What to do with inherited jewelry

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By the DeKlutterNow team. Last updated October 27, 2026. General information, not an appraisal.

Short answer: With inherited jewelry, take your time first. Sort pieces, read any stamps such as 10K, 14K, 18K, or 925, keep boxes and papers, and photograph everything. Get more than one opinion before selling, and set aside pieces with sentimental value before you decide what to sell.

What should I do first with inherited jewelry?

Do not rush. Gather everything in one place, photograph it, and set aside pieces your family may want to keep. There is no deadline to sell, and a calm sort now avoids regret later.

If an estate is still being settled, check with the person handling it before selling anything.

How do I read the markings on jewelry?

Many pieces carry small stamps inside the band, on the clasp, or on the back. Stamps like 10K, 14K, 18K, or 585 and 750 point to gold content. Stamps like 925 or STERLING point to silver.

A stamp is a clue, not a guarantee, and a missing stamp does not always mean a piece is not precious. Some pieces are plated, which a stamp may also show. A trained buyer can test a piece safely.

Check inside rings, on clasps, and on earring posts
Look for maker marks and brand names
Keep any original boxes, receipts, or appraisal papers
Do not scratch or file a piece to test it

Should I clean or polish old jewelry before selling?

Usually not. Polishing can remove detail or patina on older pieces, and harsh cleaners can damage stones and settings. A gentle wipe with a soft dry cloth is enough.

What if the collection has signed pieces, broken chains, or sterling flatware?

Treat each kind differently. Signed pieces carry a maker name or logo, often on the clasp or back, and can be worth more than their metal. Broken chains and single earrings are still precious metal if they are marked. Sterling flatware carries a sterling or 925 mark on the back, and plated flatware does not.

Photograph each kind separately and send close ups of the marks. Ask any buyer how they separate collectible pieces from scrap, so a signed piece is not priced like a broken chain.

Signed or designer: photograph the name, logo, and any serial number, and keep the box and papers
Broken gold or silver: keep every piece, including single earrings and tangled chains
Sterling flatware: check the back of a fork or spoon for sterling or 925, and note how many pieces you have
Plated or costume pieces are usually not worth selling for metal

How do I compare offers for inherited jewelry?

Ask more than one buyer, and ask each how the offer is worked out. For gold and silver, the market moves daily, so an offer may be tied to weight and the market at that moment. For designer and estate pieces, the maker and condition matter too.

Be wary of anyone who pressures you to decide on the spot. A fair buyer lets you think it over.

Where can I sell inherited jewelry?

Common options include a local jeweler, a pawn or gold buyer, an estate sale, an online marketplace, or a collectibles buyer. They differ in convenience, fees, and how much effort you put in.

DeKlutterNow buys gold, silver, designer, and estate jewelry at your door in Southern California, and nationwide gold and silver by prepaid mail-in. See our gold and silver page for how mail-in works.

Quick questions

Is broken jewelry still worth selling?

Often yes for precious metal pieces, since the metal itself can have value even when a piece is damaged. Send photos and any stamps you can read.

Do I need an appraisal first?

Not always. An appraisal can help for high value or insured pieces, but many sellers start by getting a few offers and asking buyers how they work out their numbers.

What do the numbers 417, 585, 750 and 925 mean?

417 is 10K gold, 585 is 14K, 750 is 18K, and 925 is sterling silver.

What is the difference between gold filled and solid gold?

Solid gold is a gold alloy throughout. Gold filled is a bonded layer of gold over a base metal. Plated pieces have only a thin coating.

Should I get more than one offer for inherited jewelry?

Yes, in writing if you can. Ask each buyer how they test and weigh, and take your time.

Is a box or certificate proof that a designer piece is real?

No. They are helpful clues, but the piece itself is what is checked.

Want an honest look at what you have?

Text photos and we will tell you whether it is a fit. You can say no at any time.

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