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Your Guide to Selling Jewellery at Auction: Jewellery Valuations for Gold, Silver, Diamonds & More

Hannah Widdop

Whether you’re looking to part ways with treasured jewellery pieces, have inherited a jewellery collection, or just simply have pieces you no longer wear, parting with jewellery can be a significant decision. But fear not, at Potteries Auctions we offer a seamless and rewarding way to sell your jewellery at auction.

We understand the importance of accurate jewellery valuations and transparent processes when it comes to selling your valuables at auction. No matter if it’s gold, silver, diamonds, or other precious gems, our team of experts is dedicated to providing you with the best possible selling experience.

Why should I sell my jewellery at auction?

Selling your jewellery with an auction house has unique advantages that other methods don’t offer. Potteries Auctions provides a transparent and competitive platform for selling your gold and silver jewellery at auction:

  • Competitive bidding – Our auctions attract a diverse range of buyers, including collectors, investors and enthusiasts. This creates a competitive bidding environment where multiple parties can vie for your jewellery, potentially driving up the price and maximising your return.
  • Expert valuation – our experienced jewellery expert specialises in assessing the value of gold jewellery, ensuring you receive a fair and accurate appraisal and that your items are priced competitively.
  • Global reach – our combination of in-person and online auction platforms attract bidders from around the world. This means your jewellery can be seen by potential buyers from around the world, increasing the chances of finding the right buyer willing to pay a premium price and expanding your market versus selling to a local buyer on the High Street.
  • Efficient process – Once you consign your jewellery to Potteries Auctions, our team takes care of everything from cataloguing and marketing to the actual sale. This means you can sit back and relax while experienced professionals handle the intricacies of the selling process on your behalf.
  • Fast payment – Auctions offer prompt payment to sellers once the auction concludes and the buyer’s payment has been processed. This means you receive the proceeds from the sale of your jewellery quickly, allowing you to put the funds to use as needed.

Getting your jewellery valued for auction

Before your jewellery can go under the hammer, it needs to be accurately appraised by an expert. This step is important, as it determines the estimated value of your items and helps us to set an appropriate starting bid. Please contact us directly to book a jewellery valuation with one of our friendly team of highly knowledgeable appraisers.

During the valuation process, several factors are taken into consideration, including the brand, quality of materials, craftsmanship, age and rarity, as well as current market trends. For items with gemstones, characteristics such as cut, clarity, colour and carat weight play a significant role in determining value.

Preparing for a jewellery valuation service

When bringing in your jewellery for valuation, it’s helpful to provide any documentation or certificates you have regarding the items’ authenticity or origin. This can include receipts, certificates of authenticity, information from previous appraisals or any relevant historical information about your piece(s).

If possible, do make sure that your jewellery is clean and in good condition before the appraisal. While minor wear and tear is expected, well-maintained pieces often fetch higher prices at auction. If you’re unsure about the condition of your jewellery, don’t hesitate to ask for advice from our valuers.

For more information on how to find our salerooms and what to expect when you come for a Potteries Auctions valuation, check out our page “What To Expect at Your Valuation”.

The Potteries Auctions experience

Once your jewellery has been appraised by one of our expert valuers and consigned to our auction house, it’s time for the exciting part – the auction itself!

Depending on our schedule and the estimated worth or desirability of your pieces, your items will be included in one of the regular monthly live auctions across our two salerooms – Silverdale or Cobridge – or in one of our new online timed auctions. If it’s a premium item, it may be featured in one of our three larger Fine Art auctions that take place throughout the year in March, July and November.

During the auction, potential buyers will have the opportunity to bid on your jewellery, either in person, over the phone or via our online platforms. Our seasoned auctioneer will guide the bidding process, and hopefully will help you achieve the best possible results for your precious pieces.

Check out our upcoming auctions

Selling gold jewellery at auction offers a convenient, efficient and potentially lucrative way to turn your valuables into cash. Whether you’re looking to downsize your collection, liquidate assets or simply cash in on an investment, auctions provide a platform where your jewellery can shine and fetch the best possible price.

If you’re considering selling your jewellery, why not explore the option of auction? Check out some of our recent jewellery lots that have found a fabulous hammer price at auction with Potteries Auctions.

This 1912 22ct full sovereign in a 9ct gold mount with a 9ct gold chain sold for an impressive £380 at our recent February 2024 auction at our Cobridge saleroom.

This 18ct white gold diamond solitaire ring sold for an amazing £920 back at our November 2023 Fine Art auction.

This 9ct gold Greek key bracelet found a new home for a wonderful £200 at our January 2024 Silverdale auction.

This spectacular platinum Art Deco style diamond ring with a square set ring head and central emerald cut diamond found a hammer price of £2,700 in our November Fine Art auction.

Lot 667 at our January 2024 Silverdale auction was this collection of jewellery including a jade (or similar) and silver gilt oriental bangle, cultured pearls with a silver clasp, a pair of 9ct gold mounted white stone earrings, a high quality elaborate silver (tested) mounted highly decorative necklace with brown and white stones, an oriental figural mount, and a stick pin and heart pendant. The lot sold for a very respectable £200!

Lot 2156 – a three-stone diamond ring set with three round cut diamonds – sold for an incredible £3,200 back in November 2023.

Lot 520A at our January Cobridge auction was a large collection of 9ct yellow gold jewellery items, including an assortment of necklaces, bracelets, rings and chains. Coming to a total weight of 67.5g, the lot sold for a fantastic £990 altogether!

Lot 2161 in our November 2023 Fine Art auction was this 9ct gold charm bracelet with 20 gold charms that fetched a hammer price of £900.

This 9ct gold ring with an interesting padlock, key and heart design found a hammer price of £360 at our February 2024 Silverdale auction.

This impressive 18ct white gold diamond tennis bracelet, set with approximately 8.40ct of diamonds, sold for jaw-dropping £5,400 in our last Fine Art auction of 2023.

How to sell your jewellery at auction

At Potteries Auctions, we can identify and provide valuations across a range of jewellery pieces to help you get the best value at auction for your precious items.

Please get in touch with us if you’re looking for an expert evaluation and are seeking to sell your jewellery. Free valuation days are held every Tuesday at our Silverdale saleroom – to book an appointment, use our online booking form here.

Due to popular demand, we have also started to offer a private valuation service for premium items. Please contact us directly to arrange an appointment by emailing amy@potteriesauctions.com.

You can also email us at enquiries@potteriesauctions.com or call us on +44 (0)1782 638100, or valuations can even be provided via WhatsApp – simply send some clear images of your items via the app to 07864 667940.