Tips on Buying Used Jewelry

Exceptional jewelry is timeless. When you purchase used jewelry, you get to claim that classic beauty for yourself, usually at a much lower price than the original. Many pieces of jewelry are excellent investments, even second-hand. High-end luxury watches, earrings, and rings offer an elegant style that maintains value. 

Benefits of Buying Second-Hand Jewelry

A lower price is most often the first thought people have when thinking of the benefits of buying a pre-owned watch or used jewelry. However, there are several other significant advantages as well.  

• Environmentally Friendly 

The jewelry industry has struggled with ethical and environmental issues over the years. Most of the raw materials for jewelry are mined and extracted from the earth. These processes create significant amounts of carbon. The world has a limited amount of precious metals and gemstones. While some advances in lab-grown gems have been made, these processes have a long road ahead of them before they are truly sustainable. When you choose to purchase used jewelry, you play a small part in creating a more sustainable future. 

• Preserving the Past

In addition to their monetary value, purchasing used jewelry like a pre owned Rolex helps you preserve a timepiece of the past. You're able to take the story of your previously owned watch and pass that on to future generations—all while owning something precious, high-quality, and valuable. 

• Better Value

When you buy previously owned jewelry, you get more value for your dollar. The retail price of new jewelry has steep markups—often up to triple the value that you don't have to pay when you shop used. Many pieces are sold in a condition that is nearly identical to new. You can get scammed when shopping for used jewelry, but you get fantastic quality at a fantastic price if you do it right. You may get lucky with a rare find that increases in value over time. If you're new to buying used jewelry, it's hard to know what to look for and how to get the best deal. Keep these tips for buying used jewelry in mind, and you'll be an expert in no time. 

Inspect Every Angle

When shopping for used jewelry, you should closely inspect every piece for signs of wear or damage. Look at the back of the piece as well as the front. Check for engravings and stamps, as well as the prongs and settings. You want to understand the condition of the piece you're considering. The jewelry reseller has likely polished the piece and corrected any significant issues, but minor issues may remain. Noticing the small details can get you a discount on the price—or it can dissuade you from making the purchase.  

Pay particular attention to gemstones and enamel. Any chips or cracks are complicated to repair. Using a gemstone loupe to inspect used jewelry can identify issues that your naked eye would miss. This damage affects the piece's value, though it may not affect your desire to own or wear it. If shopping for jewelry in person, try the piece on and see how it moves. Wearing the piece can highlight difficulties with fasteners or chains that wouldn't be noticed by visual inspection alone.  

Compare Prices

You may think that price comparisons in used jewelry are difficult. There are many variables to consider once a piece has been worn that can affect the overall value. However, there is a vast amount of used jewelry out there. Chances are, with a bit of research, you can find an adequate comparison. 

Jewelry shopping can be an emotional experience. It's easy to get caught up in the beauty of a piece and the history of it and to want to rush into a purchase. You may even be encouraged by a price that seems too good to be true. Don't fall victim to buyer's remorse. Take the time to inspect the piece and do the research to know the value you are getting. Depending on where you are shopping, you may be able to negotiate the price of a piece. After a thorough inspection of the piece and research on other similar pieces, you can go into the negotiation armed with data. If you aren't interested in negotiating, consider shopping during the off-season. Slow periods for jewelry sales might convince the jeweler to strike you a deal.  

Use Outside Resources

If you are interested in buying used jewelry, spend some time educating yourself. There are hundreds of online resources to teach you about the basics of gem quality and jewelry making. You can learn the history of jewelry trends to identify antique jewelry. Using outside resources also applies to certifications. Luxury jewelry brands have started to develop certified pre-owned jewelry programs to offer their pieces to a broader audience. Luxury watches have a similar system, though you may be able to find an independent authority providing the certificate of authenticity.  

Buy What You Love

A unique perk of purchasing used jewelry is that it takes you away from current fashion trends. You're able to find pieces you love that would otherwise not be for sale since they don't match the current style. Used jewelry shopping opens up a world of opportunities to explore your style and tastes. You can customize used jewelry to fit your needs. If you find a piece that you love but which is sized incorrectly, don't worry. Most pieces can be resized or customized to your liking. The only concern is with older pieces that have been altered previously, as this may weaken the piece to the point of failure. 

Final Thoughts

There are incredible benefits to buying used jewelry. You can get fantastic value for a piece that speaks to your unique style rather than the current trends. You can contribute to sustainability while preserving history. You have plenty of options of trusted retailers to choose from, creating an almost limitless selection. If you've thought about buying used jewelry but were afraid, don't wait another minute. Go out and find your perfect used jewelry piece today.