Jewellery

Antique Gold Jewellery

Find The Value Of Your Antique Gold Jewellery

If you are like most people, you have at least one or two pieces of antique gold jewellery squirreled away somewhere in your home. It may have belonged to a grandparent or an even earlier ancestor. You may love it and wear it every day, or you may just have it stored away, wondering what to do with it. If you are wondering if that jewellery holds any value at all, there are steps you can take to find out.

Step One Examine Your Jewellery

Antique gold jewellery is no different than other items, in that if it is not in good condition, it will be worth very little unless the gold is worth melting down. Take a good look at it to see if it is missing links, if the charms are damaged, or if the clasps are missing or broken. If your gold pieces are in good condition, you will want to consult a jeweler.

Step Two See A Jeweler

A professional jeweler can look at certain details when it comes to your antique gold jewellery that will not be obvious to your untrained eye. He or she will weigh it on a jewelry scale and ascertain the number of carats in your gold. The carats are a measure of the purity of the gold, with 24 carats being as close to pure gold as possible, and lower numbers indicating lower levels. The jeweler can give you a value based on the weight and purity of the gold, but will likely not address the value of your jewellery by virtue of its age or uniqueness.

Step Three See An Appraiser

Armed with the information you now have about your antique gold jewellery, you should now seek out an appraiser. He will probably take the same measurements your jeweler did, which will give you the opportunity to compare the findings. An appraiser with an expertise in antique gold jewellery, however, can also speak to the artistry, the age, and the overall value of the piece.

Step Four What Now?

With a monetary value now attached to your antique gold jewellery, you will need to decide what to do with this information. If you are interested in selling your pieces, you will want to talk with a dealer who specializes in such items to ensure that your jewellery is well represented and you are getting the best possible price. If you are planning to keep your antique gold jewellery in the family, you may wish to insure those pieces that are particularly valuable to protect against theft or loss.