Where to consign fake/real vintage jewelry?

friedpod

I have a shitload of jewelry from my mom's estate (after stuff taken for sentimental value), and some of its real gold/silver.. but I assume a lot of its brass and just kind of cool costume stuff. I just want to take it somewhere in Brooklyn, dump it out on a counter and ask what's valuable for selling. Is there anywhere that can take the time to check whats real AND would buy it? I would prefer consignment to a shady "We Buy Gold!" joint or the hassle of Ebay, especially if I don't know what the jewelry is made of.

whynot_31

As a imaginary seller, I would not want to let the potential buyer believe that I was clueless on the whether the stuff was real.

So, I would not want to dump my haul on a counter and say "is any of this worth anything?"

I would instead go thru the hassle of having the buyer make me an offer on each piece. I would write said offers down, then go to two more places and repeat the process.

Then I would sell the individual pieces to the individual places that bid highest.

It is more work, but you may find it to be very worthwhile. Those who appear in a rush for cash are often given not much cash, quickly.

friedpod

Thanks. Know anywhere I can bring it?

friedpod

also, do you make appointments at these places? I need to watch more Pawn Stars.

whynot_31

For obvious reasons, the places that cater to desperate drug addicts do not require an appointment.

To avoid that scene, I'd try those that advertise to a clientele that is a little less desperate, and a little more sophisticated: the diamond district in Manhattan? Places that advertise in the New York Times?

Even then, I would try to rely on trust as little as possible. Simply put: They are looking to pay as little for the jewelry as possible; they know that you are unlikely to become a regular customer.

MOD

What about those Sell It on Ebay stores (there was one on flatbush a couple years ago) they do all the work for you.

bkchickie

Ooh, the stash sounds intriguing! I love costume jewelry.

Wonder if there's anywhere in the midtown Diamond District where you could get these things appraised.

Meanwhile, it might be a good idea to buy a loupe and see if you can spot any hallmarks and do some research online if you find them.