Value of Old Jewelry: Metal Marks, Maker, Stones, Era, Weight and Condition
Evaluate old jewelry value by documenting metal marks, maker, stones, setting, era, weight, repairs, photos, and condition.
Free first step
Found old jewelry and want to know if it matters?
Upload photos. We identify the object, check real sales, and show the right appraisal path.
Quick old jewelry value checklist
- Metal: 10k, 14k, 18k, platinum, sterling, vermeil, gold filled, or costume metal.
- Stones: diamond, sapphire, ruby, emerald, jade, pearl, coral, turquoise, glass, synthetic, or unknown.
- Marks: maker, designer, karat, assay, country, patent, serial, clasp, and ring-shank marks.
- Condition: missing stones, worn prongs, repairs, dents, thinning, broken clasps, restringing, and altered settings.
- Market position: scrap value, estate jewelry resale, designer jewelry, antique period jewelry, or certified gemstone value.
What drives old jewelry value
Material value matters, but it is only one layer. A signed designer brooch can sell differently from an unsigned gold brooch of the same weight. A certified colored diamond can sell differently from an untested stone. Pearl condition, gemstone treatment, setting quality, and original boxes or receipts can all affect demand.
Do not polish, resize, remove stones, or scrap old jewelry before identification. Cleaning and alteration can erase useful evidence.
When a free screener is enough
Use the free screener when you need help reading marks, identifying broad category, checking whether market evidence exist, or deciding if a piece needs paid appraisal before sale.
When to get a professional appraisal
Use a professional appraisal for insurance, estate division, donation, divorce records, resale of a significant piece, or jewelry with designer, gemstone, or originality questions. For report format, see the professional sample report.
Photo checklist before you upload
- Front and back of every piece, plus clasp, underside, ring shank, pin stem, and earring backs.
- Close-ups of all marks, signatures, stamps, serials, and stone settings.
- Any boxes, receipts, certificates, appraisals, family notes, or repair paperwork.
- Scale photo and weight if available.
- Condition issues: missing stones, loose prongs, cracks, chips, repairs, broken clasps, and discoloration.
Choose your next step
Use the path that matches the decision you need to make about the item.
Need a signed report?
Use this for insurance, estate, donation, resale, or documented value decisions.
Start a signed reportNot sure it is worth appraising?
Start with a lower-friction screen to understand the likely category, evidence, and next step.
Use the free screenerNeed local or specialist help?
Compare directory options when the work needs in-person review or a specialist near you.
Find local specialistsSee what the report looks like
Sample reports show how photos, comparable evidence, condition notes, and a value conclusion are documented.
We identify the piece, check real sales where available, and tell you whether a free screen or signed appraisal makes sense.
Try the free screener