If you love jewelry, you might want to check out a jewelry auction. You can find terrific deals at auctions and walk away with some real treasures.
Tips for Buying Jewelry at an Auction House
The most important part of buying jewelry anywhere is to be savvy about quality and prices. However, even if you are just starting out collecting jewelry, you can still bid and win.
Since you will be buying the jewelry "as is," it is best to double check to make sure that the information listed on the lot tag is correct. You don't want to find out later when you bring your jewelry home that the auction house made a mistake.
Bring a jeweler's loupe or ask to borrow one from the auction house. Inspect every piece of jewelry to confirm the maker's name, if listed, and the silver or gold content. Even if you don't recognize the maker, the piece is likely to be more valuable if it is signed.
After confirming the information provided by the auction house, look at the piece's overall condition. Are there scratches or repairs? Has the jewelry had rhinestones replaced? All of this can affect the amount of money that you should be willing to bid.
Before you decide on what you are going to bid, find out what the buyer's premium is. This is the percentage on top of the winning bid that must be paid to the house. This will help you hone your bid.
If this is your first auction, listen awhile before you start to bid. Every auctioneer has a different rhythm and speed.
Tips for Buying on Online Jewelry Auctions
You are at a disadvantage when you buy jewelry online because you won't be able to "see" or hold the piece yourself. However, there are a few things that you can do to help you decide to bid.
First, read the jewelry's description very, very carefully. Is the description complete? Having an incomplete description is not necessarily a deal breaker. However, it may indicate that the seller isn't experienced at listing jewelry. Email the seller with your questions.
Next, check on the seller's reputation. Try to work with a seller that has been in business a long time and has a high percentage of positive feedback. Read any negative feedback that the seller might have to get a clue about the seller's business practices.
If the seller has excellent feedback, look for the seller's return policy. You are, after all, taking a risk when buying jewelry online. What kind of provisions does the seller have if you feel that the jewelry listed is misrepresented? If you think that the return policy is too strict, move on.
 | When you bid at antique auctions, your notebook and calculator are your best friends. Note the items you're interested in, their lot numbers and the maximum bid for each that you're willing to pay to avoid making costly mistakes. |
 | It helps to know some silent auction tips and proper etiquette if you are planning a silent auction to raise money for your organization or cause. |
Have you ever wanted to go to an auction? Are you unsure about how they work? |
Auction previews are a great opportunity to handle the merchandise, count your pennies and strategize. Don't let a moment go to waste. |
 | Auction websites make the world of antiques collecting a little smaller. But they come with inherent risks. |
