How does one go about selling good jewelry?

You could contact an auction house like Christie’s or Sotheby’s. They are on Facebook these days, if you can believe that. My first stop would be a local fine jeweler’s that is well known to me. They carry some pricey vintage pieces, and I imagine they would do an appraisal and take the pieces on consignment.

Sounds like you already have a sensible plan in place—appraise and insure.

Good luck!

Public auction is probably the way to receive the fairest prive, but beware of fees and other costs. Make sure you understand your expected NET return before you sign a consignment agreement.

Local jewelry stores compete with one another to buy jewelry at auction, so they are likely to pay more under those circumstances than they would if they merely made you an offer.

Jewelry appraisals are notoriously flexible and uninformative, unless you take your stones to the GIA, in which case the appraisal will be a significant expense. Do not rely on an appraisal from a local jewelry store.

You could give it to me!
just kidding. xD

Circa will be the best option, auction houses will charge you with huge fees to value and sell your piece, check here

Thank you, all. @flameboi, Circa looks like it could be a good choice!

:D

I think Circa is every bit as likely to subtract from your gross proceeds, but with less transparency than a good auction house. I have been in this business for 35 years.