Estate Jewelry Guide – How to Get the Best Value in San Diego
If you’ve inherited vintage jewelry or are looking to part with a family heirloom, estate pieces can carry both sentimental and significant monetary value. At Belmont Watches, we work with clients every day who want to sell estate jewelry with confidence and walk away with a fair, market-based offer.
Whether you’re downsizing, settling an estate, or simply ready to part with a piece of your collection, here’s how to get the most value from estate jewelry in San Diego.
What Qualifies as Estate Jewelry?
“Estate jewelry” refers to any piece that has had a previous owner, regardless of age. However, in the industry, it’s often used to describe as vintage if it's over 40 years old and antique if it's over 80 to 100 years old.
Common estate jewelry includes:
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Vintage diamond rings
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Art Deco and Edwardian-era pieces
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Antique brooches and pins
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Heirloom necklaces or earrings
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Signed designer jewelry (Cartier, Tiffany, Van Cleef, etc.)
You don’t need original boxes or paperwork to sell an item, but bringing them can sometimes increase the value.
How We Evaluate Estate Jewelry
At Belmont Watches, our evaluation process focuses on craftsmanship, condition, materials, and market demand. Every estate piece is assessed carefully by our GIA-certified team, right in our San Diego showroom.
Here’s what we look for:
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Precious metals: Gold, platinum, or silver
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Natural diamonds or gemstones: Condition, cut, and quality
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Brand signatures: Designer names can significantly raise resale value
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Style era: Certain vintage styles are more in demand than others
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Condition: Well-preserved pieces often earn a premium
We take the time to explain every part of our evaluation so you understand exactly what you're being offered and why.
Why Sell Estate Jewelry to Belmont Watches?
There are many options for selling estate jewelry, but Belmont Watches offers a more personalized, trustworthy approach:
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Walk-ins welcome with no appointment needed
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Same-day offers based on live market conditions
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GIA-certified team with deep experience in fine jewelry
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Respectful, transparent process every step of the way
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Located in the San Diego Jewelry Exchange, trusted by collectors and families alike
Whether you're selling a single ring or an entire collection, we treat each piece with care.
FAQ: Selling Estate Jewelry in San Diego
What qualifies as estate jewelry?
Any previously owned jewelry can be considered estate. Pieces over 20 years old, especially those from known design eras or luxury brands, may carry additional vintage or antique value.
Do I need the original box or certificate?
No, but bringing documentation or original packaging may enhance value—especially for signed designer pieces.
Do you buy vintage jewelry with damage?
Yes. Even items with wear, missing stones, or patina can still hold resale or melt value.
Can I get paid on the same day?
Yes. We provide on-the-spot payment for accepted offers, either in cash, check, or wire transfer.
Bring Your Estate Jewelry to Belmont Watches
Whether you’re honoring a family legacy or simply ready to sell, Belmont Watches offers a thoughtful, expert-driven approach to evaluating and purchasing estate jewelry in San Diego.
Visit our San Diego showroom (walk-ins welcome, no appointment needed) or book a private consultation to sell or buy jewelry.
Belmont Watches
San Diego Jewelry Exchange, 7th Floor
861 6th Ave, San Diego, CA 92101