Over time, most people accumulate a collection of jewelry from heirlooms to wedding and engagement rings. It can get to the point that some of these pieces have been worn less and less, and it may be time to clean out and reorganize. Thankfully, there are options other than taking them to a pawn shop or throwing them away. For example, many jewelers offer a trade-in option where you can turn your old jewelry into credit towards a new piece. The amount of value you get will depend on the type of jewelry and the condition. For example, a diamond that isn’t certified will usually cost more to sell than one that is. Bring all documentation with you to the jeweler including appraisals and certificates. This will help you negotiate a better price for your jewelry.
Before deciding to make the switch to selling your jewelry, it’s important to understand the industry and what your potential competitors are doing. Researching online jewelry shops and comparing prices is a good place to start. It’s also helpful to learn as much as you can about gemology, metal work and other jewelry making techniques. You can find these resources through a number of online sources including the International Gem Society, which offers classes and workshops.
Whether you’re planning to sell online, in a brick-and-mortar store or through an established wholesale jewelry supplier, it’s vital to create a business plan before making the leap to becoming a jewelry maker full time. The details of the business plan will vary based on your individual goals, but some key points to consider include the size of your production team and the types of items you’re planning to produce.
You should also determine if you’ll need any equipment or supplies to get started and how much these will cost. If you’ll be producing high-end pieces, it may be worth investing in professional jewelry making equipment and tools to maintain the quality of your work. For example, a high-end jewelry maker might use an electric fusion welder, a soldering station or an ultrasonic cleaner to ensure the highest quality of workmanship.
When you’re ready to start selling your jewelry, it’s a good idea to make sure that your website is up and running with plenty of product photos taken from different angles. You’ll also want to include detailed, compelling product descriptions that convince customers that your jewelry is the best choice for them.
If you’re looking to sell some of your jewelry, you can try online marketplaces like Etsy or Rubylane. Other sites that specialize in jewelry are Worthy and Cash for Gold USA. If you’re looking to sell a large amount of jewelry, Worthy has a service that preps your items for sale and ships them out to buyers. The site also lists antique pieces.
