How to Make Money on Antique Jewelry

by Nancy Wagner
Recognizing a piece that could be antique is key to making money.


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Finding beautiful antique rings, necklaces, brooches and bracelets to sell for a profit gives you the thrill of handling jewelry with lots of history. Most antique jewelry was created at least 100 years ago, although some dealers refer to pieces less than that age as antique jewelry, according to U.S. Antique Shows, a company that provides ongoing education in the antiques market. Either way, recognizing and knowing the value of a solid piece of antique jewelry is key to making money selling it to people who also appreciate the artistry and history of such pieces.

Find Worthwhile Pieces

Go to estate sales and auctions to look for antique jewelry. Ask for the jeweler’s certificate on pieces that are advertised as authentic antiques. Other places to find sweet deals on jewelry include online auctions, especially from people who are not very knowledgeable about their jewelry, as you may find good deals you can mark up and sell for a profit. Keep an eye on garage sales and pawn shops, as you may get lucky and find valuable pieces to buy at affordable prices.

Know Your Jewelry

Before you buy anything, look for maker’s marks, as most antique jewelry has such information. This information is the first indicator that the piece is truly antique and worth further consideration. Look for jewelry that has a patina to it, as this is an indicator of age. Then, look for the artist’s initial or a logo on the back of the piece to identify the maker. If the piece seems to be antique, assess the condition of the jewelry, such as making sure all of the stones are in place and secure.

Price Your Pieces

Determine the value of pieces by looking online or in jewelry price guides. Find out what other sellers made at auctions on similar jewelry or pieces made by the same jewelry maker. Carry an e-book reader or tablet with you to auctions and estate sales so you can do your research on the spot. Finally, look at the price the seller wants for the piece to see if you can mark it up enough to make a profit while also paying for your time and resources to find it. Compare the price they want with what you believe you can sell it for to determine the potential profit.

Find Venues to Sell

There are multiple ways to find buyers, including selling your jewelry on online auction sites, such as eBay. Request feedback after you sell each piece, as this builds credibility with future bidders who may want to buy jewelry from you. In your listings, explain how you found the piece, as this also helps bidders feel more confident buying from you. Other places to sell include flea markets and on consignment to boutique or antique shops that feature these kinds of pieces. If you buy a bunch of pieces, hold an auction and work with a local auctioneer who has the following of people who like to buy antique jewelry.

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