What is Consignment Jewelry? Everything You Need To Know

by Adam Chronister March 10, 2025

Consignment jewelry involves selling pre-owned pieces through trusted stores, where sellers and stores share the profits. The seller keeps ownership until the item is sold. Buyers can find unique, high-quality items at lower prices than retail—like vintage or designer pieces.

Sellers benefit by reaching more buyers and earning fair market value while avoiding quick liquidation losses and ensuring authenticity matters, as trusted jewelers often certify materials like gold or diamonds.

This guide will explain everything about consignment jewelry step by step!

Key Takeaways

Consignment jewelry involves selling pre-owned pieces through a store, with sellers and stores sharing profits. Ownership remains with the seller until sold.
Buyers benefit from finding unique, high-quality items at lower prices than retail, including vintage pieces or designer jewelry.
Sellers can reach more buyers, avoid quick liquidation losses, and earn fair market value while consignment stores handle sales efforts.
Authenticity is vital; trusted jewelers provide certifications to ensure genuine materials like diamonds or gold in each piece.
Inspecting condition carefully ensures durability and quality; look for flaws like loose stones, scratches, or hidden damage before purchasing.

Ready to Explore Consignment Jewelry with Menashe & Sons?

Discover the unique world of consignment jewelry with Menashe & Sons Jewelers! Whether you're looking for a one-of-a-kind piece to add to your collection or interested in selling your own jewelry, we’re here to help. Learn more about our services, browse our curated collection of stunning gifts under $3000, or dive deeper into diamond education. Our team of experts is ready to guide you every step of the way.

Have questions? Call us today at (206) 932-4272 to speak with a knowledgeable team member.

What is Consignment Jewelry?

Consignment jewelry refers to items a seller places in a store, allowing the store to sell them on their behalf. The seller and the store agree on terms and share profits after the item sells.

Definition of Consignment Jewelry

Consignment jewelry refers to fine jewelry that individuals place in a consignment store for sale. Sellers retain ownership of the pieces until they are sold, and both parties agree on a set consignment rate.

Jewelry stores showcase items like estate jewelry, designer pieces, or pre-owned high-quality jewelry in exchange for a portion of the selling price.

This arrangement allows sellers to display valuable pieces such as diamond jewelry or precious metals without creating new inventory. Buyers gain access to unique and rare items often not found in regular physical stores.

Consigned jewelry is an eco-friendly way to enjoy intricate details and craftsmanship from existing collections.

How Consignment Works

Jewelry consignment involves an agreement between the jewelry owner and a consignment jewelry store. The store displays the item for sale in its display space while maintaining ownership with the seller until it’s sold.

Consignment stores offer marketing efforts, detailed descriptions, and prime placement to attract buyers. They take a percentage of the final sale as their fee in exchange.

This process benefits both parties by creating a mutually beneficial relationship. Sellers gain access to high-traffic and established customer bases without selling directly or quickly liquidating items for cash immediately at a lower value.

Buyers inspect high-quality pieces firsthand before purchasing, ensuring they get unique jewelry items at competitive market prices without extensive negotiation or new production delays.

Benefits of Buying Consignment Jewelry

You can find high-quality jewelry at more affordable prices. Consignment offers a chance to discover distinctive and elegant pieces for your collection.

Cost Savings

Buying consignment jewelry offers significant cost savings. High-quality pieces are often priced lower than new jewelry production because they are pre-owned. Shoppers can find designer jewelry and unique items at a fraction of their original market value.

Consignment agreements also help sellers avoid losses, keeping prices fair for buyers looking to expand their jewelry collection. This approach ensures access to affordable, high-end jewelry without compromising quality or style.

Unique and Rare Pieces

Consignment jewelry stores often feature unique and rare pieces not found in retail shops. These items range from vintage designs to pre-owned jewelry with intricate craftsmanship.

Shoppers can discover high-quality pieces with history, charm, or custom details.

The inventory constantly changes as new jewelry arrives through the consignment process. This provides buyers access to one-of-a-kind treasures at the best price. Understanding how to shop for consignment jewelry ensures you find trustworthy options with great value.

How to Shop for Consignment Jewelry

Shop with a clear idea of your desired style and type of jewelry. Always research to ensure you're making an informed choice.

Finding Trusted Jewelers

Finding trusted jewelers is key to purchasing pre-owned jewelry. High-quality pieces require careful selection from reliable sources.

Check online reviews for the jeweler's reputation. Look for consistent feedback on quality and service. Menashe and Sons have served our Seattle community for 45 years, committed to selling beautiful, quality jewelry pieces with the utmost trust and craftsmanship.
Visit their physical store or website to view their jewelry inventory. Ensure they have a wide collection of high-quality pieces. You can view our online store and browse our available pieces easily or even check our available services and contact details if you want to visit our premises.
Verify if the jeweler offers authenticity certification for consignment jewelry. A certificate helps confirm genuine materials.
Ask about their inspection process for pre-owned jewelry. Trusted shops carefully check each item's condition before selling it.
See if they provide a return policy or warranty. This adds extra security when investing in unique jewelry pieces.

Inspecting the actual condition of jewelry is an important step next.

Inspecting Jewelry Condition

Before purchasing pre-owned jewelry, assessing its condition is crucial. High-quality pieces must meet your standards for appearance and durability.

Examine the metal closely for scratches, dents, or discoloration. These flaws can reduce the value of high-quality jewelry.
Check gemstones for chips, cracks, or loose settings. Damaged stones may require expensive repairs.
Assess the clasp or closures on necklaces and bracelets. Faulty clasps can cause you to lose your jewelry.
Inspect the back of earrings and any hidden areas. Wear and tear often appear in less visible spots.
Look for hallmarks or engravings indicating authenticity and metal purity. These marks help confirm genuine, high-quality materials.
Ensure that all moving parts, like hinges on bracelets, work smoothly. Stiff or broken parts may suggest poor quality or misuse.
Verify if cleaning or polishing has been done recently to hide damage. Fresh polish might mask imperfections temporarily.
Use a loupe or magnifier to view fine details of intricate designs. Small cracks or defects are easier to spot under magnification.
Request certification from a trusted jeweler about the piece's authenticity and condition if possible. This document provides extra assurance about its value.
Compare the item’s wear to others in its age range before selecting. Pre-owned jewelry should show reasonable care over time without excessive damage.

Selling Your Jewelry on Consignment

Selling jewelry on consignment allows you to reach interested buyers. Trusted jewelers handle the selling process for you.

The Process of Selling

The process of selling jewelry on consignment can be simple and rewarding. Consignment allows someone else to sell your pre-owned jewelry while ensuring you get fair value.

Contact a trusted jeweler or consignment store to discuss selling options. Choose those experienced with high-quality pieces.
Provide detailed information about your jewelry, including materials, brand, and age. Accurate details help assess its value.
Allow the jeweler to inspect the item for authenticity and quality. Certifications or appraisals increase trustworthiness.
Agree on a consignment contract that outlines terms, fees, and expected price range. Clear agreements prevent misunderstandings.
Leave your custom-made or unique jewelry piece for display and promotion at the store. Many stores showcase items in attractive settings.
Track updates on your item's status through regular communication with the jeweler. Transparency ensures a smooth selling process.
Collect your payment after the sale is completed according to the terms agreed upon in the contract. This includes deducting any commission fees.

What to Expect When Selling

Selling jewelry on consignment can be an easy way to earn cash for pre-owned jewelry. It requires patience and a clear understanding of the process.

Choose a trusted jeweler who specializes in high-quality pieces. This ensures your item is handled with care and marketed properly.
Agree on the commission rate with the jeweler upfront. Most jewelers take 20-50% of the sale price as their fee.
Sign a consignment contract outlining pricing, duration, and responsibilities. This protects both parties involved.
Wait for buyers to show interest in your jewelry piece. Sale timelines can vary depending on market demand and uniqueness.
Collect payment after the item sells successfully, minus agreed fees. Jewelers usually pay sellers within a set period after each transaction.
If they remain unsold, retrieve unsold items once the consignment term ends. This keeps you in control of your high-quality jewelry collection.
Expect updates from jewelers about offers or buyer interest levels during the process. Consistent communication helps track progress effectively.

Factors to Consider Before Purchasing Consignment Jewelry

Check the seller's reputation before making a purchase. Review all details of the jewelry to ensure quality and value.

Authenticity and Certification

Authenticity ensures you purchase genuine jewelry. Trusted consignment shops provide certificates or detailed reports. These documents verify the materials, gemstones, and origins of each piece.

Always request certification before buying high-quality or unique items. This step protects your investment and confirms the item's value.

Certification also safeguards against counterfeit pieces in the market. Jewelers often use third-party labs for unbiased assessments. Look for certifications from reputable sources like GIA or AGS.

Proper documentation keeps your jewelry box filled with authentic treasures that meet industry standards.

Jewelry’s Condition and Value

Inspect the piece for visible wear, such as scratches, loose stones, or discoloration. Ask about past repairs or alterations that could affect durability or design. High-quality consignment jewelry should still showcase craftsmanship and structural integrity.

Evaluate the value by considering material quality and gemstone authenticity. Gold karats, diamond grading, and hallmark stamps help determine worth. Request appraisals or certifications from trusted sources to verify details before buying a unique item.

Conclusion

Consignment jewelry offers value and uniqueness. Shoppers can find rare pieces at lower prices. Selling on consignment provides a simple way to earn money from unused items. Always check for authenticity and quality before buying or selling.

Explore our website for more information on how to get started today!

FAQs

1. What is consignment jewelry?

Consignment jewelry is when a seller gives their jewelry to a store to sell on their behalf. The seller gets paid after the item sells.

2. How does consignment jewelry work?

You bring your jewelry to a store, and they display it for sale. When someone buys it, you share the profit with the store based on an agreed percentage.

3. Why choose consignment for selling jewelry?

Consigning allows you to reach more buyers without handling sales yourself. It’s great for selling valuable or unique pieces through trusted stores.

4. Is consignment different from regular sales?

Yes, in consignment, you still own the item until it sells. In regular sales, ownership transfers immediately after payment is made by the buyer.