Selling jewelry: how to have it appraised by a professional

Selling jewelry often requires the help of a professional. The whole question is whom to choose and whom to trust. Here are our recommendations for selling your jewelry in the best conditions and at a fair price.

A trustworthy professional

There are many addresses and it is hard to find your way among them. Between gold buyers who sometimes know nothing about jewelry, specialists reluctant to spend time on jewelry that is not exceptional, and auctioneers with prohibitive fees and little specialization, sorting things out often proves harder than expected.

The professional you choose must show their credentials. They must be recognized by the trade and have knowledge covering diamonds and precious stones as well as the history of jewelry.

At SAPIR, we are graduates of the gemology school of the Antwerp Diamond Bourse, HRD, and have all trained at the prestigious École Boulle, which has been shaping the finest French craftsmanship since 1886.

Seeking several opinions

It is best to consult an auctioneer and several specialist dealers in order to form an opinion. A few photographs of your jewelry sent by email already allow a first assessment and teach you more about it.

You can send us your photographs from our Contact page.

The different ways of selling, their estimates and their fees

Several options are open to you, each with its advantages and drawbacks.

• If you are not in a hurry, consignment often achieves a better price for your jewel. In our house, the average consignment period is four weeks. We pay you the sale price of your jewel, less our commission, as soon as it is sold. This option is particularly suited to fine jewelry that does not belong to the very exclusive club of exceptional jewels.
• Auction brings a large number of potential buyers into competition. However, combined buyer's and seller's fees often approach 40%, and on average four months pass between consignment and payment. Auction is therefore best suited to exceptional jewels, whose prices can soar in a public sale. We work with several auction houses at the Hôtel Drouot in Paris, which grant us preferential terms that also apply to our clients.
• Finally, if you wish to sell your jewelry immediately, the price offered will sometimes be lower, but you have the advantage of being paid at once.

For any other question, contact us.