If you’re anything like me, you don’t like getting rid of jewelry, even if its broken or you haven’t worn it in a while. Why? Sentimental value, for one. My grandmother gave me this necklace (with a broken clasp) or my first boyfriend gave me his high school ring (okay, I did ditch that).
But is there a chance that there are pieces in our jewelry boxes that may be worth more than we think? Perhaps there are some pieces made of expensive metals, for instance. There are some quick and easy ways to find out.
The Magnet Test. Cheap or phony pieces of jewelry will cling on to a magnet while authentic pieces will not. Simple enough, right?
The Acid Test. This is easy enough with the right materials. It will test gold 14k or up. Here’s how it’s done:
Think outside the (jewelry) box. Expensive metals can often be in our kitchen or dining room, not just in our jewelry box–namely sterling silver flatware which can be passed down for generations and worth more than you think.
Remember: one woman’s trash is another woman’s treasure. There might be pieces you own that aren’t made of the finest metals or gems but are vintage or made by a particular highly coveted designer a long time ago. eBay is a great way to find out what vintage jewelry is hot and what’s not.