22k (22c) Gold Beaded Link Bracelet - Auction? BIN?
 
 
Picked up this little bracelet about 15 years ago while traveling. I’d like to list it, but I’m not sure whether to offer it as BIN or on auction? Also, what sort of price range should I aim for in terms of a BIN or as a reserve with an auction. It's missing one tiny little bead (that got caught on a sweater) but is otherwise in good shape.
I don't typically sell fine jewelry so forgive my ignorance. Any input would be greatly appreciated.
 
9 comments
nyr134
·1 year agoOn one of your similar posts, I had replied suggesting selling to a pawn shop or jeweler. I didn’t realize that you were not close to any. My situation is different as I can find several within ten miles (though some are kind of oleaginous). But it looks like you’re off to a good start selling with eBay.
One other suggestion- maybe you’re already doing it: insure the package. While very few get lost, I’ve found it worth a good night’s sleep for a few dollars extra. If a package does go missing, you’ll of course wish you insured it. (The actuaries in the community will likely chime in otherwise.)
tarotfindsandmore
OP1 year ago🤣I love that word! It's a perfect descriptor. The ones in this town are pretty rough, and there are none in my zip code, but they'd be much more likely to be dung heaps than oily if there were.
I probably won't be selling much "fine" jewelry in the future, but I will likely insure whatever I do if it's over a certain price. Everything I'm listing at the moment is just stuff that's been sitting here collecting dust that either came down to me from the "ancient ones" or that I bought and either never wore, or damaged like this bracelet.
I like staying in the 50-150 dollar range for most listings just because of the peace of mind. Refunding the little guys is so much less painful on the rare occasion it's necessary. Back in the late 90s I sold Wee Forest Folk and Harmony Kingdom (before it went to China) and every package that went out gave me heartburn. I don't want to go back to that. I'm just not that brave anymore. So grateful they have the authenticators for us now.
nyr134
·1 year agoI have been waiting to use the word “oleaginous†in these forums for some time now. Thanks for providing the opening to do so.
(After leaving some of these shops and having discussions about perhaps doing a transaction, you just want to wipe down before you go back home. Only a few, though - most have been rewarding and you feel good about what transpired.)
silverstatetreasureboxes
·1 year ago@tarotfindsandmore
So you roughly have about $900 in gold here. Your missing a bead and I see it ( you stated this) I find it takes away from the piece and someone buying this will scrap it ( IMHO).
I would see what a gold guy or pawn/ Jewelry center would give you in scrap before I would list it. If you must list it, only use the BIN and immediate payment.
Just remember buyers don't read well and may try to pull something on you like 2 missing beads or the weight is wrong for examples.
I don't think the authenticator process would apply here being 22k gold and missing bead but I don't know 100%.
If you don't have any experience selling fine jewelry I wouldn't mess with this piece right out of the gate, it's too much money and the risk is high for a scam.
tarotfindsandmore
OP1 year agoThanks, it's already been bought and paid for. 🙂 It's off to the authenticator this morning. I did end up going with the BIN option and it went for the asking the price. I'm pretty sure the buyer bought it for scrap, as their buying ID indicates that they're a gold buyer, which is fine with me.
If they're unhappy for some reason, or the authenticator finds an issue, I'll refund them when it's returned. I went with the gold price because of the missing bead, but made sure to take a pic of the flaw and reiterated it in both the condition section and the description. I've never sold anything that required authentication, but I'm glad it's required for this sale as it takes a lot of the burden off of me.
https://www.ebay.com/itm/187198961514?itmmeta=01JTJJ1VTAVNNHJF9CTW6P8XV8&hash=item2b95ed776a:g:ZnQAAOSw0ENoGWWP
silverstatetreasureboxes
·1 year ago@tarotfindsandmore
Oh great! I didn't know if the authenticator would take this, good to know!
Thanks for letting us know.
tarotfindsandmore
OP1 year agoI think they do it for anything with a value over 500 bucks. Again, I'm delighted about it, not being a fine jewelry seller. I was a little nervous about selling something with this gold content as it's nearly impossible to find in the US, but I guess it's relatively common in Asia. I purchased it in the UK from an Indian seller. It's interesting how much heavier it is than 14k gold.
I'm a little leery of our local pawn shops and I have no idea which jewelers are reputable or where they are so I'll probably just continue to list little pieces like this here on eBay and let them take care of the authentication (when warranted). I'm not much for haggling and I'm pretty sure I have a sign on my back that says "clueless" so I probably won't put myself through the discomfort of trying to wheel and deal in person with someone here locally.
silverstatetreasureboxes
·1 year ago@tarotfindsandmore
Understand being leary. I guess I'm pretty lucky out here ( Vegas area) I have a gold/ silver guy that will come to your house and he is wonderful. I've sold some of my gold to a big jeweler in Vegas as well.
Your right about our authentication program even though there is some issues but at least you'll get it back if problems arise.
I really wish you well thru the whole process and stay in touch in the forum! Silver
tarotfindsandmore
OP1 year agoYou're in a great place for jewelry! My sister lived there for almost a decade. I, on the other hand, would have better luck getting farm equipment appraised. Our handful of pawn shops are all in neighborhoods I'm too chicken to venture into.
Thank you again for the tips!