Do you own a piece of gold jewelry and want to know its value for resale or out of simple curiosity? Gemme jewelry stores can advise you on how to estimate a piece of gold jewelry without the risk of error.
The different stages of the appraisal
Estimating the price of a piece of gold jewelry requires taking several criteria into account:
• The materials used, their intrinsic value, rarity, and quality
• The period of manufacture, which also provides information on the jewelry-making methods
• The possible signature or identification of a renowned jeweler
• The condition, originality, and beauty of the piece
The price can thus be gradually refined during a multi-stage appraisal.
Identify the materials
To estimate the value of a vintage ring, a gold necklace, or an antique brooch, you need to identify the different materials: 18-karat gold, silver, but also pearls and precious or semi-precious stones.
Identifying Precious Metals
To know if you are about to value a piece of jewelry in 18-karat gold, pure gold, or composed of a low-precious alloy gold, you can look for the presence of hallmarks on your jewelry.
Professionals are better equipped to spot these small, discreet engravings, especially on fine pieces, but it is sometimes possible to observe them yourself, using a magnifying glass.
Each weight is associated with a figure:
• The seahorse for 24-carat gold (or pure gold)
• The eagle's head for 18-carat or 22-carat gold
• The scallop for 14-carat gold
• The clover for 9-carat gold
The origin of the jewelry can also provide a clue to identify the quality of its gold: in fact, the most used alloys in jewelry are 14-carat in the United States, and 18 or 22-carat in Europe.
In specialized jewelry stores, oxidation tests can be carried out to confirm the valuation of 18-carat gold or another weight.
In the case of silver, there are only two hallmarks:
• The Minerva's head for 925 silver or solid silver
• The swan for 800 silver
950 platinum, on the other hand, is identifiable thanks to a hallmark representing a dog's head.
Finally, gold-plated or silver jewelry can be recognized by a square hallmark marked with the manufacturer's mark.
Identifying master's marks is important because the value of the jewelry also depends on the reputation of the jewelry house from which it comes.
Identifying Stones and Pearls
Estimating the price of an 18-karat gold jewel depends greatly on the stones it's set with. The process is difficult, although there are a few tricks for identifying a real diamond or recognizing a natural pearl.
To find out if your gold ring is set with a real diamond, you can pay particular attention to:
• Its hardness
• Its light reflection capacity (100%)
• Its coldness
• The immediate evaporation of the fog on its surface
If you think you recognize a real precious stone, only the expertise of gemologists will allow you to estimate its value, and therefore that of the 18-carat gold jewelry it is adorned with.
Assessing the quality
To estimate an 18-karat gold piece of jewelry, you must consider it as a whole, identifying its different materials, as well as its qualities and specific features. As both an object of art and a testament to an era, the value of jewelry can increase depending on its rarity, its preservation, or the reputation of its creator. Estimate the value of an antique ring or an antique cameo requires extensive knowledge of jewelry art history.
Our advisors, trained in jewelry, gemology, and art history, take into account the jewelry's intrinsic qualities, as well as its style, rarity, aesthetics, and condition.
Is Comparing with Current Selling Prices a Good Idea?
To estimate your 18-karat gold jewelry, have you considered comparing it to jewelry in our inventory, or to other jewelry that seems similar, sold online or in stores? Comparison is one of the methods used by professionals to estimate a piece of jewelry: it is based on the price of 18-karat gold, the popularity of jewelry styles, or the ratings of jewelry houses. It allows you to refine a price based on the condition of a piece of jewelry or the quality of its stones.
However, comparison remains a complex exercise that requires expertise. Furthermore, resale prices cannot be compared to buyback prices: a mistake often made by individuals who attempt to appraise a piece of jewelry on their own!
Advantages of coming to a store for a professional opinion
By using a few tips to identify the weight of your gold jewelry or the authenticity of its diamond, you'll know if it's worth having it appraised to determine its price.
To obtain the most accurate estimate, it is essential to call upon professionals specialized in 18-carat gold jewelry from all periods, as well as in precious and semi-precious stones.
Are you looking for a jewelry appraisal service in Lyon or Grenoble? At Gemme jewelry stores, your jewelry will be appraised by gemologists. Gemological expertise, unavailable at simple gold counters and rare among traditional jewelers, ensures a fair and accurate appraisal of your antique and contemporary 18-carat jewelry adorned with natural or artificial stones.
Also discover our Gem Counter for gold and jewelry purchases in Villefranche-sur-Saône.
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