Selling Estate Jewelry, Gold Jewelry & Diamond Jewelry
The House of Kahn Estate Jewelers knows that when it comes to selling your estate jewelry,
there can be a lot of unknowns. We strive to help answer all your questions along with providing you with the highest quality service as you sell your estate jewelry. Below please find a list of several frequently asked questions along with our expert answers. If you have a question that
is not answered below, or if you would like to schedule a free, no obligation appointment at either our Chicago or Palm Beach Headquarters, please feel free to contact us via our contact form or
call (312) 943 9937.
For more information and answers, please click here to read an article in the Chicago Tribune, which features the House of Kahn Estate Jewelers on the subject of investments in diamonds and gems. Fear of Markets Pushes Some to Precious Stones, Gold was published on the first page of the Business Section on Thursday, April 15, 2010.
- What is Estate Jewelry?
- Why are people interested in coming to your establishment to sell their estate jewelry?
- How do you evaluate the Jewels that are brought into your headquarters?
- What types of Jewelry do you normally purchase?
- How long have you been in business?
- Can you please explain your process of selling my jewels?
- Is there a charge to make an appointment to sell my estate jewelry?
- Do you accept estate jewelry and silver flatware and tea sets on consignment?
- What should I have done to my estate jewelry before bringing it to you?
- Will I be paid for my estate jewelry the same day that I bring it in?
- Is you pricing based on the original retail value of the piece?
- What percentage of my appraisal should I expect to receive?
- What about an auction house? Is that a good place to sell estate jewelry?
- Do you buy gold coins?
- Where can I find additional information about selling my jewelry or about The House of Kahn Estate Jewelers?
What is Estate Jewelry?
Any jewelry that is previously owned is considered Estate Jewelry. The owner of the jewelry does not have to be deceased, it can also come from a living estate. The term refers to pieces that are sold by the owner rather than by a store. It can be sold by the heirs, by the original owner, by a bank or trust attorney. The jewels do not necessarily have to be antique, as we purchase estate jewels from all periods.
Why are people interested in coming to your establishment to sell their estate jewelry?
In this uncertain economic climate, some people find more value in turning their old jewelry into liquid assets. Lifestyles have changed and many people are selling family heirlooms to take advantage of other investment opportunities, or more pressing expenses like mortgages, education, long-term care, or unexpected events.
How do you evaluate the Jewels that are brought into your headquarters?
We look at every piece of estate jewelry taking into consideration it’s design, history and maker. We test the metal right in front of our clients to determine whether it is gold, platinum or silver. We also look for special hallmarks through a special lens for jewelry. These are just some of the things taken into consideration when evaluating your estate jewelry.
What types of Jewelry do you normally purchase?
We purchase all types of estate jewelry from all periods including the Georgian Period, Victorian Period, Art Noveau period, Edwardian Period, Art Deco Period, Retro Period and Modern Jewelry, we also purchase any kind of diamond jewelry, colored stone jewelry, sterling silver flatware and tea sets, silver items and objects of art.
How long have you been in business?
The House of Kahn Estate Jewelers has been in business for over half a century with our headquarters both in Chicago, Illinois and Palm Beach, Florida.
Can you please explain your process of selling my jewels?
We will schedule a complimentary appointment where we will evaluate your Estate jewels and then give you our best assessment based on our observation.
Is there a charge to make an appointment to sell my estate jewelry?
No, we will be happy to meet with you to discuss your selling options free of charge.
Do you accept estate jewelry and silver flatware and tea sets on consignment?
Yes, if it is an especially unusual item, we may suggest that you leave it on consignment in order to receive the highest possible offer when you sell your estate jewelry. We have dealers and collectors from around the world that are always interested in purchasing fine jewels and objects d’arts.
What should I have done to my estate jewelry before bringing it to you?
There is no need to have your jewelry cleaned or looked at before coming into the House of Kahn Estate Jewelers. We will look at jewels in all conditions. We can check for various hallmarks through loops and jewelry microscopes.
Will I be paid for my estate jewelry the same day that I bring it in?
The House of Kahn Estate Jewelers will evaluate your estate jewelry immediately. After communicating with our international buying network, we will make you the highest offer.
Is you pricing based on the original retail value of the piece?
If you bring in a very contemporary piece there may be some relationship to the retail value taken into consideration when we are offering you a price, however, the most important trait is the desirability and demand of your pieces.
What percentage of my appraisal should I expect to receive?
Every item is evaluated individually. There are some cases where only a percentage of the appraised value can be offered and others where more than the appraised value can be offered, it simply depends on the item. Typically the cash value of a piece is anywhere from zero to twenty-five percent of the appraised value, although it can be much more.
What about an auction house? Is that a good place to sell estate jewelry?
No, in an auction house, you may have to wait three to six months or longer to be paid. In addition, the commission rate drastically reduces the amount you will actually receive. Unfortunately, you may invest a great deal of time and effort, and ultimately be disappointed when the jewelry does not sell and is returned to you many months later.
Do you buy gold coins?
The House of Kahn Estate Jewelers buys both gold and silver coins that can be either domesticated or foreign.
Where can I find additional information about selling my jewelry or about The House of Kahn Estate Jewelers?
Please feel free to call us at (312) 943-9937 or contact us by email or by using our contact form. May we also suggest that you visit our Press Page (link) where we offer many valuable articles on the subject of Estate Jewelry.