What You Need To Know to Get The Most For Your Diamonds, Gold, and Jewelry?

• Posted on 23rd June 2025
• in Antique Jewelry
• by Alan

Do you have old, antique, or estate jewelry that you’re considering selling? When it comes to letting go of these precious items, you naturally want to get the best possible value. To do so, it’s crucial to understand what estate jewelry is the most valuable, and where to sell it.

Getting an evaluation from a professional jewelry appraiser is the first and most important step. Their expertise helps determine the true worth of your collection, so you can sell with confidence, knowing you’re getting a fair return.

4 important things that make your expensive jewelry so valuable

While many factors influence jewelry prices, most gold and diamond buyers rely on four main elements when evaluating your items:

1. Style of Jewelry

Style plays a key role in determining what estate jewelry is the most valuable. While fashion trends change, timeless or vintage styles retain their appeal and market value. Even if your jewelry is out of fashion, the precious metals and stones it contains still hold significant value.

2. What You Need to Know About Diamonds

When selling diamonds, Many things affect a diamond’s value, and experts in the field use rules to determine how desirable and valuable it is. The Gemological Institute of America says that the 4 Cs are the best way to figure out how much a diamond is worth:

3. Karat Stamps in Gold Jewelry

Always check for a karat stamp—usually found inside rings or on the clasp of chains and bracelets. A “24 Karat” mark signifies pure gold, while “14K” indicates about 58% purity. This significantly affects value, especially when determining which is worth more: gold or diamonds in your collection.

If your piece doesn’t have a stamp, it may not be gold, or the mark may have worn off over time. A simple magnet test at home can help: real gold is not magnetic.

4. Understanding Value: What Is Worth More – Gold or Diamonds?

A common question sellers ask is: what is worth more, gold or diamonds? The answer depends on the purity and weight of your gold vs. the quality and size of your diamond. Generally, large, high-quality diamonds fetch more on the market than small amounts of gold, but a high-purity gold item can also bring in a strong return.

Understanding which is worth more, gold or diamonds, in your specific case is something an expert can help you determine.

You might still need to find a stamp, which means the thing isn’t gold. In other scenarios, frequent cleaning, filing, and sizing of the item could have worn off the stamp, particularly on older or more pristine items. A home magnet can quickly tell if something is gold, which is positive news. Since gold isn’t magnetic, the thing that sticks isn’t made of gold.

It’s crucial to seek advice from a professional when selling vintage jewelry. A professional can accurately assess the value of your items, guide you on the best-selling strategies, and ensure you get the most money for your collection.

Here are some tips to consider when selling an estate or old gold: You should talk to a professional before accepting a deal. Jewelers can give you an idea of how much your item is worth, but not many will pay cash. They will instead offer a trade-in in the hopes that you will buy from them again. You can search online for information about your item and get an auction house estimate.

Remember, professional advice is invaluable when selling vintage jewelry. Whether it’s understanding the value of your items, identifying the best-selling platforms, or negotiating a fair price, a professional can guide you through the process and ensure a successful sale.

Trusted Jewelry Evaluations from Sarasota Antique Buyers

At Sarasota Antique Buyers, we specialize in purchasing vintage and estate jewelry. We’ll assess your gold and diamonds accurately, explain our estimate, and make a cash offer just below our projected selling price — all in one smooth, transparent process.

Whether you’re selling vintage engagement rings, heirloom brooches, or estate diamond pieces, we ensure you walk away with a fair deal and peace of mind.