Do you want to sell jewelry and need to know the value of a gold necklace? Gemme Jewelry gives you tips to get an initial idea of your jewelry's value and understand how appraisals work.
Precious metals, gold weight, gold price
The value of a necklace depends primarily on the value of its materials. A necklace made of precious metals like gold or platinum has an intrinsic value linked to the purity and weight of its gold. Added value may be added to this intrinsic value, such as rarity, vintage, style, finishes, and signature.
The price of a pre-owned gold chain is therefore inseparable from the price of gold. The latter, determined daily by the London Stock Exchange, has been on an upward trend for several years.
The fine gold content of the alloy is, of course, decisive in valuing the jewelry. This is measured in thousandths and expressed in carats. The most common purity proportions are:
• 9 carats for a necklace with a purity of 375 thousandths gold
• 18 carats for a necklace made of an alloy of 750 thousandths gold, or 3/4 purity
Specific hallmarks, such as the eagle profile for 18-carat gold, can be used to certify the gold content of jewelry. Learning to recognize the different gold hallmarks helps estimate the overall value of a piece of jewelry. On a necklace, these are generally located near the clasp.
Necklace Style and Finish
The value of a pre-owned gold necklace is generally not limited to the value of the gold it contains. As a piece of jewelry, its value is also linked to the finesse of its decorations and the quality of its creator's work. The reputation of its original brand is also important: a signature necklace can be particularly sought after and therefore command a higher price.
The presence of precious stones on the necklace is, of course, an added value to be taken into account in the valuation. The appraisal of a diamond necklace thus includes the estimation of the white, yellow, or rose gold chain, as well as the diamond's carat weight, its condition, and the quality of its cut.
A jewelry appraisal will also evaluate a necklace set with emeralds, sapphires, and rubies, authenticating the stones and estimating their intensity.
Appraisal for Purchase
If you are looking to have your 18-karat gold necklace appraised for resale, choose your professional based on its characteristics. Gold counters buy jewelry solely based on its gold weight and the current price of fine gold.
If your necklace is set with stones or has special jewelry qualities, these will not be valued. If you believe your necklace also has jewelry value, due to the presence of fine or precious stones or the finesse of its decorations, it is advisable to have it appraised by a jewelry store. An art history expert will also be useful for accurately appraising an antique or vintage necklace.
Entrust your pre-owned mesh necklace or gold chain to Gemme Jewelers for a free and immediate appraisal. Our expertise in gemology and jewelry, both antique and contemporary, allows us to enhance the value of pre-owned jewelry and its stones, even when damaged.
Do you own a cameo and are wondering about its value? Discover our advice.