I’ve been trying to sell my ring for a couple of years now. We just went to a local jewellery store and put it on consignment.
Mine is a white gold with gold trimmings, 4 small diamonds, one large, marquise-cut diamond engagement ring. It’s huge. It’s gorgeous. I hate it. It was given to me by the ex-fiance who ran off with another woman. I had it appraised. It’s worth approx. $1600 US. Not a fortune, but a little something.
Pawn shops offered $80 as their top offer. Don’t go to the pawn shops.
eBay sucked. I took great pictures from all angles, paid for the gallery, answered every email, every question, posted it on the page if something new came up, listed it for a week. Nothing. And I was out a small fortune myself - I paid more to list the thing than the pawnshops had offered me for it! Too heavy competition on eBay, because many jewellers have their gorgeous rings up for sale, and they know how to push them.
I looked into websites that screamed “We buy your diamonds! We buy your old jewellery!” Filled out some information, got emails back, all saying “Nah. Don’t want your stinking ring.” Well, maybe not in so many words, but you know what they meant.
So, I when I had to get one of my newer rings repaired, I brought along that stupid old ring. They wouldn’t buy it outright - marquise cut diamonds are not the in style right now. But they did put it on consignment. Started at $500. They called me back to ask me if I was willing to give more leeway on the price. I said $250, and they said that was excellent, and it would probably sell now. ~sigh.
Yes, my case is entirely different, what with the style of the ring and the value. However, be warned: you will never get $5000 for it… or anywhere near that price. I think the “rule” is 1/3 of the appraised value is what to expect - if you’re lucky? Can’t remember that for certain, but I’m sure some Dopers who work with jewellery will know.
Good luck. I’m still waiting for mine to sell. I’ll update if it does sell, though. Or if they want me to go even lower… I suppose I shouldn’t complain, after all, I’m not the one who bought the thing, so I’m really getting something for nothing 