Vintage Jewelry
 

I’ve inherited several pieces of vintage jewelry and I’m trying to determine if they have any value. Two are watches and 3 are African bangle bracelets (possibly ivory). Does anyone know of a knowledgeable jeweler or collector in the area that could take a look? Thanks

Bob's Coins & Jewelry | Premier Coin and Jewelry Shop for Central FL

We've been pleased with the staff and knowledge here.

Coast to Coast. But, I doubt if they have much value. If you really want to sell them, advertise them on Ebay.

Google is your friend, for the watches do a search on the manufacturer, then see if you can match the model, you can then check Ebay and similar models to see some asking prices. You might be able to use Google picture search to do something similar for the bangles.
There are a couple of firms that come into town and offer to buy these types of items, but I would be cautious of their offers.

Forgot about Bob’s. Thanks!

I went to one of those sleezy out-of-town hotel events with a friend once. He had some expensive jewelry, including gold, and a Rolex watch. The only things the guy was interested in was the diamonds, but he didn't offer much. I did get some free candy.

Old rings
 

I took some of my grandmother's rings to the jewelry store at Brownwood. All the staff could do was tell me whether they were gold (they were) and whether the diamonds were real (they were). I was thrilled to hear that as I thought the rings were costume. The jeweler couldn't (or wouldn't) help with the other stones (like emeralds or rubies). The rings are very pretty and the diamonds small. If I want to know how much they are worth would probably have to hire an appraiser, which is not cheap. Probably won't do that, however, just enjoy wearing them. I have an entire jewelry box that belonged to my grandmother. Wish I could pay someone by the hour to evaluate what is there. I understand some costume jewelry is quite valuable.

Try eBay to find similar item’s probably the fastest way to determine how valuable. But remember that there are shiesters everywhere. Good luck.

Go to Vintage Costume Jewelry Club in The Villages. Karyn Krisha is very knowledgeable.

If the bracelets are real ivory, Google how to tell,they are worth quite a bit as it's been a long time since it's been legal to bring it into the U.S..
Do not accept any value as the true value if a jeweler values the piece for you and then offers to buy it from you. That offer will be much lower than the real value. Try contacting your insurance company and ask if they know any jewelery appraisers in this area, also check with the National Association of Jewlery Appraisers or the International Society of Appraisers. A good, reputable jewlery store in Orlando, Mayors Jewelers, try calling them and see if they can appraise it for you or know a reputable appraiser in the area.

How can you say you doubt if they have any value unless you've seen them?

Jewelry Design
3455 Wedgewood Ln
The Villages, FL
352.430.0303

They’ve repaired a few pieces of jewelry for me for a reasonable price. They do appraisals as well.

Go have fun for a few hours and check out the Antique dealers at Renningers Market on 441, Mount Dora. Also check a website called Value My Stuff. You send them all the information and they let you know the value. Approximately 20 dollars.

I'm entitled to my opinion. But, in my experience, most jewelry doesn't have much value unless it has valuable precious stones, like diamonds or emeralds. Used watches rarely have much resale value.

Costume jewelry can be valuable. You have to look on the backs to see if they are signed. Eisenberg, Kramer, Juliana are all top tier.

Golden Art jewelers on 466. Gone to them all and found Golden Art to be the best
 

golden art on 466

Take a pic and do a Google search

I agree that I would try the Vintage Jewelry Club. They meet each month on the 1st Sunday at the Hibiscus Rec Center, starts at 2 but I would go a little before that to have her take a look. Caryn Keisha is the president of the club and is very knowledgeable as others in the club. I have found several beautiful pieces, and the meeting usually has a discussion.

I read some tips online thet might help. Real diamonds will scratch glass—like an old picture frame’s glass. Actual gold pices wont attract to a strong magnet but costume pieces will. If theres any pices which resemble hard plastic, they may be Bakelite which is collectible. Look for hallmarks on backs or inside of rings, near bracelet or necklace clasps. Some costume jewelry can be quite valuable, depending. If you enjoy wearing them or simply enjoy them as keepsakes, why not just enjoy them & not pursue letting others evaluate them? One last idea: old jewelry can be encased in a velvet lined collectibles frame (Michaels, Hobby Lobby or JoAnn’s) then hung on a wall in a room or even inside your closet.

I Never Fail To Be Amazed
 

I have never heard of a vintage costume jewelry club. The Villages continues to amaze me.

I hope the members can help the OP.

I wouldn’t list anything on eBay or anywhere intil I knew the value and we can’t tell by an on line ad.

[QUOTE=retiredguy123;2341235]Coast to Coast. But, I doubt if they have much value. If you really want to sell them, advertise them on Ebay.[/QUOT

Coast to Coast Jewelry and Coin, has been very fair and honest.
*I am not related to anyone there, just pleased with how they do business.

Here is their info from the web site:

Address: 3941 Co Rd 201, Oxford, FL 34484
Hours: 10-4 each day, closed on Sunday
Open ⋅ Closes 4 PM
Phone: (352) 748-2388

If you search Ebay, you will probably find the same items already for sale, so you will get a good idea of what they are worth.

Depends on the watch. While the market on newer models of luxury watches has softened a bit in the past few months, the vintage market is still very strong.

You can’t rely on a magnet. Depending on the alloy used to make the piece, it may or may not be magnetic. There’s even gold jewelry being sold now that has been manufactured with various magnetic alloys, which will pull towards a magnet.


I’ve been buying / selling jewelry for 30 years.