It’s no secret that the holiday season ushers in a flurry of expenses. From gifts, and decorations to travel plans and indulgent feasts, it all adds up, and fast. If you're on the lookout for a nifty way to stack up some extra cash before the holiday whirlwind truly kicks in, you may want to consider selling gold and jewelry to your friendly local jeweler.

 In the following blog post, we'll dive into the world of converting your gold and jewelry into cash or check. We’ll answer some of the most frequently asked questions about selling gold and jewelry, guide you step-by-step through the selling process and share some handy tips for finding a trustworthy jewelry and gold buyer near you.

Where Should I Sell My Jewelry?

The best place to sell your gold and jewelry is with your local jeweler. There are many advantages to selling with your local jeweler rather than a pawn shop or online buyer. The main benefit of working with your local jeweler is that it’s simply a lot easier. 

Posting a listing online can be a complex process. You’ll have to take photographs of the item, write an appealing description, handle inquiries, manage the mailing and possibly even pay for shipping. Why do all of that when you could drive down the street to your local jeweler and start the process right away? 

When you offer up your gold or jewelry on the Internet, your treasures vanish into a void of faceless buyers. On the other hand, you can work with your local jeweler in person. Selling your gold and jewelry to someone you know in real life ensures transparency, communication and trustworthiness. 

Your local jeweler has a strong incentive to maintain a positive reputation within your community. They won’t risk bad reviews by being unhelpful or offering unfair prices. What’s more, they are passionate about what they do. Your local jeweler will be more than happy to work with you.

Another benefit to working with your local jeweler is that he or she is an expert in the field. Reputable jewelers undergo significant training and certification processes, and they take their business very seriously. Don’t trust someone with no credentials (or unknown credentials) to tell you the value of your treasures. Leave it to the experts at your neighborhood jewelry store. 

Last but certainly not least, selling your gold and jewelry to a local jeweler is a fantastic way to support small businesses in your community. Your jeweler will appreciate your patronage. Beyond that, by keeping your money local, you’ll be strengthening the economy in your community. Ultimately, that benefits you, too. 

How Do I Find Gold and Jewelry Buyers Near Me?

If you already have a trusted local jeweler, chances are, they would be happy to take your old valuables off your hands. If not, then it’s time to start the process of finding a trustworthy jeweler near you. You can search online, source recommendations from your social circle, or visit stores in person. As you search, you’ll want to look for a few key things. Search for jewelers with experience, strong reputations, and trained staff members. 

For instance, here at Levy Jewelers in downtown Savannah, Georgia, we have been in business since 1900–that’s over a century of experience in the jewelry industry! Our staff includes certified gemologists trained to accurately assess the value of your items, and we work hard to maintain our reputation as a fair and trustworthy business. 

What Kind of Jewelry Can I Sell? Can I Sell Diamonds? Can I Sell Gold?

It depends on where you decide to sell your items. We know this isn’t the most satisfying answer, but different jewelers may be looking for different things. However, it’s safe to say that most jewelry stores are interested in the following items: fine and designer jewelry, sterling silver items (such as flatware), loose diamonds, and gold or silver coins. They may also accept watches.

Note that by “fine jewelry,” we mean jewelry made from precious metals, diamonds and gemstones. Costume jewelry may be fun and funky, but that’s best brought to your local vintage or resale store rather than to a jeweler. 

Before you rush off to your local jeweler with a box full of items, call ahead to ask what they are interested in buying at that time. This will save you both a lot of time.

How Much Can I Make Selling Jewelry?

Again, it depends. We apologize for the vague answer here, but the price of your items is contingent on many factors. These include the condition of your jewelry, the materials (i.e. precious metals, diamonds and gemstones) that your jewelry is composed of, the market prices of your goods, and what your jeweler is looking for at the time. 

Will I Get Cash for My Jewelry?

Most jewelers will offer you payment in the form of cash or a check, but it’s always good to check with your jeweler beforehand. 

How Do I Sell Jewelry?

Pick Out What You Want to Sell 

This may sound obvious, but start by figuring out what you would like to sell. Maybe that includes fine jewelry you inherited but never wear, sterling silver flatware, or gold coins from an old collection. If you aren’t sure what the item is worth, that’s okay–the jeweler will assess its value for you. 

Organize Your Gold and Jewelry 

Next, you’ll need to collect and organize the items you want to sell. It’s wise to sort things into categories, such as gold jewelry, gemstone jewelry and diamond jewelry. That way, your jeweler can evaluate your items as efficiently as possible. Pack your items carefully to keep things from getting entangled or damaged on the way to the store. 

It’s always wise to call ahead or go online to schedule an appointment with your local jeweler before showing up with a box full of gold and jewelry. This ensures that your jeweler will have enough time to accurately assess and appraise your items.

Get Your Gold and Jewelry Appraised

At your appointment, the jeweler will give your items a professional evaluation. They'll assess things like the quality of your metals and gemstones, the craftsmanship behind each piece, and your items’ overall condition. After sizing everything up, they'll provide you with an appraisal, estimating how much your items are worth. Remember, what you're quoted can change based on a number of factors, including the current state of the jewelry market, the quality of each item, what they are particularly interested in buying at the time, and more. 

Getting Paid

If you are pleased with the quote, your jeweler will typically pay in cash or check. However, they may have another method of payment–be sure to check beforehand and determine which arrangement is best for you. Also be sure to get a receipt or documentation for your transaction, for tax purposes and your personal records. 

Kick Off The Holiday Season By Selling Your Jewelry For Extra Cash

So, as the holidays approach and you find yourself planning your budget, consider the potential hidden treasures hidden within your jewelry box. Selling your gold and jewelry to a local jeweler offers a convenient way to secure those much-needed additional funds before the season kicks into full swing. 

If you live in Savannah, Georgia  or the surrounding area, come sell your jewelry to the team at Levy Jewelers! We accept estate and vintage fine jewelry, precious metals, loose diamonds and plenty more. As a fourth-generation family business, we have over a century of experience, and we’re committed to offering you the best prices on all of your old treasures. Come visit us, and let us send you home with some extra money to spend this holiday season!