1890s gold broach, just wondering on the value

[prolab69]

Found this detecting an old ball field, I took it to a few places hoping to get a value, antique shops, coin dealers..etc. the only information they gave me was its solid gold w/onyx stone, aprox 50 small rose cut diamonds held in place by silver, its just a bit larger round than a nickel, but smaller than a quarter. Everyone I showed it to only scratched their head and made an offer of about $130- to $150 bucks. of course I declined to sell. Was wondering if anyone had some better info, or maybe where to look for info. this broach was about 6-8 inches down, and I also found some injuns and a few Vs less than 6" away on the same hunt. Im thinking its a ladies collar broach.
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[BioProfessor]

The value of something is what someone is willing to pay. Not trying to be a smart a** but that is just the way it is. If you look at auctions of just about anything, there will usually be an "expected" sales price listed. This is the best guess their experts give them. Sometimes the actual price is less, sometimes it is more.

The reason people like to sell things at auctions is because there may be several people interested in the item and sometimes emotions get involved and even competition. Many times people just keep bidding because they really want it and have the money to pay whatever it takes to get it.

So what is it worth? Depends. There are places that provide appraisal services for estate jewelry. They should be able to give you an approximate value if you sold it yourself, in a shop, or for insurance purposes. They will all be different.

If there weren't so many pieces of jewelry on Ebay, I would say put it there with a real high reserve to see what the high bid would be. Problem is, there is no guarantee anyone would see it.

Another probelm if you do get it appraised, is that it doesn't mean that's what you can sell it for. Again, it's worth what you can get somebody to pay for it.

My advice if you really want to sell it, is to try and get it in a national well-advertised estate jewelry auction and see what you get.

If you want to keep it. It is priceless. Great find. Maybe the best you'll ever find. Nice thing to be the centerpiece of you finds.

My 2 cents.

Daryl

 

[oldhermit34]

Listen to BioProfessor, he's the man.

 

[Rob66]

Nice little brooch. I have a book I could go through tomorrow.
some of them fetch a pretty good penny.i hope you still have it!
RD

 

[prolab69]

yes I do still have it, and actually posted this hoping someone had more than just a general idea. it cleaned up pretty good, found it with a few stones missing, and 3-4 did fall out while cleaning it, but i have them also. any help on it would be great, thanks

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[Charlie P. (NY)]

Everyone I showed it to only scratched their head and made an offer of about $130- to $150 bucks.

Sounds like the value in your area is $130 to $150.

You might ask your homeowner's insurance provider if they have a local appraiser you can show it to.

 

[prolab69]

well....I guess it goes in the cigar box with the rest of the jewelry trinkets. Just figured id ask, I only have a book for coins not jewelry. I only go to the shops to get an idea on dates or value, I just dont think they would offer to buy anything unless they can make something off it. so any price they give, im sure its a little on the low end.
ok people, thanks for the info

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[Rob66]

Give me a few days. Some of these brooches range from $35-88.000
Send me any info you may have.makers name would really help.
check out some of these victorian brooches.The brooch below Different stone is $2.000

http://www.langantiques.com/shop/victorianjewelry.html

RD

 

[Angelo]

Here's another with similar stone.

http://www.tias.com/7392/PictPage/1922109574.html

Tony

 

[prolab69]

Wow, you guys are great! thanks for the very useful info. I was under the impression this piece was privately made and not something that was ever in production. Maybe someday ill post it on ebay, looking at some of the listings it seems like good quality, my piece has no markings though. hey, if it brings 500. ill be happy. diamonds are missing, small chip in the agate, pin missing. who knows.
thanks again
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