Questions & Answers

Answers about our Estate Item & Jewelry Buying Services

Read FAQs about our services buying Hawaii jewelry, gold & estate items.
Contact us today for a free estimate, no obligation. Save precious time – text or email us a photo and know right away if we can purchase your item, before scheduling!

Why are people interested in coming to your establishment to sell their estate jewelry?

In this uncertain economic climate, some people find more value in turning their old jewelry into liquid assets. Lifestyles have changed and many people are selling family heirlooms to take advantage of other investment opportunities or more pressing expenses like mortgages, education, long-term care, or unexpected events.

What about an auction house? Is that a good place to sell estate jewelry?

In an auction house you may have to wait three to six months or longer to be paid. In addition, the commission rate drastically reduces the amount you will actually receive. Unfortunately, you may invest a great deal of time and effort, but ultimately be disappointed when the jewelry does not sell and is returned to you many months later.

What should I do with or to my estate jewelry before bringing it to you?

There is no need to have your jewelry cleaned or looked at before coming to Hawaii Estate & Jewelry Buyers. We will look at items in all conditions. Please bring with you any original packaging, boxes, receipts, paperwork, etc. Pack your items carefully for the trip to our office and most importantly, stay safe!

Is there a charge to make an appointment to sell my estate jewelry?

No. There is a charge for our appraisal services, but if you are looking to sell, there is no fee to receive an estimate! You can also send us pictures for a rough estimate before you even leave your house!

Will I be paid for my estate jewelry the same day that I bring it in?

We will evaluate your estate jewelry immediately. After communicating with our technicians, we will make you the highest offer. The option to sell is completely up to you. If you do decide to sell, payment is immediate. We will need a valid form of government ID to complete the transaction.

Is your pricing based on the original retail value of the piece?

It is most likely that a jewelry buyer will need to offer below what you paid. If you bring in a very contemporary piece, especially a designer item, there may be some relationship to the retail value taken into consideration when we are offering you a price. However, remember that your item is now a “second hand” item, whether or not you wore it.

What percentage of my appraisal should I expect to receive?

Every item is evaluated individually, there is no set percentage you will receive. Most appraisals are very high or determined by a value unrelated to the resale value as a second hand item (Ex. the “Retail Replacement Value” is not what you can receive as your item is now “second hand”).

How can Hawaii Estate & Jewelry Buyers pay higher cash prices than other jewelers for my estate jewelry, including diamonds, gold, platinum, watches and more?

We are expert jewelers. We evaluate gold, platinum, diamond jewelry, and watches based upon the value of the workmanship and desirability of the piece.
Other jewelry buyers pay you only on the scrap value. Our assessment of the true value of your items gets you the maximum payout. Our extensive knowledge of U.S. and world markets give us the real talent of knowing what markets want and where the best end-user is for a piece of jewelry.

How will I be paid?

You’ll receive cash or check (depending on the size of the transaction).

What types of jewelry do you normally purchase?

We purchase all types of estate jewelry from all periods including the Georgian Period, Victorian Period, Art Nouveau Period, Edwardian Period, Art Deco Period, Retro Period, and Modern jewelry. We specialize particularly in branded “high house” items such as pieces by brands like Cartier, Tiffany & Co., Vancleef & Arpels, Harry Winston, etc. As well as luxury brand watches like Rolex, Patek Philippe, IWC, Cartier, Jaeger-LeCoultre, and more. We also purchase diamond jewelry, engagement rings, diamond stones over 1ct, gemstone jewelry, vintage watches/pocket watches, certain fine collectables and more! If you’re not sure what you have, text or email a photo to us and we’ll be happy to take a look!

We do not purchase or sell ivory items despite age or certification.

How do you evaluate the jewels that are brought into your headquarters?

We look at every piece of jewelry taking into consideration its design, history, and maker. We test the metal right in front of our clients to determine whether it is gold, platinum, or silver.
We also look for special hallmarks through a special lens for jewelry. These are just some of the things taken into consideration when evaluating your jewelry.

How do you determine value?

Beyond the intrinsic or elemental valuations, i.e. diamonds, gemstones and precious metals contained in a piece, we carefully take into account the non-tangible qualities of fine vintage jewelry.
Ultimately we’ll examine your antique and estate jewelry in our Certified Gemological Laboratory by our expert gemologists and buyers.

Intrinsic Value:
Diamonds, Gemstones, Platinum, Gold, and Silver constitute the intrinsic value of an antique and estate jewelry piece. Diamonds and gemstones are valued for their quality and rarity and have added value when accompanied with a certificate of quality. Diamonds are evaluated based on the 4 C’s – Carat, Cut, Color and Clarity.

Rarity:
Most antique and estate jewels are one-of-a-kind. In addition to being individually hand crafted, some antique and estate jewels are made by famous jewelers such as Cartier, Tiffany, Van Cleef & Arpels and many others. We happily pay a large premium for fine signed pieces.
If large diamonds and gemstones are highlighted in a fine piece of jewelry they make the jewelry even more rare and desirable. Often rarity can be solely in the unique nature of the piece of jewelry and is not predicated on the intrinsic value.

Desirability:
Signed jewelry, exquisite examples of period jewelry, antique and estate diamond engagement rings are highly prized today. As always, fashion trends influence the demand for certain periods, materials and gemstones.

Condition:
We expect to see some signs of wear on antique and estate jewelry. Jewelry in pristine condition is rare and commands a premium, where jewelry with apparent repairs and restoration can be devalued. Alterations from the original can result in devaluation as well.

How Does It Work?

Contact us and our operators will ask you a few simple questions regarding the items that you would like a commitment free estimate on, we may ask you for a photo – especially if you’re unsure about the details of the item or you have a price in mind. If it’s an item we can purchase we’ll then set up an appointment with you. This appointment will be held at our secure office located in Downtown Honolulu. For the elderly and for those who are not mobile or have an excess of items (100+) we may be able to arrange and in home evaluation.

On the day of the appointment, our technician will evaluate your unwanted items and answer any questions you may have.

Our technician will provide you with an Buy Offer amount. Should you decide to sell, payment will be immediate. Your items will be purchased with either cash or check.