In order to safely get the best price for your jewelry, Jerry Ehrenwald, President and CEO of the International Gemological Institute (IGI), one of the world’s leading diamond certifying laboratories, advises the following:

1)     Try to sell directly to the consumer

2)     Use good judgment

3)     Understand the realistic resale value

Try to sell directly to the consumer

When you are looking to sell engagement rings or used diamonds, Ehrenwald says, “to get the best price for your jewelry, you need to sell as close to the consumer as possible. Jewelry stores and pawnshops have high overhead expenses to cover, and their expenses will reduce how much of the piece’s sale price ends up in your pocket”.

You can try to advertise your jewelry online on a website such as Craigslist, however if you have responsibly attempted to use Craigslist in the past, you will know that some members are untrustworthy or time wasters.

Ehrenwald suggests, “one of the quickest ways to sell engagement rings may be through a jewelry store or a pawn shop. Just realize that the further you get from the consumer, the less you should expect to profit.” If you choose to sell your used engagement ring or diamond this way, you will at best receive between 20% and 25% of the original purchase price.

‘Cash for Gold’ or ‘Cash for Diamond’ companies are at the far end of the spectrum, furthest away from the consumer. From a seller’s point of view, this should be your last resort. If you have found yourself using this option, then you are also probably pretty close to selling one of your kidneys for cash!

Sites like Have You Seen the Ring bring consumers directly to you. Our customers are willing to pay the best prices for pre-owned items, as we offer quality guarantees through our Gemologist Verification process. 

Use Good Judgment

      I.        If you try to sell the jewelry yourself, never share your home address or personal information. Never meet a potential buyer at your home. Arrange meetings in a public place (like a police station), and it would be wise to bring a friend or family member.

     II.        If you want to sell online seek out an established company with a great reputation. A quick and easy way to do this is to look for a company that is Better Business Bureau accredited.

Understand the realistic resale value

If you choose to get your jewelry appraised, it’s important to make the appraiser aware that you’re looking for the liquidation price of the item, rather than the replacement value. “There are different levels of valuating,” Ehrenwald explains. “Tell the appraiser you’re looking to liquidate your piece and need to get the highest price that you can.” If the appraiser thinks you’re asking what it would cost to replace the ring for insurance purposes, the value will be much higher than what you can sell the piece for yourself. And brace yourself; Ehrenwald says it’s unrealistic to expect to sell your piece for near the retail value, which means you’ll get less than you paid for it. You may even have to settle for less than the liquidation value, but at least you’ll have a better idea of your asking price.

By Victoria Bauer, Owner of A Bride’s Ally

Your vendors are the glue that will hold your wedding day together. They are the experts who take the vision in your head and make it a reality. And, while they may be working for you, it’s in your best interest to keep them happy. Don’t worry, it’s easier than you think.

Here are some tips for working with you vendors:

Do your research and sign contracts. Before hiring any vendor, it’s important to do your homework. I'm a big fan of going with vendors recommended by friends/family or other vendors you’ve already hired and trust. If you’re looking at someone who hasn’t come by personal recommendation, take the time to look up reviews on their work. The best places to find reviews are The Knot and WeddingWire. However, remember to take reviews with a grain of salt. If a vendor has 2-3 bad reviews, but 15-20 positive reviews, odds are other factors were in play. Once you pick a vendor, it’s crucial to have some form of written contract or order form from them, especially if they require a deposit up front.

Keep up your end of the contract. You expect your vendors to provide services as promised without exception, and you should do the same. Create your own binder, calendar, or spreadsheet that shows how much money you owe each vendor and when your payments are due. Also, be sure to list any information they ask for and when they need it by. If your DJ says your song list is due 30 days before your wedding, don’t email it to him 3 days before and then get annoyed because he couldn’t get all of your songs. Contracts aren’t just about what your vendors are supposed to do for you, they’re also about what you’re supposed to do for them so they can provide you with the best possible service.

If you’re not happy, say so! Vendors are not mind readers. They are also human. If you are unhappy with any aspect of service a vendor is providing, it’s important to speak up and say so. As a vendor, there’s nothing more frustrating than having a bride tell me everything is great, just to go online later and read that they were unsatisfied with some aspect of my service. Don’t get an attitude, don’t be rude, but do be tactfully honest when the service provided is not what you expected. Give them the opportunity to make it right. Getting a partial refund or some other kind of compensation after the fact is not nearly as satisfying as having the vendor fix the issue before it becomes an unhappy memory forever linked with your special day.

Feed them and review them! One of the most frequent questions I’m asked is, “What are the little things brides always forget about?” Number one on that list is feeding their vendors. Any vendor who is present during the reception should be fed (DJ/band, photographer, videographer, photo booth attendant, wedding planner, etc). Many vendors request in their contract that you provide a meal for them, but many brides still forget. Most caterers offer a vendor meal option or a discounted regular meal option that doesn’t include the bar fee (if you see one of your vendors knocking 'em back at the bar, you have bigger problem). Also make sure you have a place for them to sit when they eat their meal!

After it’s all said and done, it’s also important to review your vendors online, especially if you had a really good experience. Most are quick to review if they had bad experience, but it seems getting someone to write about a good experience is like pulling teeth! Ask your vendors if they have any online profiles where you can write reviews. Not only will you be helping them, but you’ll also be helping future brides looking for good vendors, just like you were at the beginning of this article!

Victoria Bauer

Owner/Consultant

A Bride's Ally

314-560-4138

victoriabauer@abridesally.com

www.abridesally.com

The Knot Best of Weddings 2012 & 2013 Pick!

Have You Seen the Ring is proud to announce the launch an expansion to our fabulous website!

Over the years, we have received many inquiries from buyers searching for brand new 'discount diamonds'.

Our specialty has been been centered on the pre-owned market; but after negotiating a great deal with one of the biggest diamond importers in the US, we are happy to launch one of the biggest loose diamonds inventories anywhere.

The best part of this for the consumer is that our inventory is only high quality at the lowest prices.

Click here http://www.haveyouseenthering.com/Discount-Diamonds.aspx to view the best deals on loose diamonds in the US.

After three years in business we are launching a new aspect to Have You Seen the Ring.

Brand New Wholesale Discount Diamonds. More details to follow.

Have You Seen the Ring: BIG NEWS!! After three years in business we are launching a new aspect to our business. Brand New Wholesale Discount Diamonds. More to follow. http://www.facebook.com/pages/p/118241868269231