Inheriting a jewelry box full of vintage and estate pieces can be overwhelming. Some items might look like costume jewelry but are actually rare antiques, while others might look heavy and expensive but turn out to be brass. If you are looking to clear out an estate and sell vintage jewelry in NYC, knowing what to look for can make all the difference.
Look for the Hallmarks and Maker's Marks
The tiny stamps on the inside of a ring or the clasp of a necklace tell a story. We always check for purity stamps (like 14K, 18K, 750, or 925). But more importantly, we look for maker's marks. A vintage piece stamped by Cartier, Van Cleef & Arpels, or an old-world European jewelry house carries a massive premium over its raw gold weight.
Antique Cuts vs. Modern Cuts
Vintage diamonds are cut differently than modern ones. If you have a piece from the Art Deco or Edwardian era, you might see Old Mine cuts or European cuts. These stones have a distinct, romantic sparkle and are highly sought after by collectors. We buy and sell these antique pieces, recognizing their historical charm and market demand.
Condition and Completeness
While we buy broken gold for scrap, a vintage piece in pristine, wearable condition is worth much more. Original boxes, old receipts, and vintage appraisals also help establish the provenance of the piece, which can boost the final cash offer.
The Easiest Way to Appraise an Estate
You don't need to be a gemologist to figure out what your estate jewelry is worth. The easiest and safest way to value your items is to bring the entire box to East Village Buyers. We will sort the costume jewelry from the fine jewelry, test the metals, evaluate the stones, and give you a transparent, no-obligation cash offer for the entire collection on the spot.