Important Facts About Second Hand Jewellery

Jewellery has been worn for centuries, initially by aristocracy, but today appeals to the majority of the population in some form or another.

As we have seen the growth in sales of pre-owned watches, with many retailers dedicating a section of their window to them, there has also bean an increase in the sales of pre-owned jewellery.  This is often described as second hand or in some cases Vintage jewellery.

There are a number of reasons why the consumer considers buying pre-owned jewellery.  In a lot of cases it represents good value for money as some pieces may have been worn very little.  As brand new jewellery depreciates there are often bargains to be had.

Pre-owned jewellery also often enables the consumer to select items that are different in style to what is currently being sold online or on the high street.  It is a way of purchasing a unique item that no-one else will have seen to demonstrate individual tastes.

When purchasing any of the above, it is important to know what is being bought and that the item is authentic.  It may have some paperwork to accompany it, but this is often not the case.  This is an area that Sheffield Assay Office specialises in, ensuring that products are what they claim to be.

Initially it is important that the item is hallmarked to confirm the fineness of the metal.  For second hand jewellery there is a very specific process to ensure that the whole item is compliant as there may have been changes made to it over the years.

Secondly, as the consumer is becoming more aware, the presence of lab grown diamonds has become more prominent over recent years.  It is therefore a good idea to have the item checked through a diamond screening process.

At Sheffield we are able to carry out the hallmarking tests using our state of the art testing equipment.  We can also verify that the diamonds are natural using our DeBeers testing equipment, the most accurate in the market. 

Whether buying or selling pre-owned jewellery, having the confidence that it is being correctly sold is critical.  To look at either of these services in further detail please visit www.assayoffice.co.uk

Diamond Verification Services is a completely independent organisation owned by Sheffield Assay Office. Offering state of the art technology we help our customers buy and sell diamond products with complete confidence, and provide a quick and easy process to confirm a diamond's true origin. For more information about how Diamond Verification Services can help you as a retailer or purchaser, please contact us on email at info@diamondverificationservices.co.uk or call +44 (0)114 2312121.