Estate Jewelry Buyer FAQ

Insurance appraisals usually reflect replacement cost at full retail. In other words, the document estimates what it might cost to replace the item in a store, not what a direct buyer can pay in the secondary market.

Retail stores build in overhead, marketing, and large markups. Therefore, resale offers are usually much lower than the appraisal amount, even when the jewelry is genuine and valuable.

Mike prices jewelry from current dealer demand, metal value, workmanship, and the strength of the stones. As a result, the offer is tied to the real market, not a retail replacement number.

No. GIA remains the strongest and most trusted grading lab in the trade, so GIA paperwork usually supports the cleanest resale offer.

Other labs can still be useful, but some are more generous with color or clarity grades. Because of that, two certificates on similar diamonds do not always translate into the same value.

If you do not have a report, Mike can still review the diamond. However, a trusted certificate often reduces uncertainty and helps refine the estimate.

Basic bullion is usually tied to current spot prices and product demand. Mike reviews the metal type, weight, purity, brand, and quantity before making an offer.

For straightforward bullion, he typically pays strong percentages of market value. Better government-minted coins and larger holdings can bring stronger numbers than small generic pieces.

• Gold and silver spot prices change every day
• Recognized coins and bars are easier to place
• Larger collections often earn stronger percentages
• Condition and authenticity still matter

Scrap gold is priced from intrinsic metal value. So the first step is to confirm the karat, remove non-gold weight, and calculate the melt value from the current market.

Mike generally pays at least 75% of melt on scrap gold, and larger quantities often bring higher percentages. Better pieces may also sell above scrap when design, brand, or diamonds add value.

Sometimes. Many older gold watches trade close to scrap value because the market does not strongly reward the movement or case style.

However, certain brands and references can be worth much more. Rolex, Patek Philippe, and select luxury makers often command clear premiums when the watch is authentic and complete.

Most American sterling pieces are marked Sterling or 925. Those marks indicate 92.5% pure silver.

Silver-plated pieces usually carry marks such as EP, EPNS, Silver Plate, Oneida, Rogers Bros., International Silver, or Nickel Silver. Because plated items contain only a thin surface layer, they are worth far less than sterling.

Many English and continental silver pieces carry several hallmarks instead of a simple Sterling stamp. The marks often show purity, city, maker, and date symbols.

If the marks look unfamiliar, send clear close-up photos. Mike can often tell whether the piece is sterling, coin silver, or plated before the appointment.

Most ordinary sterling silver is worth its metal value first. Therefore, the starting point is current silver price adjusted to 92.5% purity.

Pieces from Tiffany & Co., Cartier, Georg Jensen, or important antique makers can sell for more than silver weight alone. Pattern demand, age, and form also matter.

Weighted sterling pieces contain filler inside the base or stem. Candlesticks, candelabra, and some table pieces often use cement or another heavy material under a sterling shell.

Because the filler adds weight but not silver, weighted pieces are worth much less than solid sterling of the same size.

Selling a loose diamond is similar to selling a mounted stone. Mike reviews carat weight, shape, color, clarity, cut, fluorescence, and the strength of any lab report.

Clear photos of the stone, certificate, and measurements help speed up the first estimate. Then a final number can be confirmed in person after inspection.

Fine gemstones can be valuable, especially when the color is strong, the stone is natural, and the jewelry has quality workmanship. Certified rubies, sapphires, emeralds, and opals usually attract the most attention.

On the other hand, many commercial-grade stones sell mainly for their metal value. Mike separates the stronger pieces from the rest so you can see where the value really sits.

Start by keeping everything together. A mixed estate often includes scrap gold, sterling silver, better diamonds, signed jewelry, watches, and a few standout heirloom pieces.

Mike sorts the collection into clear groups and explains each one. Therefore, premium items are priced individually while basic metal pieces are valued from weight and purity.

• Designer pieces are separated from generic pieces
• Diamond rings and better gemstones are reviewed one by one
• Gold and platinum hold guaranteed intrinsic value
• Sterling flatware and silver hollowware are valued separately

Yes. In fact, that is the fastest way to begin. Text or call with clear photos, brand names, weights, and any paperwork you have.

Mike usually replies quickly with a rough idea first. Then, if the range makes sense, you can set a private appointment in Northbrook or discuss another secure option.