#everythingbut

1. Choose Wisely 

Choose jewelry that has an active market and that isn’t representative of past trends that haven’t made their way to vintage or retro status yet. Jewelry that can stand the test of time will have the broadest appeal and the best chance of selling.

Along the same lines, it’s best to avoid listing fashion or costume jewelry that isn’t made with precious metals or gemstones. There are some exceptions to this, like original Bakelite jewelry from the 1960s, but in general, you’ll get the best mileage out of jewelry sales if you focus on fine jewelry made with authentic precious gems and metals.

2. Clean It Up

Once you’ve selected which pieces you want to sell, help them put their best faces forward with a refreshing cleanse. No matter how new or old each item is, have your jewelry professionally cleaned before it’s listed for sale online. Cleaning will bring out the maximum sparkle in metal and gemstones, which can set you up for success in getting great photographs a later on.

Even jewelry that’s never been worn and has been sitting in its original box for just a few months may benefit from a polish and clean. It’s especially important to clean jewelry that’s worn frequently. You may not even notice how much your jewelry can benefit from a cleaning until after the process is complete. Tarnish accumulated oils from the skin, dust, and other detritus can build up subtly over time and make jewelry look dull and dingy. Hiring a professional to clean your pieces will ensure the best-possible results and minimize any chance of damage so you can retain your jewelry’s value before the sale.

3. Tell Its Story

Knowing the backstory of your jewelry can be important, and that doesn’t necessarily mean knowing its exact lineage or history. While those details can add interest to a listing—and many collectors intentionally seek out pieces with colorful backstories—it’s also important to know what the jewelry is made of. For example, describing a ring as an 18-karat white gold and watermelon tourmaline ring is better than saying the ring is made from silver-colored metal and a pink-and-green stone. Evaluation by a certified gemologist may be necessary to allow for the most accurate listing possible.

Jewelry from famous fashion houses or designers also has a story to tell—one that will attract attention  from collectors and buyers with a desire for brand-name quality. If your jewelry  and watches are made by a luxury brand  like Tiffany, Cartier, Chopard, David Yurman, or Rolex, your online listing can emphasize this to attract more interest from  brand-specific collectors. Knowing the brand can also help identify information like the year of manufacture and  the name of the specific designer, all of which help flesh out a jewelry listing and make the piece more attractive to collectors.

4. Group It Together

Jewelry that is part of a set should always be listed together. For example, a wedding ring set will likely sell for a higher price than listing each ring separately.

Jewelry that is lower in value sold in a lot can also fetch a higher value  for items that are sold on their own. Sterling silver bracelets with semiprecious stones like turquoise, for example, can do better as a group than individually. Remember that online buyers pay attention to fair market value, and jewelry sold in lots can be a great way for buyers to feel like they’re getting more for their money.

5. Showcase Your Jewelry in the Best Light

Estate jewelry sells best when given a chance to shine on its own. That means photographing the jewelry on a neutral background rather than displaying it on a model. The clothing a model wears or even his or her hairstyle and makeup can change the way a shopper interprets the piece. Some buyers may decide a piece it doesn’t suit them based on how it looks on the model. Even when well-photographed, modeled jewelry photos that crop out or obscure parts of the jewelry, isn’t ideal.

It can be tempting to present jewelry in a complex vignette to enhance the look of the pieces, but this can also distract from the jewelry’s natural beauty. Flowers, rocks, elaborate jewelry boxes, and other elements can compete with the piece and distract the buyer’s attention. You won’t need  bells and whistles in the photo to attract discerning buyers. All you need is a simple presentation that showcases the color and form of the jewelry with ample lighting and a plain background to help it leap off the page.