Have sterling flatware tucked away in a cabinet, a tea service you inherited, or a jar of old coins you’ve never had checked? The Jewelry Box Estate Buyers in Lake Forest can help you understand what you have and what it’s worth.
No appointment needed. Simply stop by with your silver, and our team will take a look.
For more than 25 years, The Jewelry Box Estate Buyers has helped customers throughout Orange County sell silver, gold, and jewelry through a clear, straightforward process. Our team uses professional testing methods to verify silver content. Even if your pieces are tarnished, incomplete, or unmarked, we’re here to help you sort out what’s sterling and what isn’t.
At The Jewelry Box Estate Buyers, our silver buying focuses on sterling silver and American silver coins. We buy sterling pieces only, not silverplate. If you’re not sure which you have, the section on sterling vs. silverplate below can help, or you can bring your pieces in and we’ll check them for you.
Silver often isn’t the only thing in the jewelry box. While you’re here, we can also evaluate:
Platinum rings, bands, and other platinum jewelry.
Bring it in and we’ll take a look. Whether we can purchase a fashion piece depends on the item.
Bring the items you’d like evaluated, including pieces you’re unsure about. Markings can be tiny, worn, or hard to find, so if you can’t tell whether something is sterling, let our team check it for you.
If you have receipts, appraisals, or other paperwork for a piece, feel free to bring them. They can provide helpful background, but they aren’t required.
No need to polish. Bring your silver just as it is.
Every offer starts with an individual evaluation of your pieces. Here’s a look at how silver buyers determine value, and why two items that look alike can be worth very different amounts.
Several factors come into play:
Silver jewelry is evaluated on the same foundation: silver content and weight. Some pieces may have additional value based on their design, maker, condition, or any stones they contain. Others are valued mainly for their silver.
The only way to know what your silver is worth to sell is to have it evaluated. A few things to keep in mind:
Silverplate is a thin layer of silver over a base metal, and it can look nearly identical to sterling. We do not buy silverplate. That makes checking your pieces an important first step.
Check your pieces for one of these markings. They’re often small, so a magnifying glass can help. On flatware, look on the back of the handle. On hollowware, check the underside.
If you can’t find any of these markings, chances are your pieces aren’t sterling. Before you give them away, though, bring them by and we’ll be happy to check for you. A marking is a helpful clue, not a guarantee, so our team verifies what you have.
No need to do that. We will buy sterling silver in any condition.
Look for “STERLING,” “925,” or “800” stamped on the piece. Note that 800 means 80% silver and isn’t sterling. If you can’t find a marking, it’s likely not sterling, but bring it by and we’ll check. We do not buy silverplate.
It depends on the silver content, weight, current market prices, and any resale or collectible value. An in-person evaluation is the only way to know what we can offer for your specific pieces.
No. Walk-ins are always welcome, and we can set up an appointment if you prefer one.
Two or three pieces usually take under 10 minutes. About 20 pieces typically take 25–30 minutes. Timing can vary depending on your items.
Whether it’s a full flatware service, a single sterling bracelet, or a box of coins you’ve never had checked, The Jewelry Box Estate Buyers is here to help Orange County customers understand what they have.
You don’t need to know whether something is sterling before you come in, and you don’t need an appointment. Just bring your silver to our Lake Forest location and let us take a look.