Consignment Jewellery: How to Shop For Second-Hand Jewellery

This is what you could know earlier than shopping for second-hand jewelry.

Have a style for the sparkly stuff however searching for sustainable (and budget-friendly) methods to fulfill your jewelry behavior? Consignment buying could be best for you. Right here, jewelry knowledgeable Megan Kirkwood shares suggestions for buying consignment jewelry.

Q: I’ve seen some nice jewelry at consignment outlets. Is it protected to purchase?

A: With a little bit sensible buying, you’ll discover that second-hand jewelry is totally protected to purchase. Consignment retailers usually are not solely a terrific place to doubtlessly discover the very best value for a bit you’ve had your eye on but additionally probably the most environmentally acutely aware methods to amass new jewels. In reality, jewelry is likely one of the most sustainable issues you should purchase as a result of it may well at all times be recycled and upcycled.

To not be ignored, the second-hand market is usually a enjoyable manner to buy jewelry, which may in any other case be an intimidating expertise. Whether or not you’re searching native outlets, corresponding to Retyche in Montreal, I Miss You Classic in Toronto and So Over It Luxurious Consignment in Winnipeg, on-line spots together with 1stDibs and Vestiaire Collective and even unbiased sellers on Instagram, there are numerous alternatives to find distinctive and hard-to-find items. For instance, you could be extra more likely to come throughout uncommon gem stones, corresponding to demantoid garnets, kunzite and coral, or impeccably made designer items which might be not obtainable in present collections. Signed items are nice investments in your assortment as they’re more likely to retain their worth and even admire over time.

If there’s one thing particular you might be after, do some searching to get a good suggestion of the going value for comparable gadgets — each new and resale. In spite of everything, the very best buying luck tends to strike when a little bit preparation meets alternative; you received’t should hesitate if you lastly discover a terrific deal in your dream piece. For those who fall in love with one thing on the spot however aren’t positive if the worth is true, preserve this rule of thumb in thoughts: 14-karat gold is an efficient jewelry normal, whereas the best-quality gems are often reserved for platinum or 18-karat gold and lower-quality and extremely handled stones are often set in 9- or 10-karat gold. Choose to keep away from the guesswork? Reap the benefits of retailers corresponding to The RealReal, which provide gemologist value determinations with each merchandise, together with particulars concerning the high quality, composition and total worth of your new bauble.

Unsure if that stylish gold signet ring is definitely classic? Do not forget that second-hand jewelry is usually labelled “property” till it’s wherever from 20 to 50 years previous, at which level it’s often thought of classic. Vintage items are 100 years previous or extra, and the time period “retro” is commonly saved for designs influenced by the shortage of supplies throughout World Warfare II. Retro gadgets are additionally thought of classic.

Lastly, don’t take the situation of any merchandise without any consideration, significantly if you’re buying on-line. Study images carefully (and ask for extra if needed) to verify for worn plating — particularly on white-gold items, as a result of they’re usually plated with rhodium, which is shinier — and scratches and chips on each the gem stones and the setting. For bigger-ticket gadgets, go to a jeweller post-purchase to make sure that the settings are safe so that you received’t run the chance of dropping any gems with common put on. You may also need to think about having an appraisal performed by knowledgeable gemologist (if one wasn’t already offered) for insurance coverage functions and in case you determine to promote (and recycle) your new treasure down the highway.

Store our upcycled and recycled jewelry picks:

CompletedWorks Recycled Gold Vermeil and Freshwater Pearl Ring

Maya Rudolph, Adwoa Aboah and Emma Watson have all been noticed in items from rising sustainable British jewelry model CompletedWorks. We significantly love the elegant, natural form of this pearl ring, which was designed to signify rivers which have needed to change course because of the results of local weather change.

Recycled Gold Vermeil and Freshwater Pearl Ring, $364, CompletedWorks + Web Maintain, obtainable at Web-a-porter.

Shop Now

Rolex Stainless Metal DateJust Watch

Maybe the last word standing image, this classic Rolex combines a singular rose-hued face with a traditional coin-edge bezel.

Stainless Metal DateJust Watch, $10,180, Rolex, personalized by Personal Label London and obtainable at Moda Operandi.

Shop Now

Cartier Clip-On Earrings

What may very well be chicer than these botanical-themed classic Cartier ear-clips? Since you’ll be able to put on them with denims or a black-tie get-up with equal ease, these funding items are destined to turn into one in every of your private signatures.

18 Karat Yellow Gold, Chalcedony and Diamond Clip-On Earrings, $5800, Cartier, obtainable at Van Rijk.

Shop Now

Emily P. Wheeler Bracelet

For those who’re going to drop critical financial institution on a tennis bracelet, why not make it one that really stands out? This recycled gold quantity options quite a few heart-cut gems and can absolutely make you smile each time you catch a glimpse of your individual wrist.

18 Karat Recycled Gold and Amethyst, Citrine, Garnet, Iolite, Peridot, and Topaz Bracelet, $10,512, Emily P. Wheeler + Web Maintain, obtainable at Web-a-Porter.

Shop Now

Louis Abel Recycled Sterling Silver Ring

White metals are trending as soon as once more, and this recycled sterling silver ring from Swedish designer Louis Abel is the right, trendy accompaniment to properly… all the pieces.

Recycled Sterling Silver Ring, $427, Louis Abel, obtainable at Moda Operandi.

Shop Now

Melissa Pleasure Manning Earrings

We love this extra imaginative tackle a traditional hoop that includes pure diamonds and recycled gold. Plus, their delicate dimension and wishbone-shape layer completely with different studs and huggies.

14 Karat Recycled Yellow Gold and Diamond Earrings, $1617, Melissa Pleasure Manning, obtainable at Web-a-porter.

Shop Now

14 Karat Yellow Gold, Blue Sapphire and Diamond Brooch

Brooches are again! This buzz-worthy pin is ideal for remodeling any lapel or too-basic look into one thing really attention-grabbing.

14 Karat Yellow Gold, Blue Sapphire and Diamond Brooch, $1090, 1st Dibs.

Shop Now

Bulgari Gold Ring

This tri-coloured, second-hand ring is the right piece to stack with (and pull collectively) a number of items. Been trying to find a superbly distinctive marriage ceremony band? Take into account it checked off your checklist.

18 Karat White, Rose and Yellow Gold Ring, $2346, Bulgari, obtainable at Vestiaire Collective.

Shop Now

This text first appeared in FASHION’s April 2024 subject. Find out more here.

This text accommodates affiliate hyperlinks, so we might earn a small fee if you make a purchase order by means of hyperlinks on our web site at no extra price to you.