Jewelry Worth: 5 Ways to Figure Out the Value of Your Pieces

Whether it’s an inherited family heirloom, a brand new bauble, or a special piece you never take off, there are all kinds of reasons you might want to know the value of your jewelry. Maybe you’re hoping to sell it, upgrade it, or just learn more about it — whatever your inspiration, here are five simple ways to figure out your jewelry worth. We hope these tips help you understand your collection so you can take better care of it and do the right thing, no matter what’s next.

#1: Check for Stamps

One way to assess the value of your jewelry is to understand what kind of metal it’s made of. Jewelry can be made from a number of different materials — precious metals, like silver, gold, and platinum are generally worth more than more common metals like nickel, copper, or brass. 

The purity of the metal in your piece will also impact your jewelry worth. Purity refers to how much of a specific metal is present — many jewelry pieces are alloyed, meaning they contain a mixture of precious metals and other metals, which can impact their overall value. For example, 24 karat gold (often indicated as “24K”) is the purest type of gold, so its value is higher than that of a 14 karat (“14K”) piece.

A simple way to find out the type of metal in your jewelry is to check for stamps. Most jewelry makers use metal stamps to indicate the materials they’ve used, especially if those metals are of a particularly high quality. For example, your piece might be stamped with the numbers “925” to indicate sterling silver, or the letters “GP” to indicate that the piece is gold-plated.

An Artcarved ring that clearly indicates it's made from 14k yellow gold.

#2: Weigh Your Pieces

Another way to assess your jewelry value is to weigh your pieces, especially if they contain precious metals like gold, silver, or platinum. Knowing the weight of your jewelry can help determine the melt value or scrap value of the raw materials if you intend to sell the piece for parts.

To get the best results, you’ll need to use a digital jeweler's scale. That makes this technique a bit more involved than visually checking for stamps. You’ll want to get the accuracy of your measurement within 0.1 gram or lower, so make sure to record the weight of each piece carefully. Once you have the exact weights of your jewelry, you can calculate the melt value based on current spot prices for precious metals. Online scrap calculators can also help you determine jewelry values based on weight and purity.

Essentially, these calculation tools are combining your jewelry’s weight with any details you provide (by checking the stamps) about the materials included in your piece. You’ll end up with a baseline valuation for the raw metal materials; higher karat gold or sterling silver will fetch higher prices per gram than alloyed metals.

#3: Compare Your Pieces to Others Online

To get a rough estimate of your jewelry’s worth, you can search for similar items online. Look for pieces that are comparable to yours in terms of materials, style, and age. This market research gives you a starting point for understanding your jewelry’s approximate worth. 

However, be sure to note any major differences between your pieces and the ones you find online. For example, antique or vintage jewelry is usually more valuable than modern pieces due to age and historical craftsmanship. Designer, couture, or limited edition pieces may command higher prices based on brand reputation and exclusivity. Larger, clearer, well-cut gemstones tend to be more valuable. And by the same token, signs of damage and wear will decrease a jewelry item's worth. 

While your piece may end up being worth more or less due to its unique qualities, online comparison shopping can provide a helpful ballpark estimate. Just be sure to filter carefully for the most similar match possible in order to get the best sense of your jewelry value. 

#4: Attend a Jewelry Auction

Attending a jewelry auction can be a fun experience, and it’s a great way to figure out the relative value of your jewelry. You can compare your pieces to the ones being auctioned to get a sense of what people will spend on similar items. Plus, jewelry auctions bring together buyers, sellers, and experts in the field, providing valuable insights into market trends and prices — this is a great opportunity to ask the experts any questions you may have about your jewelry.

Keep in mind that auction prices may be influenced by various factors such as rarity, brand reputation, condition, and desirability. It's important to carefully analyze comparable pieces and consider all relevant factors when evaluating your own jewelry's worth.

#5: Get an Appraisal

The most accurate and most convenient way to understand the value of your jewelry is to have it appraised by a professional jeweler. The experts will be able to evaluate your jewelry using qualified knowledge and world-class tools. You’ll end up with an official document outlining the materials in your piece, an assessment of its craftsmanship, and a jewelry value estimate.

You can always try and ballpark the value of your jewelry on your own, but for the most accurate appraisal, consult Quick Jewelry Repairs. Our team of expert jewelers have decades of experience and use state-of-the-art equipment to analyze your metals and gemstones and assess your jewelry worth. Our appraisals consider all the unique qualities of your pieces as well as current market trends, giving you the true fair market value.