I have mentioned this before, but I am the last in my family once my mom goes. As a result of the family dwindling down to just me since about 1860's, I have ended up with everyones, wedding rings,cameos, etc. We are talking about 20 sets of wedding rings, 4 Cameo brooches, mens rings, strands and strands of pearls- anyhow you get the idea. I am not much of a jewelry wearer. I have given pieces away to friends, but still have a boxful of stuff This is the plan I need your input on. I know of a very reputable jeweler who will probably give cash or store credit for the items. I do have a few repairs and one or 2 wish list items I could spend the money on. Do I go to a whole bunch of places- it's taken me about 5 years to even get to this point or do I stick with the one family owned jewelry store. Then how much do I negotiate? Just don't know where to start, but silly to keep all this stuff sitting in a drawer.
Posts: 439 | Location: Laurel, MD USA | Registered: Oct 24, 2002
Go talk to several & take the items so they know exactly what you have...but don't leave any any place until you decide what to do or who to deal with.
"The soil is the source of life, creativity, culture and real independence." David Ben-Gurion
I think a reliable store that sells new (AND ESTATE jewelry) is going to be your best bet for pricing. Often this is an established (non chain) local jeweler with a great reputation in the community. Many other jewelers or pawn shops will only give you cost for scrap, minus their fees.
And absolutely do not leave stones with questionable jewelers...even if they want to take them to a back room alone...you hang on to them.
Ask your friends. That's what I did and went to one reliable jeweler. Just remember, they are in business to make a profit.
You might go to one jeweler for appraisals for "insurance value." Then perhaps you would have an idea what the items are worth. You will probably have to pay for this service.
Some things you might checkout online. Perhaps eBay for the cameos, etc. There are probably specific jewelry sites onoine too. You should be able to get an idea of some sort.
Originally posted by Sandlance: I have mentioned this before, but I am the last in my family once my mom goes. As a result of the family dwindling down to just me since about 1860's, I have ended up with everyones, wedding rings,cameos, etc. We are talking about 20 sets of wedding rings, 4 Cameo brooches, mens rings, strands and strands of pearls- anyhow you get the idea. I am not much of a jewelry wearer.
Oh, Sandlance, what a treasure you have and what a wonderful opportunity to share that treasure. I should explain a bit - I have been doing genealogy for over 30 years - found more than one surprise and people connected even though we have never met. But, I don't do it to meet living relatives (my bad ); I just do it to connect the branches in my tree and understand how everything came together that I became the person I am...
So, before getting rid of these family keepsakes, I'd suggest that you start searching Ancestry.com for your own family tree - you might be totally blown away with what you discover - much better than melting down such priceless artifacts - for pennies on the dollar!
Do not, ever, let a jeweler ask you how much you want for an item. You want what it is worth and if they ask, they're not going to give you what it is worth. Go someplace else.
I have been doing genealogy for over 30 years - found more than one surprise and people connected
Hi Idaho Resident. I just started doing this a couple of months ago. Can only research 3 of my 8 great grandparents. (the other five were such recent immigrants that I can't find anything on them C. 1836 - 1870) But what riches I have found in those three! I have about 600 people listed so far and have gone back to the 1400's.
I am interested in why it takes so long (30 years) to find out everything you can find out. So far I am only doing Ancestry.com and of course on-line there is lots of information on some families and other historic events.
When I was showing some of my material to a friend the other day she said "who cares? why would anyone want to know this?" I was aghast. I can't imagine not being interested in your own family's history and their connection to the history of us all.
Lady, there are lots of folks who have your friend's attitude. To them, its a total waste of time. I can't fathom that attitude myself. The concept of family past is part and parcel of me as a southerner.
You should be able to find info on those immigrants from 1836-1870. If they were in the states by 1850, their name should be on a US census somewhere. That was the first time that every member of the household was named. And they've been named since. Also, the passenger lists for the ships they came over on should list them. Its harder to find them unless you know what port they came out of and/or the name of the ship.
Sandlance- You could also have the items melted down and have made into a piece (or pieces) that you really want. That way the pieces would still be with you- in the new ones.
); I just do it to connect the branches in my tree and understand how everything came together that I became the person I am...
