Jewelry and Other Items You Inherited Could be Worth Much More than You Expect
Inherited items can sometimes be worth more than people expect. There are several reasons for this:
Rarity and collectability - Items that are rare, unique, or have historical significance can be valuable. People may not always be aware of the rarity or historical importance of an item they inherit.
Market trends - The value of certain items can fluctuate over time due to changes in market trends like collector demand. An item that was not highly sought after when it was inherited may have become more valuable over the years.
Emotional attachment - People may have emotional attachments to inherited items, which can cloud their judgment about the item's actual value. They might overestimate the value because of sentimental reasons.
Condition - The condition of an item can significantly impact its value. If an inherited item has been well-preserved or restored, it will be worth more.
Historical context - Items that are tied to significant historical events or figures can gain value over time as their historical importance becomes more apparent.
Artistic value - Artworks, antiques, and handcrafted items can appreciate in value, especially if they were created by renowned artists or artisans.
It's important to note that not all inherited items will turn out to be valuable, and some may have sentimental value that outweighs any monetary worth. However, it's a good idea to have valuable items professionally appraised to ensure they are adequately insured or to consider selling them if they no longer hold sentimental value and could provide financial benefit.
What Inherited Items Do You Have?
Many people have inherited jewelry and other valuable items that they haven’t thought about in years.
Have you too? If you stop to think about it, you could realize you own . . .
A few pieces of costume jewelry that belonged to your grandmother.
A coin collection that belonged to your grandfather.
Some medals that a relative won years ago.
A pair of cufflinks or a set of tuxedo shirt studs in a box in the corner of your top dresser drawer.
Several trophies from golf tournaments that were held years ago.
Why not empty out your drawers and cabinets and closets and see what you may have?
Here are some steps to take to determine whether those items you inherited could be worth a lot more than you think.
Pull items out, photograph them, and make a computerized inventory of what you have . . .
When people do this, they often discover items they had forgotten. And when they list and photograph everything, they usually discover certain half-forgotten possessions that could be worth a surprising amount of money.
Locate experts or appraisers for items with high potential value . . .
If you have coins, a regional or local coin shop could be all you need to help you determine whether your items have collectible value. More specialized items like fine jewelry or silver tableware should be examined and evaluated by specialist appraisers you can find on the searchable database of collectors on the website of the Appraisers Association of America. Don’t assume you know the value of old items! Sometimes a qualified appraiser can lead to the pleasant discovery that your pieces are worth much more than you believed.
Call Specialty Metals Smelters and Refiners at 800-426-2344 . . .
Photograph the items you have and call our precious metal refiners to discuss what you have. After your discussion, you can send a sample – or the item itself – to us for testing and evaluation.
Items that have been lying around for years could be worth much more than you thought possible.