Got Unbranded Jewelry? Here’s Why You Should Sell It on TRR

If tangles of necklaces, bracelets, and earrings are cluttering up your jewelry box (and your mind) it might be time to do a clean-out. While secondhand designer jewelry is always selling out quickly, you might be surprised to learn that your unbranded jewelry can provide a lovely new budget for you to spend on other new pieces that will fit your style.

There are many reasons why you might be ready to let go of pieces in your collection. Maybe your style has evolved and your statement ring doesn’t gel with your OOTDs or someone gifted you a gorgeous new necklace but it’s not quite your style.

Reselling these delicate treasures is a winning situation all around. You’re paring back on items that no longer serve you, someone is purchasing an item that’s new and perfect for their style, and you get some extra money back in your wallet — the best reason for refreshing your stacking game. 

Reselling jewelry on The RealReal might be a brand new experience for you and seem different from selling your secondhand clothing, handbags, and footwear. Luckily, it’s all very simple. We’ve broken down the process and everything you should know about selling unbranded jewelry so you can confidently get a great valuation and have money to spend on pieces that better resonate with you. 

What to Know About Selling Unbranded Jewelry

A list of questions can surface when you’re considering selling your unbranded jewelry. Below, we’ve compiled some answers to help you decide how to go about it.

What Is Unbranded Jewelry? 

As the name suggests, unbranded jewelry is a piece that doesn’t have a particular brand name associated with it. These are the glimmering picks outside of your Cartier bracelets and Tiffany necklaces. While these blank chains, necklaces, earrings, and bangles may seem a tad nondescript, that doesn’t signify just how valuable they can be. 

Depending on the material your jewelry is made of and if any gemstones are featured in the design, you can earn a high percentage back of the original price — even if it’s been worn and loved. For example, 18-karat gold earrings or a topaz ring can be authenticated by The RealReal’s team of experts and rigorous testing process, resulting in peace of mind for both you and the person who potentially will buy it, and the best possible price for your glimmering valuables.

What Is Unbranded Jewelry Worth? 

There isn’t a single, easy answer to this question, but rather factors you can consider that’ll give you a better idea about what your specific piece of unbranded jewelry is worth. Our luxury managers at The RealReal can help better inform you of what your items can sell for, too. Prior to selling, keep these questions in mind:

What material is your jewelry made of? As in, what metals are featured? Gold, silver, platinum, and palladium are all highly valued metals.

Are there any precious or semi-precious gemstones in the design? This could be diamonds, sapphires, rubies, topaz, and others

What condition is it in? Jewelry in new or like-new condition that’s been well-maintained has a better likelihood of selling.

What Kind of Unbranded Jewelry Should You Sell?

There are nearly no bounds when it comes to the type of jewelry worth selling. Earrings, necklaces, bracelets, anklets, rings, brooches, charms, cufflinks, and body jewelry are all acceptable styles. Even loose gemstones can be sold secondhand (so that hand-me-down ring that seemed in total disrepair can pay off after all!).

As for the best materials? Precious metals usually get you the most money for your used jewelry. These include gold, silver, platinum, and palladium. When it comes to gold, 14K or higher is best. The “K” refers to karat and indicates how pure your piece of gold is. 

The purest form is 24K, although it may come as a surprise that lower karats are actually better for jewelry that you wear day to day. The sweet spot is between 22K and 14K, but it’s worth cashing in on any type of gold regardless. If you’re unsure of the purity of gold it’s made of, there is almost always a stamp on the clasp or underside of the piece that has this information.

Silver, platinum, and palladium are slightly different from gold. Silver runs on a millesimal fineness scale and most fine sterling silver pieces will be made of 925 or 999 silver. Platinum is similar and the most common will be 900 or 950 — indicating the purity. Palladium is the same, too, with 500, 950, and 999 being the most popular markings of quality jewelry pieces.

You might be wondering about gemstones — another high-value addition that could be part of your sparkliest pieces. There are a handful of jewels that have more impressive resale value. Of course, diamonds are high earners, whether you have small half-carats dotted around a ring or a large pendant. Rubies, sapphires, emeralds, tanzanite, and topaz are all other types of precious gems that are valuable investments and retain their value when it comes to selling. An expert opinion can be helpful if you’re unsure what kind of sparkly stones are part of your pieces.

Is All Unbranded Jewelry Worth Selling?

While you may be tempted to dump out your jewelry box and send everything out the door, not every type of accessory will sell. Gold-filled, vermeil, brass, aluminum, and nickel pieces are cheaper to make and lose their structural integrity and color over time. These metals tend to tarnish and aren’t worth selling. 

The same can be said for rhinestones or any gems that aren’t precious or semi-precious. If your jewelry is made of the earlier mentioned materials and gems (like gold and sapphires), it’s completely worth offering up to the secondhand retail market. 

When you sell unbranded jewelry on The RealReal, it couldn’t be easier. There are no convoluted steps or the need to haul out your jewelry to take photos — that’s all done for you. After selecting between a prepaid shipping label or having a virtual appointment with a luxury manager, all you have to do is pack up your precious items and send them off. 

Before you know it, you’ll be able to invest in a new piece you adore or sustainably purchase another secondhand piece.

Get started today on therealreal.com/sell.