Thinking of selling your jewelry? Whether you’ve inherited a piece you won’t wear or are ready to part with something from your collection, getting the most value out of your jewelry sale requires more than just walking into the nearest gold buyer or listing it online.

As a professional jewelry appraiser in San Diego, I often work with clients who are navigating the resale process and want to know where to start. And I’ve seen too many people undersell their pieces—not because the market isn’t there, but because they didn’t have the right strategy.

Here are five expert tips to help you maximize your resale value—and avoid the most common mistakes.

1. Know What You Have

Before listing your jewelry for sale or accepting any offers, take time to identify the details that matter:

• Is your diamond natural or lab-grown?

• Is it an antique or signed by a well-known designer?

• What is the quality and rarity of the gemstone?

These factors affect market value significantly. Even simple details—like the age or cut of the diamond—can dramatically impact resale value. If you’re not sure, a quick consultation with a qualified jewelry appraiser—like myself—can reveal hidden value that general buyers might overlook.

2. Gather All Your Paperwork—and Get a Lab Report if Needed

Documentation builds trust. Gather anything you have: past appraisals, original receipts, warranty cards, or original boxes. These supporting materials make your piece more marketable and help justify your asking price.

If your jewelry includes a significant diamond or colored gemstone, a lab report from a recognized laboratory—such as GIA—can add credibility and make your piece more attractive to serious buyers.

3. Get a Resale Appraisal for High-Value Items

An insurance appraisal is not the same as a resale appraisal. While an insurance appraisal reflects retail replacement cost, a resale appraisal offers an expert opinion on the marketable cash value—what your jewelry could reasonably sell for on the secondary market today.

This information gives you a realistic benchmark, helps you avoid underselling, and allows you to negotiate from an informed position.

4. Choose the Right Selling Channel

Where and how you sell matters. Some pieces do best through private buyers, others through auction houses or consignment with high-end retailers.

Selling through the wrong channel can lead to lower offers or long wait times. The right strategy depends on the type, condition, and value of your item—and having the right guidance can make a big difference.

5. Presentation Matters

Whether you're listing your piece online or showing it to a potential buyer in person, presentation is everything. Clean the jewelry professionally if needed, take clear, well-lit photos, and share any documentation you have up front. The goal is to help potential buyers feel confident about what they’re purchasing.

Need Help? I Offer Professional Jewelry Brokering Services

If you’d rather not navigate this process alone, I can help.

As an experienced appraiser and broker, I offer professional jewelry brokering services to help you sell your pieces securely, strategically, and for the right price. I work with trusted dealers, collectors, and platforms to match your jewelry with the right buyer—saving you time, reducing risk, and maximizing your return.

Whether you’re selling a diamond ring, vintage brooch, or signed designer piece, I can guide you through every step with transparency and care.

Ready to sell smart?
Contact me today at LaJollaGemAppraisal.com to learn more about your options or to schedule a consultation.

Trang Pham, GIA GG, ASA, MGA®

Accredited Senior Gemologist, AGA