Jewelry making is a popular hobby, and many people make pieces to give away to friends. Or perhaps you have a collection of fine jewelry that you no longer want or need. If you have ever considered selling jewelry for cash, you may wonder how to get started. One of the biggest challenges is finding places to sell your jewelry.

Online

The internet is a powerful resource for small businesses of every description. Online auction sites are a terrific place to start because they require very little initial investment. Read the fine print before signing any contract, and make sure you understand the terms and conditions. Check recently completed auctions to get an idea of what to use as a starting bid for various pieces. If an item is particularly valuable, consider placing a reserve price on it. A reserve is the lowest price at which you are contractually obligated to sell the piece. The fact that a reserve exists is displayed to bidders, but the exact reserve price is not. The danger of auctioning your jewelry is that you never know how much money you will make. If you make enough jewelry to justify the expenses, you may want to create your own website. Start-up costs can be relatively high, particularly if you need to hire someone else to design the site. The biggest advantage is the ability to set your own price for each piece. Monthly website maintenance fees are generally low, but you may need to spend a great deal on advertising.

Shows and Conventions

If you make your own jewelry, consider renting booth space at local jewelry shows and conventions. These events take place around the country several times per year, offering vendors the chance to display new creations. Medieval and Renaissance fairs are also a possibility, if the jewelry that you make fits those time periods.

Antique and Vintage Stores

If you are interested in selling heirloom pieces, consider antique and vintage stores. These shops typically pay less than you could get selling directly to a collector, but save you the trouble of finding an interested buyer. Many stores require proof of ownership, and some may require an outside appraisal. Shop around rather than taking the first price offered.

Flea Markets

Flea markets are extremely popular in some towns, and often have a loyal following. If you make jewelry, consider renting a booth on a regular basis. Although you will not necessarily receive top dollar, you are likely to develop regular customers. The sheer volume of customers can be a blessing to any small business.

Pawn Shops

If you are trying to raise cash by selling old, semi-valuable jewelry items, consider a pawn shop. Pawnbrokers typically consider only the value of the gold, so they may pay considerably less than antique stores. Pawnbrokers have the advantage of being plentiful and always in the market for jewelry, so it is easy to sell your collection quickly.

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How to Sell Jewelry and Crafts