Where to Sell Jewelry: 10 Best Places to Make Extra Cash
Do you have old rings, necklaces, or bracelets collecting dust in your jewelry box? Whether you’re decluttering, upgrading your collection, or just need some extra money, selling unwanted jewelry can be a great way to earn quick cash. Jewelry, especially when made with precious metals or gemstones, can hold significant value. The good news is, there are plenty of places to sell your jewelry—both online and offline.
In this comprehensive guide, we’ll go over the best places to sell jewelry, how to prepare your items, and tips for getting the most money possible.
Why Sell Your Jewelry?
People sell jewelry for many reasons:
- To declutter and simplify their belongings
- To make room for new pieces
- After a breakup or divorce
- To fund a vacation or emergency expense
- To take advantage of high gold or diamond prices
No matter the reason, the key is finding the right place to sell it for the most value and safety.
1. Worthy
Worthy is one of the top-rated online platforms for selling fine jewelry. Their process is simple: you ship your item (insured and free), they professionally photograph and appraise it, and then it goes to auction with a network of trusted buyers. You get to approve the final offer before the sale is completed.
Best for: Diamond rings, engagement rings, designer jewelry, luxury watches
Pros: Secure, free shipping, good market value
Cons: Takes a few days to complete the process
2. eBay
If you’re comfortable creating listings and handling sales yourself, eBay can be a great place to sell jewelry. You’ll need to write detailed descriptions, include high-quality photos, and determine a competitive price.
Best for: Vintage or collectible pieces, rare jewelry
Pros: Access to a large global audience, flexible pricing
Cons: Time-consuming, fees, potential buyer disputes
3. Pawn Shops
Pawn shops are known for offering instant cash for valuables, including jewelry. However, they tend to offer less than market value because they need to resell at a profit. Still, they can be a convenient option for fast money.
Best for: Quick sales, gold chains, basic rings
Pros: Instant cash, no shipping
Cons: Lower payout, little room for negotiation
4. Local Jewelry Stores
PLocal jewelers often buy second-hand jewelry. It’s a good idea to shop around and get multiple quotes. Many will pay you immediately, and some may even offer to melt down the metal or reset stones for resale.
Best for: Gold jewelry, loose gemstones
Pros: In-person appraisal, quick sale
Cons: Offers vary and may be lower than online auctions
5. Facebook Marketplace or Craigslist
Selling directly to buyers on platforms like Facebook Marketplace or Craigslist can help you avoid seller fees. However, you need to be cautious and meet buyers in public places.
Best for: Mid-range or costume jewelry
Pros: No platform fees, fast local sales
Cons: Safety concerns, time spent messaging buyers
6. Etsy
If you have vintage or handmade jewelry, Etsy is the perfect place to reach a niche market of buyers who appreciate unique or artisan pieces.
Best for: Handmade, custom, or vintage jewelry
Pros: Creative community, higher price potential
Cons: Listing fees, requires effort in branding and promotion
7. Poshmark
Poshmark is a fashion-focused app that lets users sell clothing, accessories, and jewelry. It’s simple to use, especially for fashion-forward or trendy pieces.
Best for: Fashion jewelry, branded pieces
Pros: Easy to use, mobile-friendly
Cons: Shipping time, commission fees
8. Consignment Shops
Consignment stores sell your jewelry for you, taking a commission after it sells. It may take longer, but you can often get a higher price than a pawn shop would offer.
Best for: High-end, designer, or estate jewelry
Pros: Professional presentation, better pricing
Cons: Payment is delayed until the item sells
9. Online Gold Buyers (e.g., CashforGoldUSA)
If your jewelry isn’t wearable or you’re only interested in selling the metal content, companies like CashforGoldUSA offer simple mail-in services that pay you based on gold weight and purity.
Best for: Scrap gold, broken or outdated items
Pros: Fast, free appraisals and shipping
Cons: Not ideal for items with design or gem value
10. Yard Sales or Flea Markets
Hosting a yard sale or selling at a local flea market can be a quick way to get rid of lower-value jewelry, like costume or fashion pieces.
Best for: Inexpensive or large batches of jewelry
Pros: Instant cash, local convenience
Cons: Lower prices, limited audience
Tips to Get the Most Money When Selling Jewelry
1. Clean and Polish Your Items
Make your jewelry look its best before taking photos or showing it to buyers.
2. Get a Professional Appraisal
Especially important for high-value or unique pieces—this can help you understand what your item is really worth.
3. Take Clear Photos
Good lighting and close-up shots make a big difference when selling online.
4. Compare Multiple Offers
Don’t accept the first offer you get. Shop around!
5. Prioritize Safety
If meeting someone in person, choose a public place and bring someone with you.
Conclusion
Selling jewelry can be an empowering way to make extra money from pieces you no longer wear. Whether you’re dealing with gold, diamonds, vintage heirlooms, or costume jewelry, there’s a buyer out there.
By choosing the right platform and following some smart selling strategies, you can turn your unused jewelry into real cash—without the stress. Start by gathering what you have, getting a few evaluations, and exploring your best selling options. You might be surprised at how much you can earn!