Estate jewelry often encompasses a variety of designs and materials that make each piece valuable and unique. But while anyone can purchase jewelry at a high-end store, it takes a discerning eye to pick up quality pieces from an estate sale. Coins & Stuff is a pawnshop in High Point, NC, that not only buys and sells gold, silver, and jewelry but also offers jewelry repair services to fix customers’ favorite pieces. For over 35 years, they have provided top customer service and fair prices.

Estate jewelry is generally higher priced than any pieces you’d find in a department or jewelry store. Many feature pristine gemstones and intricate, one-of-a-kind designs. Those that are over a century old are considered antique, which can result in a hefty but reasonable price. Before you write a check, take time to do the following:

• Examine The Piece For Imperfections: If you’re paying big money for a beautiful piece, you need to make sure that it’s not damaged in any way. For more expensive pieces, check each piece carefully using a jeweler’s loupe for any defects in your estate jewelry invisible to the naked eye.
• Look For Signs Of Repair: Any evidence that your piece of estate jewelry has been repaired immediately lowers its value, suggesting your prized piece has been altered from its original design. While it still might be a great addition to your accessory collection, it may not be worth the price tag.
• Ask For The Appropriate Papers: When you purchase a piece from an estate sale, remember to request a receipt that includes a written description of the item. It should detail the jewelry’s material and approximate age to validate it in case you decide to resell. If the item contains diamonds or gemstones, ask for a grading or identification report as well. This paperwork will help you insure the piece later on when you get an appraisal.

Don’t get cheated at your next estate sale. The pawnbrokers at Coins & Stuff encourage their customers to carefully assess estate jewelry before investing in a piece. If you’re interesting in selling your estate jewelry or buying new pieces, feel free to call them at (336) 885-5325. Visit their website for more information.