Face Value

Where is the best place to get fair resale value for your old engagement ring?

Is there a jewelery type place in Orange County California that gives close to appraisal value or at least a fair value offer when selling an ex-engagement type ring? Any ideas to point me in the right direction? Thanks~

Public Comments

1. Dear Chris, My husband is a silversmith and we love old (second-hand) jewelry - that said - here is the bad news: If you take your ring into any second-hand/ pawn/ antique store they will offer you 20% of what you paid for it new! Don't let yourself be ripped off. Here's what we suggest: Put it on ebay with a "reserve" minimum price. In today's economy, people are looking for bargains. Gold is close to an all-time high, and expected to go higher. Take the diamond(s) out and sell if for it's gold value. At Irvine Valley College, the first Sunday of the month, there is an antique swap meet with a dealer who will purchase your ring. As the dollar shrinks in value, tangible assets - like gold and diamonds will increase in value. You might just hang on to it. Believe that you will love again and be able to incorporate the diamond into a ring that will be cherished by your future wife. I just want to encourage you not to give it to a dealer who will make a fortune on your broken engagement. Take a breath. Take some time. Realize that gold and diamonds are, all too soon, going to be a rather good investment.
2. I think your best bet to getting close to fair value is to have the diamond un-mounted and appraised seperatly from the setting. There is such a stigma to buying a "used" engagement ring for some reason, you will never get anywhere what the diamond is really worth selling it as a complete ring. The diamond is really where the value is, so just try to sell it as just a diamond, not as an engagement ring. Best wishes!