Dealer vs Auction: Selling Designer Jewellery
Auction or a direct sale to a dealer? Each route has trade-offs in fees, speed and certainty. This UK guide compares them so you can choose the best result for your piece.
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When you sell designer jewellery you broadly have two routes: consign it to an auction house, or sell it directly to a specialist dealer. Both can be right — it depends on the piece, and on whether you value certainty and speed or are willing to gamble for a possible high.
Auction: the trade-offs
Auction can work well for rare, important or highly collectable pieces where competitive bidding may push the price up. But you pay seller's commission plus fees, often wait weeks or months for a sale and then for payment, and there is no guarantee it sells — an unsold lot can be "burned" and harder to sell afterwards. Estimates are not promises.
Dealer: the trade-offs
A direct sale to a specialist gives you a firm price now, immediate payment, no commission and complete privacy. A good dealer knows the makers and pays properly for signed pieces. For most owners of designer jewellery — especially solid-gold and iconic models — the certainty and zero fees often mean a better net result than auction.
Dealer vs auction at a glance
Fees
Dealer: none. Auction: seller's commission plus charges.
Speed
Dealer: paid today. Auction: weeks or months.
Certainty
Dealer: firm price. Auction: estimate only, may not sell.
Privacy
Dealer: fully private. Auction: publicly catalogued.
Which route suits which piece?
General guidance — every piece is different:
Indicative only — we'll always give you our honest view, even if auction suits you better. Get a free valuation and direct offer.
Why Sell To Us
- No fees — no commission, no deductions.
- Immediate payment — once you agree.
- Specialist knowledge — we know the makers.
- Fair, firm prices — no estimate gamble.
- Discreet — private throughout.
We buy designer jewellery directly — and we'll tell you honestly if auction would serve you better.
Get the most for your piece
Whichever route you choose, identify the maker and keep the papers. These guides help you understand what you have before you sell:
Get a Free Direct Offer
Send photographs of the piece and any papers — we'll give you an honest, no-obligation offer with no fees and immediate payment.
⚠️ Strictly by appointment only — no walk-ins at either showroom.
Frequently Asked Questions
Dealer vs auction — common questions.
Is a dealer or auction better?
For most designer jewellery a dealer gives a firm price, immediate payment and no fees. Auction can suit rare, important pieces where bidding may push the price up — but with fees and no guarantee.
What fees does auction charge?
Typically seller's commission plus additional charges (photography, insurance, lotting), all deducted from your proceeds. A direct sale has none.
How long does auction take?
Often weeks to months from consignment to sale, then further time for payment. A dealer pays as soon as you agree.
What if my piece doesn't sell at auction?
An unsold lot can be harder to sell afterwards. A firm dealer offer avoids that risk entirely.
Will you tell me if auction is better?
Yes — if your piece is genuinely better suited to auction, we'll say so honestly.
Can you value it on WhatsApp?
Yes. Message +44 7494 214652 with photos of the piece and any papers and we'll reply, usually within a working day.
Send Us Your Photographs
Attach photos of the piece and any papers. We'll respond within one working day.