It’s a family piece, quite old (though I gather some modifications / add-ons were done at some point which would affect the value).
Speed of selling isn’t an issue, i.e. no need to go to Pawnbrokers R Us and get whatever they would offer. As the proceeds are to help a destitute family member, we’d need to take our time and get the best possible price, and we’d need to be reasonably sure of the true value.
Going to New York (to find a jeweler / auction house / whatever) is within the realm of possibility.
Get an expert appraiser to give you an exact description of the piece and an appraisal value, and then put it on EBay with a reserve. If you think it is worth several thousand, it’s worth placing it with an auction house.
Whoops - life got in the way and I missed that there were replies here.
jtur88, that’s a good idea - at least the appraisal; I’d be fairly worried about selling on eBay though with their buyer-friendly, seller-abusive policies. I’d purely hate for a very valuable piece to get lost to me if the buyer were dishonest.
samclem: unfortunately I don’t have more details about the piece; I know the details are sketchy but I’m just trying to get ideas on what steps I might take next. E.g. the appraisal, maybe people have done OK going through an auction house, or it would be better to just sell to a jeweler, or whatever.
The current issue of Consumer Reports has an article about this. They recommend getting an appraisal (if it’s valuable in excellent condition). They suggest first using an auction house, then a consignment shop. Finally they suggest trying to sell it online (like eBay).
They have many categories showing the best options (such as furniture, electronics, etc.)
Thanks! I read the article and it makes sense. Interestingly one of the people cited in the article is somewhat local to me so I may give him a call once the jewelry is in hand.