Sell Estate Jewelry for Cash in NYC

What Is Estate Jewelry?

Estate jewelry simply means jewelry that has been previously owned. It includes antique jewelry (typically 100+ years old), vintage jewelry (generally 20-100 years old), and more recent pre-owned pieces.

Estate jewelry can include everything from a 1920s Art Deco engagement ring to a 1970s Cartier Love bracelet. What makes estate jewelry special is the craftsmanship, design history, and sometimes rarity that distinguishes it from mass-produced contemporary jewelry.

Many estate pieces are worth more than their metal and stone value due to their age, design period, maker, and collectibility. That's why it's important to work with a buyer who understands these distinctions.

How Estate Jewelry Is Valued

Estate jewelry valuation considers several layers of value:

First, the intrinsic value: the metal content (gold, platinum, silver) and the gemstone value (diamonds, colored stones). This is the baseline.

Second, the design and period value. Art Deco pieces from the 1920s, Victorian pieces from the 1800s, and Retro pieces from the 1940s each have distinct design characteristics that collectors value.

Third, designer and maker value. Pieces from Cartier, Tiffany & Co., Van Cleef & Arpels, and other prestigious houses command premiums — especially vintage examples in good condition.

Finally, rarity and condition. Unique pieces, limited production items, and those in excellent original condition are worth more than common or heavily worn pieces.

Types of Estate Jewelry We Buy

We purchase estate jewelry across all periods and styles:

• Art Deco jewelry (1920s-1930s)
• Victorian jewelry (1837-1901)
• Edwardian jewelry (1901-1915)
• Retro jewelry (1940s-1950s)
• Designer estate pieces (Cartier, Tiffany, Van Cleef)
• Antique engagement rings
• Brooches and pins
• Estate necklaces and pendants
• Vintage earrings
• Estate bracelets and bangles
• Signet rings
• Cameo jewelry
• Lockets and mourning jewelry

Selling Inherited Jewelry

If you've inherited jewelry, you may be unsure of its value. Here's what to know:

Bring everything you have — even items that seem unremarkable. Sometimes a simple-looking ring turns out to be a valuable designer piece or contains a high-quality diamond.

Any documentation helps: old appraisals, receipts, insurance schedules, or even handwritten notes about provenance. However, documentation is not required.

Don't clean or repair items before bringing them in. Cleaning can sometimes damage antique finishes, and repairs using non-original materials can reduce value. Leave pieces as they are.

We evaluate each piece individually and explain what we see. You're under no obligation to sell anything, and you can choose which pieces to sell and which to keep.

Frequently Asked Questions