When buying pre-owned jewelry, set a budget, consider the design, condition, and type of stones, and always look around before purchasing. Don’t be afraid to negotiate a lower price.
Many people enjoy buying vintage pieces of jewelry from a variety of places. Pre-owned jewelry can often be obtained from pawn shops, estate sales, and even garage sales. When considering a pre-owned piece of jewelry, there are a few things to keep in mind before making a purchase.
Determine your budget to buy used jewelry. Setting a limit on what you’ll spend does more than keep you from getting into financial trouble. Your self-imposed limit also prevents you from considering pieces that are likely to be too expensive.
Take a look at the design of the jewelry used. Unless you’re buying the piece to resell it, you want to make sure the design fits your taste. Even if the jewelry is available at a bargain price, it is worthless if the piece is unattractive and is likely to be consigned to the depths of a jeweler.
Consider the condition of the part. This means examining the jewelry for broken or bent clasps, as well as the condition of the stones in the setting. Look for evidence of any rough edges indicating welds or other repairs that could signify a weakened condition for the body of the part. Take note of the sturdiness of the prongs that hold the stones in the setting. If any of these don’t appear to be in acceptable condition, you may want to pass on the part, unless the price is very low.
Evaluate the type of stones used in the piece. The value of the gems or stones used will play a large role in determining whether the price is within reason. Learn to tell the difference between real stones and paste copies, as this will go a long way in determining the value of your jewelry. When in doubt, take a friend who knows the difference.
Always look around you before purchasing any used jewelry. This is especially true if you are in a store. Exhibiting great interest in a particular piece without looking at several different pieces of jewelry is a sure sign that you want that piece very badly. This will hurt your chances of being able to negotiate a lower price.
Don’t be afraid to offer the owner a price that is less than the current retail price. In many situations, there is a good chance that the owner will take a lower price for used jewelry. This is especially true with estate sales and garage sales. In any case, it never hurts to make a counter offer and try to increase the price a bit.
Pre-owned jewelry is a great way to add attractive pieces to your collection. By knowing what to look for, you can also purchase pieces that are in excellent condition and attractive. And with a little effort, you should be able to buy the used jewelry at a great price.
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