If you're looking to sell your jewellery, you have more options than ever before. Whether you're parting with a treasured heirloom, downsizing a collection, or simply ready to move on, choosing the right selling method can make a significant difference to the outcome. Here's a guide to the most effective ways to sell your jewellery.
A Note on Provenance & Sourcing
At The Estate, due to our size, the fact that we are an online store and need to be extremely picky about the pieces we buy, we only purchase jewellery from known auction houses and reputable dealers — ensuring every piece we offer has a verified and trustworthy provenance. We get approached by a lot of people wanting to sell their antique and vintage jewellery, so we have put together the guide below to try and assist with this.
Please whatever you do, don't take antique jewellery pieces to a gold buyer to be melted down. You will most likely lose money as the antique piece is worth more than it's gold scrap value and seriously the thought of antique pieces being lost forever causes us to lose sleep! If you are at all unsure what you should do, please don't hesitate to contact us.
1. Sell on Consignment
Consignment is an excellent option if you're not in a rush and want to achieve a strong price. With consignment, a jeweller or platform sells your piece on your behalf, and you receive payment once it sells — typically after a commission is deducted. Here are some trusted consignment options:
Klepners — Melbourne
Klepners is a highly regarded Melbourne jeweller with decades of experience in fine and antique jewellery. Their clientele and expertise make them well-suited to finding the right buyer for quality estate pieces.
Process: Contact Klepners directly to arrange an appraisal of your piece. If accepted for consignment, they will display it in-store and market it to their established clientele. You'll agree on a reserve or asking price upfront, and receive payment (less commission) once the piece sells.
Monty's — Melbourne
Monty's is a Melbourne-based jeweller offering consignment services for quality pre-owned and estate jewellery as well as buying pieces outright or "swapping" where pieces are exchanged for store credit. With a focus on fine jewellery and a loyal customer base, Monty's is a trusted option for sellers looking for a professional, in-store consignment experience.
Process: Reach out to Monty's via their website to discuss your piece and arrange an assessment. If your item is suitable for consignment, they will list and display it in-store, handling all aspects of the sale on your behalf. You'll receive payment less their agreed commission once the piece finds its new owner.
Kalmar Antiques — Sydney
Kalmar Antiques have made a name as one of the finest antique jewellery dealers in Sydney, a 2nd generation family business located in the beautiful Queen Victoria Building in the heart of Sydney. Kalmar Antiques deal in fine antique and modern jewellery, watches and clocks.
Process: Kalmar Antiques is predominately looking for antique jewellery pieces that are 100 years or older and vintage timepieces that have an age of 20 years or older, however, they are always happy to consider any jewellery or timepieces and can always provide recommendations if the items aren't quite right for them. To begin your enquiry, contact them via email at sales@kalmarantiques.com.au or call them on (02) 9264 3663, or alternatively, you are welcome to take your items into the store.
Luxe.it.Fwd — Online Consignment
Luxe.it.Fwd is an Australian online consignment platform specialising in pre-loved luxury fashion, accessories, and jewellery. It's a great option for designer or branded pieces with strong resale appeal.
Process:
- Submit your item via their website by completing a consignment request form with photos and details of your piece.
- Their team will assess the item and confirm whether it meets their consignment criteria.
- If accepted, you'll agree on a listing price. Luxe.it.Fwd handles photography, listing, and all buyer communications.
- Once your item sells, you receive payment minus their commission fee.
This is a hands-off option ideal for those who want a streamlined, fully managed process without leaving home.
Vestiaire Collective — Global Online Marketplace
Vestiaire Collective is one of the world's leading pre-owned luxury fashion and accessories platforms, with a large international buyer base. It's particularly well-suited to high-end, designer, or branded jewellery pieces.
Process:
- Create a free account on the Vestiaire Collective website or app.
- List your item by uploading photos and providing details including brand, condition, and your asking price. Vestiaire's team will review and authenticate the listing before it goes live.
- Once a buyer purchases your item, you ship it to Vestiaire Collective's quality control team for authentication and inspection.
- After the item passes inspection, it is forwarded to the buyer and you receive payment (less their commission and any applicable fees).
Vestiaire Collective offers strong international reach and buyer trust, making it a compelling option for premium or designer pieces with global appeal.
Pros of consignment: Potential for higher sale price; professional presentation and marketing handled for you.
Cons: Can take time to sell; commission fees apply across all platforms.
2. Sell at Auction
Auction houses are one of the most transparent and effective ways to sell antique, vintage, and fine jewellery. Competitive bidding can drive strong results, particularly for rare or desirable pieces. Auctions also provide a clear market valuation — you'll know exactly what buyers are willing to pay.
We recommend the following reputable Australian auction houses for jewellery:
- Leonard Joel — One of Australia's most respected auction houses, with offices in both Melbourne and Sydney. They carry out regular dedicated jewellery and decorative arts sales.
- Phillips Auctions — A well-established Melbourne auction house with regular jewellery and collectables sales.
- Pfeffers Auctions — Known for quality estate and antique jewellery auctions, based in Brisbane.
- Lawsons Auctions — Based in Sydney they are a trusted name in Australian auctions with a strong jewellery category.
- Aalders Auctions — A reputable option for estate jewellery and collectables, based in Sydney.
Pros: Transparent pricing; competitive bidding can achieve excellent results; suits rare or high-value pieces.
Cons: Auction house fees and buyer's premiums apply; timing depends on scheduled sale dates.
Tips for Getting the Best Result
- Get an independent valuation before selling — knowing the value of your piece helps you set realistic expectations and choose the right selling channel.
- Gather any documentation you have — receipts, certificates, previous valuations, or provenance records all add value and buyer confidence.
- Condition matters — have pieces professionally cleaned if appropriate, but avoid amateur repairs that could reduce value.
- Research your options — different auction houses and jewellers specialise in different eras and styles. Choose one that aligns with your piece.
Need Guidance?
If you're unsure where to start, we're happy to point you in the right direction. At The Estate, we're passionate about antique and vintage jewellery and love helping our community make informed decisions — whether buying or selling.