One of the questions I'm asked most often is:

"I've got a Cartier bracelet (or a Tiffany ring, or a Bulgari necklace)… what's the best way to sell it?"

The honest answer is that it depends on the piece.

I've spent more than 20 years buying and selling fine jewellery, including time at Harrods, and one thing I've learnt is that no two pieces are ever quite the same. Two Cartier Love bracelets might look almost identical, yet one could be worth considerably more than the other.

If you're thinking about selling signed jewellery, here are a few things I always tell clients before they make any decisions.

Don't rush to accept the first offer. 

It's tempting. You want to know what it's worth, someone makes an offer and you think, "That seems fair."

But signed jewellery isn't like selling old gold.

Brands such as Cartier, Tiffany & Co., Van Cleef & Arpels, Bulgari and Boucheron have strong secondary markets, and the value often comes from far more than the weight of the metal. Understanding exactly what you have is the first step. 

The little details matter.

People often ask me whether boxes and certificates make a difference.

Sometimes they do. Sometimes they don't.

The same goes for condition.

A professionally looked-after piece with its original finish can attract more interest than one that's been heavily polished or repaired over the years.

Then there are the details most people wouldn't think about—when it was made, whether it's still in production, the exact model, even what collectors are currently looking for.

That's why valuations can vary so much.

Not every piece should be sold.

This surprises people.

Occasionally I'll tell someone that I don't think selling is their best option. If it's a family piece with sentimental value, perhaps it could be remodelled. If it's particularly rare, it might be worth holding onto.

And sometimes part exchange into something you'll wear every day makes far more sense than selling outright.

My job isn't simply to buy jewellery; it's to help people make the right decision.

Choose someone who knows the market.

There are plenty of places that will buy jewellery.

But if you're selling signed jewellery, I'd always recommend speaking to someone who specialises in it.

Collectors don't buy Cartier because it's made of gold. They buy Cartier because it's Cartier.

Understanding what makes one piece more desirable than another is where experience really matters

So, what's your jewellery worth?

The only honest answer is: I'd need to see it. Every piece has its own story.

If you're thinking about selling signed jewellery, whether it's Cartier, Tiffany & Co., Van Cleef & Arpels, Bulgari or another luxury brand, I'd be happy to take a look.

There's no obligation and no pressure. Just an honest conversation about what you have, what it's worth in today's market, and the options available to you. Drop me a message for an informal, open chat.