Spring is such an inspiration. Outside there is a flurry of activity, flowers blooming, new babies emerging, signs of new beginnings all around. For some reason, this tends to make us desire a fresh start in our homes as well, resulting in what has been deemed "Spring Cleaning". We clean out closets and cabinets and sort through toy boxes and basements, but have you ever done a spring cleaning of your jewelry box?
For our April Resolution, Ketterman's is giving you the challenge of doing just that, a jewelry box makeover. Go through your jewelry box and divide it into two categories: "Things I wear" and "Things I do not wear". Take the pieces you no longer wear out of the jewelry box and continue to divide them into more specific categories: "Broken", "Dirty", "Out of Style", etc. Now you have some decisions to make. "Costume" jewelry pieces can be donated, sold, or tossed as you see necessary. Precious metal pieces (Gold, Silver or Platinum) can be sold or gifted as they, are to someone who may enjoy them. Another option is to redesign it into a piece you will enjoy, or sell the item for a refiner's value. Ketterman's can help you with all three of these cases.
For a complete piece of jewelry in excellent condition, you can expect to get about 30% of the retail value in a private sale, if you can find the right buyer. If you are looking to sell an item to another individual, Ketterman's can clean and evaluate the piece as far as necessary repairs for wearability, free of charge. We can also provide a verbal or written appraisal for a fee. This is the ideal solution for pieces in excellent condition that you just do not wear anymore.
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This Ring was a family piece made into a pendant to be worn every day. |
If you have a lot of nice pieces that you wish you could wear, but just don't have the right occasions, consider redesigning several pieces into something more wearable. Our associates can take what you have and find or build a setting that will accommodate your stones. If you can't find exactly what you're looking for, we have a select number of associates trained in CAD/CAM computer model making, and several jewelers and designers who can go as far as carving a wax for a completely unique custom jewelry piece. This is great if you have sentimental pieces that you would like to enjoy but are unable to wear as they are.
If you are looking to "scrap" some of your old jewelry, Mr. Ketterman does purchase gold, silver, and platinum for a refiner's value or "gold buying value". Because the pieces are valued only by their weight and precious metal content, you can usually expect less than 10% of the retail value of the piece, similar to scrapping a car. This is the best thing to do with broken or damaged pieces. Ketterman's offers two values for these items, one is for a check, and the other is for store credit, which is always a little more because there is not paperwork or waiting period involved.
There may be more options of what to do with pieces you don't wear anymore, we would love to hear about them. If you're ready for a total overhaul, for the month of April, Ketterman's is offering 20% off jewelry storage, and a complimentary jar of jewel clean for our loyal newsletter readers. We look forward to seeing your pieces and hearing about your fresh start in your jewelry wardrobe.