Jewellery & Gemstone Auctions

Selling jewellery at auction

You don’t need to know the maker, age or value of your jewellery before getting in touch. That’s where our assessment starts.

Whether you have a piece you no longer wear, jewellery inherited from family or a collection built over many years, our specialist can assess what you have and discuss its suitability for auction.

Start by sending photographs through our online valuation form, or contact us to arrange an appointment at our Suffolk or Norfolk saleroom. Include any details you know, along with photographs of marks, original boxes and supporting paperwork.

We’ll provide an auction estimate and explain the selling process, fees and reserve options before you decide to consign.

Jewellery we handle

Diamond and gemstone rings

Our jewellery auctions include diamond solitaires, engagement rings, cluster rings and dress rings set with coloured stones. We assess the whole piece, considering its stones, setting, metal, condition and any maker’s marks or supporting reports.

Antique and vintage jewellery

From Victorian brooches and pendants to Art Deco rings and mid-century designs, we handle jewellery from a wide range of periods. Workmanship, original features, condition and later alterations all help inform an auction estimate.

Signed and designer jewellery

Our auction catalogues have featured pieces by Boodles, Mikimoto, Messika and Deakin & Francis. A signature, original box, receipt or other paperwork can help us research a piece, but you can still enquire if its maker is unknown.

Necklaces, bracelets, earrings and brooches

We handle gold, silver and platinum jewellery, including chains, pendants, bracelets, earrings, brooches and cufflinks. Our sales also include pearl jewellery and pieces set with diamonds, sapphires, rubies, emeralds and other coloured stones.

Loose gemstones and collections

Alongside finished jewellery, our auctions have included loose diamonds, rubies, sapphires, opals, spinel and other gemstones. We welcome enquiries about individual pieces and collections, including inherited jewellery you haven’t yet identified.

What affects the auction value of jewellery?

Two pieces that look similar can have different auction estimates. Our assessment considers the whole piece, its history and the market for comparable jewellery.

Stones and pearls. Their characteristics, condition and any available laboratory reports help inform the description and estimate. A stone’s size alone does not establish its value.

Metal and workmanship. The precious metal, construction and quality of the setting matter alongside the stones. Hallmarks and maker’s marks can help identify a piece.

Maker, design and age. A recognised maker, distinctive design or period features can contribute to collector interest. Age alone does not guarantee a high value.

Condition. Wear, damage, repairs, replacement stones and alterations may affect an item’s appeal. Tell us about any work you know has been carried out.

History and documents. Receipts, original packaging, provenance and reports can help us research and catalogue jewellery. You can still enquire if these are missing.

An auction estimate is a guide to what an item may achieve at sale. It is not a guaranteed selling price or an insurance replacement valuation.

How to sell your jewellery

1. Request an assessment

Send clear photographs through our auction estimate form. Include the whole piece, close-ups of marks and stones, and any paperwork. Tell us what you know about its history and condition.

You can also arrange a saleroom appointment. Our selling guide lists online valuations, virtual appointments, valuation days and home visits among the available options. Contact us to discuss the most suitable route.

2. Discuss the estimate and reserve

We’ll explain the auction estimate and discuss the arrangements for sale. A fixed reserve is the price below which an item will not be sold. Our team will explain the reserve options before you consign.

3. Consign your jewellery

Once the arrangements are agreed, your jewellery can be catalogued and photographed for sale. Descriptions, images and condition information help prospective buyers assess the piece and decide whether to enquire or bid.

4. Receive the result and settlement

You’ll be notified when your items are published and when they sell. Payment is made by bank transfer after the sale, subject to the agreed terms.

Selling fees

Our published standard vendor’s commission is 17.5% plus VAT per lot, including photography and insurance. There is also a £6.50 plus VAT lotting fee per lot.

Read the selling guide for the full process and discuss the applicable charges with us before consigning.

Gemstone auctions and loose stones

Alongside finished jewellery, Bishop & Miller handles loose gemstones and ornamental hardstones. The Carat Collection has included rubies, sapphires, spinel, garnets, opals, tourmalines and loose diamonds, as well as boxed collections of ornamental hardstones.

If you have stones to sell, send photographs and any reports or records that accompany them. Let us know whether they are loose, mounted or part of a collection, and share any information about their origin or treatments.

For buyers, individual lot descriptions and condition information are the starting point. Read the stated treatment information and report details, then contact us if you need further information before bidding.

Explore The Carat Collection for an example of a previous gemstone sale.

Buying jewellery at auction

Our jewellery catalogues include photographs, descriptions and condition information. Check measurements and ring sizes, together with any stated stone weights, metal marks and accompanying reports.

Viewing arrangements are published for relevant sales, giving you an opportunity to examine pieces in person. If you cannot attend or need more detail, ask the team about the item before placing a bid.

Read each auction’s buyer fees and terms so you understand the total cost. The catalogue and sale terms should be your reference for the charges that apply.

To explore the range previously offered, browse our Fine Jewellery sale. Contact us about future jewellery sales or for help with registration and bidding.

Questions about selling jewellery

Can I sell jewellery without a receipt or original box?

Yes, you can enquire without paperwork or packaging. Send photographs and tell us what you know. The specialist can advise whether further information or examination is needed.

Can you assess inherited jewellery?

We welcome enquiries about individual inherited pieces and collections. If you need a valuation for probate rather than a possible auction sale, tell us when you enquire so we can direct you to the appropriate service.

Should I clean or repair jewellery before selling?

Ask us first. Show us the piece in its current condition and explain any known damage or repairs before arranging work.

Can I sell a single piece?

Contact us about a single piece or a collection. We’ll assess its suitability for auction and discuss the available options.

Do you sell loose gemstones?

Yes. Our auctions have included individual loose stones and gemstone collections. Send images and any supporting reports to begin an assessment.

Who can I speak to about jewellery?

Our Jewellery & Gemstone Specialist is Lydia Micallef FGA DGA PJDIP. Contact Lydia at lydia.micallef@bm-auctions.co.uk or call 01449 673088.

Find out what your jewellery could achieve

Send us photographs of your jewellery or gemstones, or contact the team to arrange an appointment. We’ll help you understand what you have and explain the next steps towards an auction sale.