When it comes to getting your jewellery appraised, the truth is that often its sentimental value is greater than its real market value. However, there are cases in which jewellery you’ve inherited or been given may be worth more than you think. Whether you’re looking to sell or are just curious about the value of your jewellery, here’s how to get an idea of its worth.

Key factors that determine value

A professional appraiser determines the value of jewellery by looking at three factors – the metals that it is made from, the quality marks, and the gemstones, where applicable. The best way to determine the value of your jewellery is to consult a qualified appraiser for a valuation. Consider getting a few estimates from professional buyers or pawn shops, or search online to see the value of similar items.

To get a basic idea of the value of your jewellery yourself, first consider whether the item has a notable or well-regarded manufacturer – such as Tiffany’s or Chopard, if it is an antique, a collectable, a limited edition, or if it has historic value.

Jewellery of this kind will have greater value than that determined just by considering the carat (weight) and karat (fineness) of its metals, and the value of its gemstones.

If your jewellery doesn’t have antique or notable value, its worth will be based on the current market value of its metals and stones. Here’s a basic guide on what to look for.

Gems

The value of a gemstone is dependent on the type, clarity, cut, colour and carat of the stone. With gemstones, quality is more important than size – stones often get scratched or chipped from being worn in jewellery for many years, and this diminishes their value. The best way to assess the value of your gems is to check the market values of stones of similar type and quality.

Gold

Pure gold is too soft to craft jewellery from, so other precious metals need to be added. The value of pure gold is 24 karats, and this number descends in value, based on the percentage of other metals added to it. Look for the quality stamp on your gold jewellery – the karat value is represented as either “k” or “kt”.

Be aware that marks such as EP, GP, HGP indicate electroplate, gold plate and hard gold plate, respectively. Gold-plated jewellery is made from another precious metal, and then covered in a fine layer of pure gold. “Gold-filled” jewellery is also covered in a layer of gold, but contains almost 100% more gold than gold-plated jewellery, making it significantly more valuable.

Gold-filled jewellery will usually have a stamp to indicate its percentage of pure gold (20% is the minimum). The percentage is represented as 1/20 for 20% pure gold, 1/50 for 50% and so on.

Silver

Pure silver, like pure gold, is too soft to make jewellery from, so it’s mixed with other metals to make it more durable. The term “sterling silver” refers to the silver content of an alloy, and the standard for this is 92,5% silver and 7,5% copper, nickel, zinc or other precious metals.

Silver, like gold, is marked with symbols to indicate its purity level. Most sterling silver is marked with “925” (referring to 925 parts silver per 1000 parts).

Platinum

Platinum is one of the finest and rarest precious metals on earth and platinum jewellery generally consists of 90 to 95% pure platinum. The hallmark you want to see on your platinum jewellery is “plat”, which means it is at least 95% pure platinum, mixed with another platinum group metal (such as ruthenium). If it is marked “Irbid Plat”, it is 90% platinum and 10% iridium.

Using jewellery to secure a loan

If you need cash and have valuable jewellery, one solution is to use the jewellery as collateral for an asset-based loan. This means you can secure funds immediately, without having to sell the jewellery – and once you’ve repaid the loan, the jewellery will be returned to you.

For more information about using jewellery or another asset to secure a short-term loan, contact Lamna on 0330 341 1707 or simply complete and submit our online application form.