Estate sales can make available any number of different types of items, but one of the most popular for shoppers is jewelry. At an estate sale, you can find gorgeous jewelry in varying price points for any occasion, and jewelry enthusiasts as well as those who may be shopping for a loved one can find unique pieces they’re sure to love for many years to come.
At Heritage Estate Sales, we’ve seen new pieces, antique pieces, fine jewelry, costume jewelry, and just about any individual jewelry category one can imagine, and we want to let you in on a few tips when it comes to shopping for jewelry at a local estate sale. Some things to look for while shopping for jewelry at an estate sale are:
- Stampings – Are you looking for genuine silver or gold? Particular makers? Vintage pieces? The stamping on different pieces of jewelry can tell you all you need to know about the pieces themselves, and knowing what to look for can provide you with a treasure trove of information. Gold pieces will typically be stamped with a “kt” along with the karat number, sterling silver will have a .925 stamp, and designer pieces will have a maker’s mark signifying the creator of the piece. Each different piece of jewelry, from earrings to bracelets and everything in between, will be stamped in a different location, so it’s always best to do some careful investigating if you’re looking to find it!
- Flaws and needed repairs – Because jewelry pieces at estate sales are often well loved before being put up for sale, they can have small flaws or repairs that should be considered before purchase. When looking for these damages or flaws, we suggest bringing along a magnifying glass or pocket flashlight in order to better see the state of the jewelry you’re interested in purchasing.
- Take notes – If the jewelry at the estate sale is to be auctioned off, taking notes and keeping track of just what jewelry pieces you’re interested in is important. By carrying a small notebook with you, you can keep track of all of the jewelry you’re interested in buying, and organization is key to a successful auction experience!
We at Heritage Estate Sales love how excited our estate sale visitors get about jewelry, and we know how passionate they can be when looking for that perfect piece. For more information about jewelry shopping at estate sales, simply contact us at Heritage today.