.

2. Post your ring for sale on Craig’s list. Supply the same types of photographs you would use in an eBay auction, so people can see what you are offering. Craig’s list does not use an escrow-type payment service like eBay does, and you will possibly need to meet the buyer in person. Exercise caution when doing business with people on Craig’s list.

3. Visit jewelers that could sell your ring for you. Jewelers may be able to resell your ring, especially if it fits in with the style of their overall collection, has unique features or is antique, although many jewelers will only sell your ring on consignment. This means that, instead of buying the ring from you, they keep your ring in their shop and try to sell it. Once it sells, they pay you the money, less their commission. This commission could be as much as 40 to 60 percent of the selling price. This method also takes time because you need to wait for an interested buyer to come along. You might wonder why you can’t just take the ring back to the original jeweler that sold it. Even if you have the receipt, the original jeweler would only buy the diamond ring back at wholesale, so they could resell it at a profit. The problem is, diamond markups are very high, and jewelers don’t want to risk revealing their markup, so don’t expect them to agree to buy your ring back. Additionally, some stores will not even consider your diamonds unless they are .50 carat or larger.

4. Take your diamond ring to a gold buyer. Many gold buyers, such as WeBuyAllGoldAndSilver.com, buy diamonds in addition to gold and silver items. Shop around, and compare offers between gold buyers until you find one that gives you the price you want. You can do some of your shopping around online, because some online buying sites will give you a range of what they will pay per carat for diamonds. This will at least give you a benchmark so you know what price to expect. It’s also highly beneficial to walk into a gold buyer location, like one of our over 13 stores in New Jersey. This gives the staff a chance to look closely at your diamond ring, review certification or appraisal paperwork, and give you a much more accurate price for your diamond ring. The best part about selling your diamond ring this way is the cash that you will walk away with that very same day. This is the fastest way to sell your diamond ring, since online buyers still take a few days to have you ship your ring, wait for their offer and then wait for a check.

Selling your diamond ring can become a time-consuming process if you don’t know where to start. Now you should have a little better idea of places to sell your ring, and the amount of time you can expect to wait before you see the proceeds from your diamond ring sale. As you can see, this depends completely on which venue you choose to rely on for selling your diamond ring. As a gold buyer, we can get you money faster than any other buyer.

The right source, or buyer, for your sterling silver varies depending on a few different factors. There is no one “right” seller, because every piece and each person’s situation is unique. As long as you find a buyer you can trust, that pays you the best price according to your research, you can consider your transaction a success and move on to planning what you want to do with the proceeds. The following can shed a bit of insight on different selling situations, and the buyers that make sense under those circumstances, to help you decide which type of buyer is best for you.

Exercise caution when you start out investigating a buyer for your sterling silver. Be prepared to do some footwork, especially if you want to get the most money for your sterling items. Many people find that there is a relationship between the amount of time and effort they can put into selling their sterling silver items and the amount of money they receive from buyers. The “work” involves using price guides and internet research to estimate the selling price of your pieces or similar items, and examining each of your pieces to verify that they are, in fact, sterling silver. Locating the manufacturer of your pieces can help as well. If you are in a hurry, do a quick check for similar items on auction sites such as eBay and look at the selling prices and condition of the items as compared to yours.

Try to avoid waiting until an emergency happens before selling your silver. If you find yourself in a position where you need funds for an emergency, you might receive less money than if you had the time to shop your items around and wait for the right price. At the very least, research your pieces ahead of time, so that if an emergency does come up, you already know what price range to expect which will help you negotiate better with buyers. You must make sure that the buyer you choose conducts their business ethically. Many people lose money from unscrupulous buyers that tell a good story, and make up reasons to give them much less cash than they deserve for their silver items. The first place many people think of when they have a cash emergency is the local pawn shop, and this is probably where you will get the least amount of money for your sterling silver.

Find dealers that specialize in the type of items you have to sell. If your sterling silver is antique, part of a patterned set, such as flatware or produced by a high-end manufacturer such as Tiffany, you will receive a higher price for your pieces by working with a dealer that can match you with private buyers looking for your types of sterling items. These buyers will pay more than just the value of the sterling, because the item’s age, pattern or manufacturer could add more value, especially if the piece is rare. It might also be a missing piece that completes their collection. Additionally, consider auctioning your pieces. This is the best way to find collectors that might pay top dollar for your sterling silver pieces. Do your research by looking at items on eBay that are as comparable with your item as possible. Also investigate live auctions, especially if you have a large number of pieces you want to sell.

Successfully selling your sterling silver to the right source does not need to be complicated or difficult. in fact, you might find that the easiest way to do it is by bringing your sterling pieces into a gold and silver buyer, and having the staff weigh your items and give you a quote. If you take your silver items to several shops in your area, you could have several quotes to compare, and even walk away with cash the very same day. If you are located in New Jersey, we have over 13 stores that can provide you with a quote and because we want your business, we guarantee we will beat anyone else’s quote. If you do not live in New Jersey, visit our road show listing and see when we will be in your area, as we operate shows across the nation. Finding the right buyer for your sterling silver does take some work, but you will be rewarded with new-found money that can be put to many good uses — so, what are you waiting for?

When times get tough financially, as they have been for millions of families, one of the easiest ways to get the money you need is to sell any diamonds that you own and no longer wear. Why would someone want to get rid of diamonds? Some times, diamonds can be a negative reminder of a certain someone or an emotional situation. Other people might own loose diamonds and are now looking to get a return on their investment. There are some things you need to know when looking to sell your diamonds — read on and find out the key points. 

Where to Start

First things first; get your diamonds appraised by an appraiser that has proper qualifications, so you know the maximum value for each stone. If you need help locating an appraiser, the Appraisers Association of America can help you find one. It’s also helpful if you can obtain a report verifying your diamond’s characteristics and value, from the AGS (American Gemological Society) or the GIA (Gemological Institute of America).

Know the Four “C”s

Get to know about the four “c”s that determine your diamond’s value, so that you are prepared to deal with diamond buyers and discuss your diamonds from a knowlegeable standpoint. They are color, cut, clarity and carat. Color refers to the diamond’s tone, with clear being the most desirable and valuable. Color is graded with letters from D to Z, with Z representing the most yellow diamonds. Cut is determined by a diamond’s fire and brilliance, with rankings ranging from Excellent, Very Good, Good, and Fair to Poor. Clarity refers to the level of inclusions, or blemishes, contained within a diamond. Diamond grades are flawless (FL), IF, VVS1, VVS2, VS1, VS2, SI1, SI2, I1, I2, I3. IF stands for Internally Flawless. V=very, S=slightly and I=included. Finally, carat refers to the diamond’s weight. Diamonds are measured in carats or fractions of carats, and one carat weighs 0.2 grams. A one carat diamond is made up of 100 points, so a diamond weighing 0.15g is three-quarters of a carat, (.75 carat), also called a 75-point diamond.

Do You Really Want to Sell?

Decide whether you want to use the diamond for a loan or get more cash by selling it. If you need some quick cash but don’t know if you are ready to let go of your diamonds forever, a pawnshop loan is your best bet. Just make sure that you will be able to pay the loan off and get your diamonds back. You will not be able to get as much cash this way, so selling is your best bet if you want to get top dollar for your diamonds.

Where to Sell

Check with jewelers, friends and family to see if anyone has an interest in buying your diamonds. Auction houses can bring you quite a bit more money for your diamond, especially if it has an interesting ownership background or is a rare color. Take a look at online auctions, such as eBay, to get an idea of what your diamond might sell for. The downside is that this path takes a bit more time and effort on your part.

Find a reputable buyer with a long history of ethical business in the diamond market. Ask for feedback on them from other people in the business, such as other diamond sellers. If you can’t locate any diamond buyers, consider selling to a gold buyer, such as WeBuyAllGoldAndSilver.com. We will be happy to look at your diamonds and make you a cash offer.

Even though diamonds are a girl’s best friend, sometimes a girl needs a little help from her friends. Getting cash for your unwanted diamonds can give you the resources to use for a vacation, a special gift or to pay off some bills. Being informed about diamonds and having yours properly valued before shopping them around can help you get the highest prices for them. Selling diamonds can free up cash that has been tied up for years, and provide you with the funds to use for other, more current needs.

Call us today to discuss your diamonds, or stop by and bring your diamonds in to one of our over 13 stores, and we’ll give you a free consultation with no obligation.

Many of us have jewelry pieces we’ve collected through the years, some more cherished than others. One of the latest trends, fueled by the strong prices of gold and silver, is selling off jewelry that you no longer want or need.

Selling your jewelry can free up financial resources for other things, and it is also a way to “go green” because the stones and precious metals can be re-used or re-sold which reduces the need for additional mining of gold and gemstones. Following are some pointers to keep in mind to learn the right way to locate a buyer for your jewelry pieces.

Specialize

Only do business with jewelry buyers that truly understand the current market and specialize in the type of jewelry you are selling. This is especially important if you are selling antique, designer or estate pieces.

Make sure the jewelry buyer understands jewelry brands, quality craftsmanship and materials, because these add value on top of the value of the metals and gemstones and you should be paid for them. Make sure that you gather offers from various dealers so you can compare before making up your mind.

Age is a Good Number

Decide whether your jewelry is just kind of old, or is truly antique. Perhaps you have some family heirlooms that have been passed down for a few generations. If your jewelry is older, it could be worth quite a bit more than just the value of the metals and gemstones.

It is worth noting that about 25% of people taking loans using jewelry as collateral through a pawn shop are forced to walk away from the pieces because they can’t pay the loan back. Keep this in mind and don’t risk important pieces such as family heirlooms for a loan.

Take a Reality Check

Be realistic about the price you will get for your jewelry pieces when looking to sell them. Several people are involved in the process, and all of them need to make some sort of profit to stay in business. Gold refiners need to make a profit if you sell them the jewelry to be melted down; re-sellers need to make some sort of markup if your piece is resold. Additionally, be careful that your jewelry is not costume. Very few buyers will take costume jewelry unless your piece is extremely rare.

Know What To Expect

Develop a benchmark for gold or silver prices so you know the minimum amount you should expect to get. For example, you should be getting quite a bit more than 50% of the current selling price, or spot price, for gold. Remember — 24k is pure gold, 18k is 75% gold, 14k is 58%, and 10k is 41.7% gold. Factor these percentages in when weighing your piece to estimate how much pure gold is contained in your piece.

For jewelry made by the likes of designers such as Cartier, Tiffany, Van Cleef & Arpels and others, expect significantly more money based on a piece’s condition, maker and overall looks and desirability. Only work with dealers that set their scales in grams; those using pennyweights (1.55 grams) will likely give you less money for your jewelry. Check the current spot rate for gold, multiply this by the weight of the pure gold contained in your pieces, and form a good idea of the full value of the gold. Once you have this starting point, you will need to adjust from there to accommodate profit margins for buyers.

Selling jewelry is not always an easy task, but it can become quite worth it when you know that your beautiful jewels will find a new home with someone else. It also helps that the money that you get out of the transaction can be put to good use for something else.

Getting your jewelry sold is not an exact science, but by using the information above and applying a little elbow grease, you can have your old and unwanted jewelry sold off in no time, and be out shopping for something to treat yourself with after your success. If you have jewelry you would like to sell, stop by one of our over 13 stores across New Jersey and let us make you an offer. We will beat any other offers you get, guaranteed.

The precious metals markets have been heating up for a few years now, thanks to the less-than-stellar performance of the stock market. This is good news, because it can provide you with a way to get the most out of your old or unused silver pieces. Sell them and use the proceeds to treat yourself to something special or pay off some bills. No one can guarantee the amount of money you will be able to get for your silver pieces given all the different characteristics a buyer will consider, but the cash value is certainly worth investigating if the pieces are sitting unused in a drawer, box, attic or storage space somewhere.

Tip #1: Know what you’ve got to work with.
If you walk in to a dealer’s shop, or mail your silver away to an online metals recycler, you have no way of knowing whether the price they offer for your silver is good unless you do some homework first. The easiest part is identifying your pieces as solid sterling. Look for the “925″, “sterling” or other mark that indicates the metal is truly solid sterling silver, rather than silver-plate. You might find some of your silver jewelry has an even higher degree of purity. An item must be at least 92.5% silver in order to qualify as sterling.

Weigh your silver to see how much you have in ounces. This could present a small challenge, though — you will need a scale that weighs to a high degree of precision. Additionally, silver is weighed in troy ounces, rather than the ounces used for U.S. weights and measures. Convert the silver’s weight to troy ounces by dividing the grams or ounces by the appropriate number. One troy ounce contains 1.097 regular ounces, or 31.10 grams. Once you determine the weight of your silver piece, multiply it by 92.5%, or .925, to find the net weight of the silver.

Find the daily spot rate for silver buillion, by using an Internet site with prices that update in real-time, such as Kitco.com. Multiply the price per troy ounce by the weight you have calculated. Before taking your silver to a dealer, keep in mind that many sterling silver objects have been made with painstaking, beautiful craftsmanship. This adds much to the value of these pieces, sometimes several times the value of the silver metal itself.

Tip #2: Sell your silver pieces online to a business that resells to other individuals.
This works fairly well for flatware, serving pieces and sterling silver antiques. Help someone else complete their set of flatware, or make a whole set available for sale. Sterling mirror and brush sets, perfume bottles, and other toiletry items were quite popular many years ago, and you could have some pieces stored away that you didn’t even realize were valuable or possibly antiques.

Some online sites may allow you to consign your silver flatware, tea sets and other pieces. What does this mean? It means that the site will list your pieces for sale for you, and provide exposure to potential buyers. The site should tell you upfront what percentage of the selling price they will keep, and how much is passed on to you.

The consignment approach might be just what you are looking for, although the final price depends on how much traffic the site gets, and the desirability of the flatware set. This method could bring you a nice price for your silver items, if they sell. Time is also a factor; there is no way to tell how quickly the set will sell. Some sites will make you an offer up front for your pieces. You will have the opportunity to accept or refuse the offer. This might be a good way to estimate how much your pieces can bring you.

Tip #3: Shop your silver around.
Don’t jump at the first offer. In fact, we encourage you to get a few quotes on your pieces, then stop by and see us. We will beat any price quote. Shopping around will help make you aware of the different prices dealers pay and where you have room to negotiate. Online offers are very easy to get, and you can even call us at (609) 922-9400 if you would rather get a quote over the phone from us. We’d love to have you come by one of our stores, though — we can probably get you a higher quote if we can inspect your pieces in person. Plus, if you are happy with our offer, you can walk away with cash in your pocket.

Special Deals:
Don’t forget our price-matching guarantee! If you get a better offer somewhere else, come see us and we will beat the other offer. Also, go to our home page to get a 20% bonus cash coupon. Just enter your name, email and choose a store location to get it. Alternatively, give us a call at (609) 922-9400 and get a promo code good for an extra 20% cash premium on top of our regular payments.