Whether you are a collector or you've inherited jewelry, consignment is an ideal choice for selling your pieces. Consigning your fine jewelry to an auction house gives you the best chance of receiving the highest value for your items. You will also have a greater chance of finding the right person who loves your particular piece. For expert consignment services, Fontaine's Auction Gallery is a superior consignee.
Where Can I Consign My Antique Fine Jewelry?
Many places sell fine jewelry, but not all of them are reputable consignees. That's why it's essential to conduct your own research and evaluate any potential consignee's reputation before consigning. Factors to consider include:
- Is it a global business?
- Do they sell on big platforms like eBay or just their own site?
- Are they a brick-and-mortar business or online or both?
- Do they sell similar merchandise to what I'm trying to sell?
- How and where do they advertise their items?
Selling online is popular because it offers access to a larger pool of potential buyers, but your fine jewelry can become lost in the shuffle if the consignee does not have the right knowledge or experience.
Consignment for Antique Rings, Bracelets, Earrings and More
At Fontaine's, we are experts at selling gold estate jewelry at auction as well as antique bracelets, rings and earrings. Our diverse selection of fine jewelry comes from a wide variety of time periods and styles including Art Deco, Contemporary, Victorian and Art Nouveau.
Our auctions are online-only with items priced at globally competitive rates for maximum exposure and value. Fine jewelry we've had at previous auctions includes:
- 18K yellow gold, sapphire and ruby necklace
- 14K white gold, diamond and pearl ring
- 14K white gold, yellow gold, diamond and ruby bangle
We accept a wide variety of fine jewelry, and our team of experts can accurately value your item based on the current market conditions.
How Can I Find Out What My Jewelry Is Worth?
Determining an accurate value for fine jewelry requires expertise from the professionals. During the appraisal process, gemologists examine:
- Quality: Quality varies based on the type of gemstone or jewelry being inspected. For example, for diamond jewelry consignment the 4 Cs (cut, clarity, carat and color) are most important, while size and weight may be more important for other gemstones.
- Rarity: Rare jewelry is typically difficult to make, or it may have a gem that is difficult to mine or that has unique features. The rarer a piece of jewelry, the more it is worth.
- Condition: The level of care put into maintaining fine jewelry affects how the jewelry retains its value over time. Details of craftsmanship will fade if the jewelry is not well-maintained.
Once a jeweler has inspected your pieces, they will provide an estimated monetary value for the jewelry based on the above criteria. The value will include a range with a low value and a high value.
Keep in mind that at auction, there is a level of subjectivity that is advantageous to you. A buyer's taste in jewelry is personal. In addition to the above criteria, buyers are also looking for jewelry that speaks to their specific tastes. In an auction, a buyer may end up bidding on the higher end for something that they like, even if it is not as rare or in as good of condition as another piece.
How Does Jewelry Consignment Work?
Once you've found a reputable business where you'd like to consign your gold jewelry or other fine jewelry pieces, make sure to inspect the quality and condition of your items before you submit them. Do some research about what you can expect to receive for the pieces to help you secure the best deal. A good starting place is by looking at the Fontaine's Auction Gallery website for pieces similar to yours.
You will either need to submit photos for consideration or make an appointment with a specialist for an estimated value. If you are submitting photos, take them from multiple angles and make sure they are clear.
Once you've chosen a business to work with, you'll need to enter into a formal agreement. This should be a legal document that outlines the specifics of the exchange, including the commission to be paid to the consignee, a dispute resolution plan, insurance coverage and any other essential details of your working relationship.
After both parties have thoroughly reviewed and signed the agreement, the consignee takes possession of the fine jewelry and begins to advertise it for the auction. When the fine jewelry sells at auction, the consignee retains their commission and disburses the remaining monies to you.
What Sets Fontaine's Auction Gallery Apart?
Fontaine's has been a go-to auction gallery for fine jewelry consignors for more than 50 years. We've earned a reputation as a trusted business that will go above and beyond to help you sell your fine jewelry.
Our goal is to make the fine jewelry consignment process as simple and straightforward as possible. That's why we charge only a flat fee for our services, unlike many other auction houses that have multiple fees and hidden charges. We also put your fine jewelry in our catalog weeks ahead of the auction to start building excitement for your items.
With our globally competitive prices and worldwide auction audience, you have the best chance of selling your antique bracelets, old rings and other fine jewelry items for their maximum value.
When you need consignment for estate jewelry, Fontaine's is a superior partner. Contact us today for your complimentary auction estimate. Estimate requests can be submitted online, or you can bring your pieces to our gallery for an in-person valuation. We will guide you through all steps of the process to help you receive the highest value for your fine jewelry.
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