Unlike the buy-low-sell-high stock market, when it comes to reselling jewelry, there are no rules or guidelines to know when the jewelry market is hot.

The jewelry market is incredibly fickle, so you cannot accurately predict when is the “right” time to sell. What you can control, however, is when you choose to resell jewelry. To help you increase your odds of making more from selling your jewelry, we explain how to identify when the timing is right for you to sell, trade, or keep your jewelry.

1. SELL trendy jewelry.
If your jewelry is the newest must-have trend, there is a narrow window of opportunity to sell it and make a decent amount back. Because tastes are likely to change on a dime, your piece of jewelry could soon become passé.

The exception to this rule are the pieces that are always en vogue including the Cartier Love Bracelet, a CHANEL C&C brooch and the Hermès Clic-Clac, Kelly, or Collier de Chien bracelets. These are designer pieces that have been coveted since they debuted decades ago and, although fashionable, are not exactly trendy. Therefore, do not mistakenly rush to sell them.

2. SELL when you’re ready.
Perhaps you’ve simply grown tired of a piece, or it doesn’t suit your style anymore. If you’re not excited about your jewelry anymore, sell it. Your jewelry is not likely to appreciate in value sitting in your jewelry box, so there is no incentive to hang onto something you don’t really wear.

3. TRADE if you have your eye on something else.
Jewelers and retailers (including TrueFacet) will offer you store credit when you trade-in your piece. Now, while you will not get the same amount as if you consigned it or sold it outright, the benefit to trading in your jewelry is you can apply the credit immediately—your piece doesn’t need to sell in order for you to receive store credit. Trading in is a smart option if you want to, say, upgrade your diamond engagement ring and already have spotted the new one you want at the same store.

4. WAIT if your jewelry is antique or vintage.
Do not rush out to sell off your grandmother’s earrings unless you absolutely need to. The value of fine vintage or antique jewelry doesn’t fluctuate greatly—in fact, older pieces may even appreciate in value. So, shop the piece around to different jewelers and hold out until you get a solid offer. Until you find a worthy buyer, have the item professionally cleaned and safely store it. For more tips on how to store your jewelry, check out our post here.

5. KEEP it if you still love it.
Never part with jewelry that still carries deep sentimental value. Even if you know you can get a good price for it, you will ultimately regret selling an item that means a lot to you. Moreover, even if you can go back to the jeweler and buy it back, you’ll end up having to pay the full resale price for it.

 

Photo by Whitney’s Wonderland.