Where to Source Jewelry to Resell for Profit

Thrift Stores

Thrift stores are a treasure trove for jewelry resellers. Staff often underprice items, especially if they don't recognize the brand or the precious metal content. Look for sterling silver marked with a '925' stamp, gold-filled pieces marked with 'GF' or '1/20', and designer names like Monet, Trifari, and Sarah Coventry.

What to Expect

Typical costs at thrift stores range from $1 to $15 per piece. The condition varies, so always check clasps, plating, and for missing stones. Sterling silver tarnishes but can be cleaned, while vintage patina may actually add value.

Pros and Cons

• Pros: Affordable, diverse selection, frequent restocks.
• Cons: Varies greatly by location, competition from other resellers.

Profit Margins

Reselling thrift store finds can yield profits of 2x to 10x your investment, particularly with vintage or designer pieces.

Estate Sales

Estate sales are ideal for sourcing vintage and costume jewelry. Costume jewelry lots can sell for as little as $5-$20, but often contain pieces worth significantly more individually.

What to Expect

It's common to find signed vintage pieces here, which have strong collector demand. Condition is generally good, but always inspect for wear and missing stones.

Pros and Cons

• Pros: Unique, high-quality items, potential for high-value finds.
• Cons: Competitive bidding, often cash-only transactions.

Profit Margins

Collectors are willing to pay $20-$80 for signed vintage costume pieces, so the potential for profit is substantial.

Garage and Car Boot Sales

These sales are hit-or-miss but can yield treasures for those willing to search. Jewelry is often sold cheaply as sellers are eager to declutter.

What to Expect

Prices can start as low as $0.50 to $5 per piece. The condition is unpredictable, so be thorough in your inspections.

Pros and Cons

• Pros: Extremely low prices, the thrill of the hunt.
• Cons: Time-intensive, variable quality.

Profit Margins

With low initial costs, profit margins can be high, but it's crucial to manage your time efficiently.

Online Liquidation

Buying liquidation lots online can be risky but rewarding. Look for lots with detailed descriptions and photos.

What to Expect

Prices for lots vary widely, but you can often get jewelry for less than $1 per piece. Conditions range from new to used.

Pros and Cons

• Pros: Bulk buying reduces cost per item, convenient.
• Cons: Risk of unseen damage, shipping costs.

Profit Margins

Successful resellers can see profits of 3x to 5x on trendy items sourced from liquidation lots.

Wholesale from Alibaba

Sourcing from Alibaba for trendy styles can be highly lucrative, especially for fashion jewelry. Focus on minimalist gold-plated necklaces and layering bracelets.

What to Expect

Wholesale costs are low, often $1-$3 per piece, allowing for markups of 3x to 5x when selling on platforms like Etsy.

Pros and Cons

• Pros: Low cost per unit, control over inventory.
• Cons: Requires upfront investment, shipping times.

Pawn Shops

Pawn shops, especially those going out of business, can offer gold and silver jewelry at near scrap prices. Always test gold with an acid test kit to ensure authenticity.

What to Expect

Jewelry is often sold by weight, which can be an advantage if you know the market value of design and brand.

Pros and Cons

• Pros: Potential for high-value items, negotiable pricing.
• Cons: Variable quality, need for authentication skills.

Profit Margins

Reselling based on design and brand can significantly increase margins, with profits of 2x to 5x typical.

Clearance Sales

End-of-season clearance sales at department stores can be a goldmine for jewelry resellers. Look for heavily discounted items before new stock arrives.

What to Expect

Discounts can range from 50% to 90%, making it a great time to stock up on trending styles.

Pros and Cons

• Pros: Significant markdowns, brand new items.
• Cons: Limited sizes and styles, high competition.

Facebook Groups

Local Facebook buy/sell groups can offer surprising finds. Sellers are often looking for quick sales, leading to great deals.

What to Expect

Prices are negotiable and usually very reasonable, often $5-$20 for costume jewelry.

Pros and Cons

• Pros: Easy negotiation, low transaction costs.
• Cons: Requires local meetups, limited to what's available.

What to Look For

Focus on signed pieces from Monet, Trifari, and Sarah Coventry, as well as items with a 925 or GF stamp. Unique designs and vintage patina can increase value. Always test gold if authenticity is in doubt.

Red Flags

Avoid items with irreparable damage, missing stones that are costly to replace, and brands with low resale demand. Be wary of fakes and items priced too high relative to their condition and brand.

Seasonal Tips

Jewelry tends to be cheapest to buy in early spring when people do major decluttering. The best selling periods are around Valentine's Day and the holiday season.

Startup Budget

You can start sourcing jewelry with as little as $100, focusing on estate sales and thrift stores to maximize your initial investment.

Once you've sourced your jewelry, use ListingGenie to create compelling listings that highlight key features and maximize your profit.