Do you own gold jewelry and hope to get the best price for it at auction? Are you looking to sell an antique gold ring and wondering about the advantages and disadvantages of auctioning? Discover the different types of auctions, their specific features, and the alternatives that might interest you.
The Different Auctions
Voluntary auctions are the opposite of court-ordered or public auctions, which are organized by court order. They allow the sale of all types of goods, including jewelry, and must be conducted by a licensed professional (auctioneer). The sale of real estate, on the other hand, is the prerogative of French notaries.
There are also general auctions, which sell all movable property, and specialized auctions, which focus on a specific type of property, period, or theme: jewelry, decorative arts, Art Nouveau style, etc.
To sell jewelry, you can contact auction houses. Some auction houses specialize in luxury jewelry. It is also possible to sell at auction online, through specialized platforms.
Advantages and Disadvantages of Selling Gold Jewelry at Auction
There is a real clientele for antique jewelry auctions: lovers of unique pieces, but also collectors and professionals looking for rare jewelry. Signature jewelry is more sought-after.
The advantage of auctions is that you can set a reserve price, below which you won't sell your jewelry. A jewelry appraisal can allow you to set a relevant reserve price. However, it must be low enough to encourage bidding. This is a risk worth taking, as the jewelry can also sell for a disappointing price.
Another disadvantage of auctions is the time it takes to list the item. Major auction houses only hold specialized sales twice a year. You are therefore likely to wait more than six months before your gold jewelry is listed, with no guarantee that it will sell. You also need to consider the commission charged by the auction house, which can be as high as 30% of the transaction amount.
When is it worthwhile to favor auctions over other sales methods?
If your jewelry is a piece from a major jewelry house, is rare, sought-after, and has a story to tell, there are advantages to presenting it to an auction house with international reach. You can then offer your property unique visibility to collectors around the world.
Do you want a secure and fast solution to sell gold jewelry in Lyon or elsewhere in France? Do you urgently need cash and don't want to risk selling your jewelry at too low a price? Gemme jewelry store offers you an alternative to auction. Our teams of gemologists and antique jewelry experts will appraise your gold jewelry free of charge online or in-store in Lyon. We buy your 18-karat gold jewelry with immediate payment. The solution for anyone looking for where to sell their gold and jewelry at the best price!
