How we value jewellery before buying
Above First we weigh the jewellery, for us, that’s the easy bit. But the
scales are extremely accurate. Gravity isn’t as accurate, so the scales are calibrated
for our shop, if moved they must be adjusted.
Below Examining gems, identifying them, and checking condition and quality
Finally Above We test diamonds, to find out if they are natural or lab-grown.
Click here to see how the test works
We buy gold, silver and platinum jewellery, including gemset
items and coins. We buy foreign gold for resale, we can get it
hallmarked. We also buy scrap.
Bring the jewellery to us. You don’t need to make an appointment,
but if you are making a special trip, you may want to phone us first on 01978 266887
to make sure a valuer is available (normally at least one is on hand every day, but due to
sickness and holidays, occasionally not)
We’ll need at least half an hour to value the items, longer if there is a
large batch of items or the shop is extra busy. Because we keep as much as we can
for re-sale (silver as well as gold), we value literally hundreds of individual items
each week - that’s why we need a little more time.
In cases where there’s no rush, you can drop them off with us and
leave your mobile number and email address. Head home without waiting around,
and we will email you with full details when the valuation is complete.
If you accept our offer, we can pay you by bank transfer, or you can call back to the
shop to be paid in cash – or to pick them up if you decide not to sell.
Bring any paperwork (insurance valuations, diamond reports, etc)
This saves time and may mean we can make you a better offer.
If you have the original receipt for the jewellery do bring it.
It helps to establish the item’s value, and is an extra proof that you own the piece.
There is no charge for
these valuations.
Do I need to
produce identification?
Yes, we need something with your name and current address, and a photo.
A driver’s license is great. Or a passport or bus pass for the photo,
and a recent utility bill, council tax form, prescription or similar, for the address.
Do I have to make an instant decision?
No. You are welcome to think it over, we can give you a print-out of the offer
to take with you. We try to honour the offer for 30 days.
However we may change the offer (up or down) if there’s a major change
in the gold price.
We don’t operate a buyback scheme. You can
pawn the jewellery, which gives you the option to buy it
back within 6 months. But you will have to pay interest on the loan
- follow the link for more details.
Will I get what I
paid for it?
Would I get more by selling privately?
When you sell to a shop like ours, you will usually receive only a portion of
what the item would cost new. This is because we cannot sell pre-owned
jewellery at the same price as new — it is often around half the original price.
From that, VAT must also be deducted, which goes directly to the Government.
We then need to allow for our mark-up. This covers the costs of refurbishing,
displaying and selling the jewellery, as well as staff wages, rent and rates, insurance,
security, and other running expenses.
The advantage of selling to us, rather than directly to the public through
sites like eBay or Vinted, is that you receive payment quickly and with far
less effort — especially if you have a large number of lower-value items.
There is also no risk of fraud.
Selling privately isn’t easy. Jewellery is personal, and our customers will look
at lots of items before deciding which they like! And the buyer has to trust you.
Many prefer to buy from dealers, who’ve built a reputation, and benefit from legal
protection as well.
What about selling through an auction?
You could try a local auction. The auctioneer will give advice,
Do insure the jewellery, there’s a real risk of loss.
With some items, it may be worth considering a specialist jewellery auction house -
we can advise. You do have longer to wait and of course no guarantee that
your item will sell.
And finally
We pride ourselves on our 40-year reputation for fair dealing and integrity.
We will make you the best offer we can, not offer the lowest we think you might accept,
and increase it only if you say No!
However, with some types of item,
we already have many in stock and may not really want any more.
Rather than say No outright, we will sometimes make a low offer,
so that you can sell or maybe have a loan. You are never under any obligation
to accept. And we will warn you the offer is lower than our normal price.
