Times change, the economy changes and personal tastes change. All or just one of these factors could be the reason you find yourself in a position to sell some of your old jewelry. Whether parting with your jewelry is a choice or a circumstance of need, you want to make sure that when you do, you get the best price possible from certified jewelry appraisers.

Pawnshops are the quickest way to get fast cash, but you will compromise what you get from them simply based on convenience. Gold is weighed and less negotiable. If you have diamonds or other gemstones, pawnshops do not have educated or certified gemologists on staff who will be able to give you an accurate value. Most of the time, that means they offer what they think it's worth, which ends up being a great deal below what it is actually worth. 

Taking your items to jewelry appraisers is always going to be the better choice. Experienced jewelers are often either a part of the American Gem Society or have GIA-certified (Gemological Institute of America) employees who know what to look for. Unless you have an existing relationship with a specific jeweler, it is smart to seek several estimates to be certain you are getting fair market value for your pieces.

Here are a few tips you should know before selling your jewelry:

1. Gold of any value will have the karat engraved on it. There are different calculations for different purities (24K being the purest), so if you know what you have, you can feel confident that the buyer is making a fair offer. Note: There is no law governing these karat engravings, so when it comes to buying internationally, keep in mind that having an imprint will not guarantee its worth until the item has been evaluated by an experienced jeweler.
2. A heavy magnet will attract items that are not pure gold. This means the piece has been mixed with other metals, and rarely will a jeweler make an offer to buy.
3. Some jewelers sell on a consignment basis. If you are not looking to make money off your jewelry immediately, this is a great way to sell your items. The jeweler will take a percentage, but even considering their cut, you will likely get considerably more than you would selling on the spot.
4. Having an original gem certificate or appraisal will help you in negotiating a better price. It establishes authenticity and value, and reputable jewelers will consider this in their appraisal.
5. If the original jeweler you purchased the item from is still in business and nearby, go back to them! They greatly appreciate the loyalty and may reward you for it by making a more generous offer.

While other venues like online auction sites or pawnshops may make it easier and quicker for you to get money, chances are they will not have the expertise to offer you a fair and accurate price. Overall, if you know what you have and take the time to find recommended, reputable jewelers, you'll get the best value for your old jewelry.