Answering a few questions can help you purchase a quality piece at a jewelry auction. You need to consider things like condition, marks, certificates and the history of a jewelry item. Once you collect some basic information, you can do further research to determine the true value of a piece of jewelry. Visit us at http://www.auctionANDappraise.com or call 800-801-8880 for more information about Jewelry Auctions.

1. Jewelry Auction
The Top Four Important Factors to Consider

2. Jewelry Auction
• Jewelry Auction’s are easy, efficient and fun
• Know a few things at a minimum so you don’t get
burned
• Four questions to ask:
– How well is the piece made and what’s its condition?
– What marks does the jewelry contain?
– Does the jewelry auction offer a gemological
certificate with the piece?
– Does the jewelry have unique or interesting history?

3. Jewelry Auction
How well is the piece made and what’s its condition?
• Thorough inspection is critical
•Quality piece looks beautiful on both front back and
both sides
•Mounts should use minimum amount of metal and be
smoothly finished

4. Jewelry Auction
How well is the piece made and what’s its condition?
• If bidding on antique or older piece, wear and tear is
normal
• Signs of wear may contribute to the pieces’
authenticity
• Repairs should not reduce value of jewelry
• Common repair in older pieces are jewels on mount.
Need to ensure that jewels are securely in place to avoid
loss

5. Jewelry Auction
What marks does the jewelry contain?
• Hallmarks - small stamps on hidden part of jewelry.
Appears on most precious metal. Provides information
for content, purity, country of origin and maker
• Mix metals - produce stronger material
• Maker’s marks – identity initials and symbols
• Signatures – provides more information regarding
quality and authenticity

6. Jewelry Auction
Does the jewelry auction offer a gemological certificate
with the piece?
• Prerequisite for quality jewelry is a gemological
certificate
• Savvy bidders won’t consider a piece without this
document
• Issued from laboratory, certificate will describe nature
of jewel and quality characteristics or 4C’s

7. Jewelry Auction
Does the jewelry have a unique or interesting history?
• Value of a piece can skyrocket if it was previously
owned by a famous person
• Bidders pay a premium on historical significance
• Also called as “Provenance” – an interesting ownership
history brings bidders to auction and increase price
substantially

8. Jewelry Auction
About the Author
Deb Weidenhamer is President of Auctions Systems
Auctioneers & Appraisers, Inc., based in Phoenix,
Arizona. They specialize in auctions and professional
appraisals. Visit us at
http://www.auctionANDappraise.com or call 800-801-
8880 for more information about Jewelry Auctions.