Inherited jewelry?
Start with understanding.

Make a simple inventory.

Lay pieces out safely and make a short list or take private reference photos. Keep matching earrings, necklaces and accessories together. Separate jewelry from boxes and papers only long enough to see what belongs to what.

Do not assume an old-looking piece is antique, or that a large stone is a diamond. Notes such as “yellow metal chain” or “blue stone ring” are enough to begin.

Separate your decisions from the price.

Mark the pieces you want to keep before discussing a sale. Personal meaning and market value answer different questions. You may want an evaluation of the whole group while considering only a few pieces for sale.

Tell the team which pieces are being considered and whether there are multiple owners or someone acting on another person’s behalf. Confirm any documentation needed before the visit; this guide does not establish authority to sell estate property.

Bring what you have; avoid buying paperwork first.

Existing receipts, insurance appraisals, diamond reports and family notes may help identify pieces. A replacement-value appraisal is not a promise of what a buyer will pay. Ask the team what would be useful before paying for new reports or repairs.

Keep pieces in their current condition and mention known repairs. Let the buyer explain whether materials, maker, condition or collectibility are driving the assessment.

Ask for an explanation you can use.

• Which pieces have been identified, and what remains uncertain?
• Is the assessment based on the complete piece or its materials?
• How is the collection being grouped in the offer?
• Which records would change or help complete the evaluation?

You can decide to keep some pieces and discuss selling others. Ask about a larger collection before arranging your visit.