Second Hand Jewellery Whats The Value?

Second Hand Jewellery Whats The Value?

Posted in News by Mallard Jewellers on April 02nd 2019
Our customers often ask us about the potential resale value of the jewellery pieces they wish to purchase. Whilst nobody can give a truly accurate figure, we can say that purchasing second hand jewellery will make a great investment.

The prices of jewellery have been rising in recent years – one of the main reasons is because investors have been moving away from investing in stocks and shares, to more substantial commodities, such as gold, diamonds and other gemstones. This means that jewellery of a certain vintage, brand or material makeup will potentially be worth more than what was paid for them.

In this blog, we’re going to give five great reasons why you should consider making an investment in pre-owned jewellery. Even if you’ve already got plenty of second hand necklaces, bracelets, rings or earrings, you may learn something new about their true value.

Why It’s A Great Idea To Invest In Second Hand Jewellery

Better Value

Regardless of what your budget is set at, purchasing a pre-owned jewellery piece will help you to get much more for your money over brand-new pieces. Like so many other everyday items (cars, for example) the value of new jewellery will immediately depreciate – the key is ‘playing the percentages’.

After buying, new pieces will generally decrease in value by between 20-40% by the time it is sold on – the general prices of vintage jewellery have already been set (it is second hand after all). Therefore, the likelihood of making an actual profit on its resale is infinitely more than what new pieces are able to glean.

Also, when you look at what your budget can get when you’re looking at new and second hand jewellery, you are more likely to find that you’ll be able to afford a better quality of diamonds/other gemstones and the precious metals they’re encased in (if you’re looking at composite prices).

A Wider Range of Choice

It can probably go without saying that the range of second hand pieces that are available is huge – any well-made jewellery item is able to outlast multiple generations if they’re well looked after. As such, there are many pieces out there that have been made during the 20th century that evoke the styles and preferences of each decade.

Trends and fashions change all the time, of course – jewellery is no exception. Items made from pale metals, diamonds and pearls were particularly popular during the Edwardian period, whilst larger pieces with yellow gold and coloured gemstones were trendy during the 1970s. The thing about trends and fashions though, is that they often return or carve out new reputations – some pieces that were considered ‘unusual’ during the era of their creation, may have contemporary features (such as geometric and linear stone settings). Great attributes for resale!

More Value Retention

As we touched on above, the fact that older pieces (if well cared for) do not decrease in value makes them a better investment than new pieces. Purchasing second hand jewellery does not mean that their value also depreciates with each owner – every piece will retain its intrinsic value due to the metals and stones used.

With trends coming and going and the values of metals and stones fluctuating, the age of the piece will become irrelevant over time – meaning that you’re likely to retain more of the value from a second hand piece than a new one.

Own A Piece of History

For many collectors, buying jewellery isn’t just about the types of metals and stones used or even the positions in which they’re set; the history behind the creation of the pieces also add some value. At the risk of stating the obvious – the fact that an ‘old’ piece of jewellery has survived in such great condition for so long will indicate that it has been well made. A great selling point.

Making an investment in high-quality second hand jewellery is not just about trading it on for profit – such hard wearing pieces are ideal to pass down through the next generation of your family. Every jewellery item has its own unique history – not just how and where it was manufactured – but the reasons behind its purchase, who has owned it, even the places and positions it has found itself in. A great talking point, as well as a financial asset for future generations.

Contribute To The Protection of The Environment and Communities Around The World

Mining of precious metals, diamonds and gemstones can have a major impact on the environment, as well as causing human rights issues in the areas around the world that mine such materials.

Recent examples include the conflicts in Angola and Sierra Leone that have produced ‘blood diamonds’ – diamonds that have been mined to be sold on the black market to finance insurgencies within the two countries. Just by purchasing second hand pieces, society will not be contributing to the demand for recently-mined materials, as well as further environmental destruction caused by illegal mining.

If you ever find yourself in a position in which you’re purchasing new jewellery that contains diamonds, be sure to ask for evidence that they have been sustainably mined. The Kimberley Process Certification Scheme is one such method sellers of new pieces use to ensure that they are selling ethical jewellery pieces.

Browse Our Range of Pre-Owned Jewellery

If you’re interested in making an investment in second hand jewellery, why not browse our wide and varied selection here at Mallard? Our collection includes many timeless items, from rings, pendants, bracelets and any other items in wonderful styles that are uncommon in today’s markets.

Got any questions about purchasing pre-owned jewellery? Please feel free to give us a call on 01268 534 343 or send an e-mail via our contact page.
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