Where to Sell Gold and Jewelry in Rochester, NY

Maybe you’ve inherited a jewelry box full of mystery items. Or maybe you’re ready to part ways with pieces you no longer wear (when it’s time, it’s time). Whatever the case, selling old gold and unwanted jewelry is a great way to make money while avoiding jewelry waste!

Our simple guide walks you through the basic steps to sell your jewelry for the best price. We cover: 

• The difference between jewelry appraisals, selling prices, and estate planning

• Selling unwanted fine jewelry at our annual Estate Buying Event in August

• Selling gold and jewelry directly to Forsythe

• Frequently asked questions about where to sell gold

Have unwanted gold and jewelry to sell? Schedule an appointment for an assessment or ask about our Estate Jewelry Buying event in August!

Jewelry Appraisal vs Selling Price vs Estate Planning

When people ask about jewelry appraisals, they’re almost always asking if we buy gold and unwanted jewelry. We do, but those are different things!

Before covering selling gold, let’s clear up the confusion around appraisals, selling prices, and estate planning. 

What Is a Jewelry Appraisal?

A jewelry appraisal is an official document describing an item, including its weight, material, dimensions, and any damages. The assessment typically incorporates observations about the item’s overall quality and rarity, too. 

Appraisers follow rigorous guidelines to estimate the value of the item, though the final number will differ depending on the type of appraisal and other external factors. 

The most common types of jewelry appraisals include: 

• Insurance Appraisal – Reflects the retail replacement value of the item. It helps insurers understand how much an item would cost to replace with a new equivalent if it were lost, damaged, or stolen. We handle insurance appraisals for new merchandise and older items. People often have us update the appraisal after many years to reflect the current value.

• Fair Market Value Appraisal – Determines a reasonable selling price between a buyer and a seller in a typical market. Fair market value appraisals consider the item’s used condition and are often required for donations and estate appraisals.

What Is the Jewelry Selling Price?

Unlike an appraisal, which is an estimate of an item’s value, the jewelry selling price is the price the item goes for. A seller may consider an item’s appraised value to set their price but doesn’t have to. 

For example, retailers with a strong brand may increase pricing because of their popularity (literally paying for the brand). Or retailers may discount the item below its appraised value to move it quickly.

Estate Planning With Forsythe Jewelers

Jewelry estate planning involves determining how jewelry should be divided or passed down, often based on sentimental and financial value. We find that people can feel overwhelmed in these situations, so we recommend consulting with professionals who can remain impartial.

At Forsythe Jewelers, Matt (Owner) helps families understand the value of their jewelry, approaching it from a monetary and sentimental standpoint. It’s not just about what an item is worth but also what it means to you. Book a consultation with Matt for guidance on your jewelry estate planning.

2 Ways to Sell Gold & Unwanted Jewelry in Rochester, NY

The best places to sell old gold and jewelry are through trusted local jewelers. Unlike pawn shops, they’re usually better trained to assess the value of pieces and are more likely to give you a fair price. Forsythe Jewelers is known for its personalized service and transparency, and our team is accredited by The Gem Association Society.

Here’s what you need to know about selling unwanted jewelry:

1. Forsythe Jeweler’s Annual Estate Buying Event

Every July, Forsythe Jewelers hosts an Estate Jewelry Buying Event in partnership with trusted buyers at McTeigue & Co. (Not to be confused with our Annual Estate Jewelry Sale, which is the best time to find pre-loved items.)

Our Estate Buying Event is a fantastic opportunity to receive fair, immediate offers for unwanted fine jewelry, including: 

• Gold

• Platinum

• Diamonds

• Precious gems

• Fine watches

• Designer pieces (e.g., Tiffany & Co., Cartier, Rolex, Van Cleef & Arpels)

Because McTeigue & Co. specializes in acquiring high-end jewelry, they don’t accept items that would otherwise be scrapped. That includes broken items, costume pieces, or low-grade sterling silver.

To sell a piece, just make an appointment with Forsythe! McTeigue & Co. extends offers on the spot, and most sellers decide if they want to move forward with the sale during the appointment. If McTeigue & Co. isn’t interested in an item, Forsythe may still assess the piece and make an offer.

It’s a great event that helps pre-loved jewelry find new homes and benefits all parties! Join our newsletter for updates about the Forsythe Jewelers Estate Buying Event!

2. Sell Old Jewelry Directly to Forsythe Jewelers

Forsythe Jewelers buys old gold and jewelry year-round through our easy, hands-off process. Just set up an appointment for an assessment, and we’ll do the rest!

There’s no one-size-fits-all when it comes to selling jewelry, so we like to offer flexible options depending on your item:

• Consignment – If an item has more than a 50% chance of being resold, we offer a consignment agreement. You’ll receive 50% of the final sale price, minus a prep fee (for cleaning and repairs to get the item ready for the display case).

• Store Credit – Trade in your old jewelry and put the value toward your next piece! We offer non-transferable store credit, often more valuable than a cash offer, to use toward new purchases at Forsythe. You can also use Forsythe store credit for services such as jewelry repairs, appraisals, and more.

• Cash – Ready to sell today? We’ll make you a cash offer and cut a check on the spot. The jewelry may go into our collection or be refined.

FAQs About Selling Gold and Old Jewelry

How do I know what my jewelry is worth?

The best way is to get an evaluation from an experienced jeweler or appraiser. Forsythe’s trained appraisers consider metal content, gemstones, brand, condition, and current market trends. You can also get multiple opinions to feel confident.

Why is my jewelry appraisal value different from the resale value?

An appraisal value is an estimate of the item’s value under specific conditions. Appraisals are used for insurance purposes, estate appraisals, and donations with tax implications. When setting resale prices, a seller may consider the appraised value but doesn’t have to. Retailers may upsell or discount it depending on market demand.

Do I need to clean my jewelry before selling it?

Clean jewelry presents better, but it’s not necessary when providing it to a trusted jeweler. For consignment contracts, we clean and prep the jewelry for you to improve your chances of selling.

Can I sell broken or mismatched jewelry?

Yes! Forsythe Jewelers purchases broken chains, single earrings, or out-of-style items for their metal value. Just because it’s not wearable doesn’t mean it’s worthless! Of course, if you just want someone to fix your broken jewelry, we offer repair and restoration services in-house.

Find Out What Your Jewelry Is Worth

Whether navigating an estate, decluttering, or trading in, Forsythe Jewelers is here to help. Our full-service team will guide you through selling your gold and jewelry for the best price in Rochester, NY. 

Our Estate Buying Event in August is a great option for fine jewelry. For other items, talk to our team to see which selling option is right for you. Book an appointment or call us to schedule an assessment today!