Selling Men's Wedding Bands: A Guide

Selling a wedding band can be challenging, especially if you are doing it after a divorce or a separation. It is important to take the time to think about the decision and not rush into selling the ring. There are several options for selling a wedding band, including online marketplaces, local pawn shops, and consignment shops. It is recommended to get multiple appraisals and offers for the ring to ensure you are getting a fair price.

Where to sell men's wedding bands

There are several options for selling a men's wedding band.

Firstly, it is important to prepare the ring for sale. This includes getting a formal appraisal from a qualified appraiser to understand its value, especially if the ring contains diamonds. It is also recommended to have the ring professionally cleaned, as a sparkling ring is more likely to sell.

One option is to sell the ring online. It is important to use a reputable online seller, such as eBay, I Do Now I Don't, or Worthy.com, which is an online auction site. When selling online, it is important to set a realistic price, describe the ring in detail, and include multiple pictures from different angles.

Another option is to sell the ring in person at a local store. Pawn shops are a quick and easy option, although you are likely to get a higher price online. Consignment shops are another option, where the shop displays the ring for sale and takes a commission of 40-60% when it sells. Diamond dealers are a further option, who sell rings directly to the public, although they will also take a commission.

There are also specialist online retailers that buy wedding rings, such as reDollar.com and Circa Jewels. These companies provide a quote, and if you accept, you send in the ring and get paid.

How to prepare your ring for sale

Selling a wedding ring can be an emotional process, especially if you've gone through a divorce or lost a loved one. If you're not sure that you're ready to sell, consider asking a trusted friend or family member to hold onto the ring for you.

If you've decided that you're ready to sell, the first step is to get an appraisal. You can get a formal appraisal from a qualified appraiser, or you can take your ring to a diamond buyer or pawn broker for an estimate. It's a good idea to visit more than one store for your appraisal to get a range of values.

Next, you'll want to have your ring professionally cleaned. Most jewellery stores will clean rings, even if they weren't purchased there, for a small fee.

Once your ring is clean and sparkling, it's time to start thinking about where you want to sell it. You can sell your ring online, in person, or through a trade-in. If you're selling online, look for a reputable seller like eBay or I Do Now I Don't. If you're selling in person, consider a consignment shop or a diamond dealer. And if you're looking to upgrade your ring, you may be able to trade it in at a chain jewellery store like Kay Jewelers or Helzberg Diamonds.

Whatever route you choose, make sure you do your research and compare multiple offers to get the best price for your ring.

Selling your ring online

Selling a wedding ring can be an emotional process, especially if you are selling it due to a divorce or the death of a loved one. It can also be confusing if you have never sold jewellery before.

Where to sell your ring

There are many online options for selling your wedding ring. It is important to sell with a reputable online buyer or marketplace so you get the best value for your wedding ring and don't get scammed. Here are some options:

• Worthy.com: This online auction site lets you sell a range of jewellery, loose diamonds, and watches through its online auction. You get to work with a personal auction manager to make sure everything runs smoothly. Worthy then handles everything for the sale, including ring cleaning and professional photography. You pay 18% to 10% in a success fee following a sale, depending on how much your wedding ring sells for.
• Circa Jewels: This jewellery retailer lets you sell wedding rings online and through in-person appointments at one of their 17 locations across Europe, North America, and Asia. There aren't any seller fees or commissions.
• EBay: This massive online marketplace has millions of active users worldwide. It's completely free to sign up and list your wedding ring for sale. However, you have to deal with buyers and shipping yourself, and eBay charges seller fees that vary by product category. For jewellery and wedding rings, you pay 12.9% if the total sale is $7,500 or less and 7% if the sale is over $7,500.
• Facebook Marketplace: People sell all sorts of things on Facebook Marketplace, including wedding and engagement rings. Posting items for sale is completely free. Just be sure to add as many photos as possible and write a detailed description. However, there are scammers and low-ballers on this platform.
• Cash For Gold USA: This highly-rated online jewellery retailer works with clients selling jewellery, gold, diamonds, and coins. It's easy to work with and makes it simple to sell wedding rings and other items online. If you decline their offer, your jewellery will be shipped back for free.
• US Gold Buyers: This online jewellery and gold retailer claims that it pays up to 98.5% of the market value for your wedding rings and other items. They cover your shipment fees and insure your items.
• I Do Now I Don't: This online marketplace helps sellers and buyers recycle their luxury items, including jewellery and wedding rings. They have two selling options: a standard listing or selling directly to the online dealer. They typically pay you 50% to 75% of the retail price for your ring.

Tips for selling your ring

• Take quality pictures: If you are selling your wedding ring online yourself, you want lots of great images to get maximum interest. Make sure the photos are well-lit, in focus, and show the jewellery from a variety of angles.
• Write detailed descriptions: The more information that you provide on the ring, the better. Details like where you bought it, when it was purchased, and if it has been worn can be very helpful to buyers.
• Provide paperwork: Have appraisal papers, receipts, or other relevant documents for your ring? Be sure to provide them to help prove the estimated value. This is especially important for very expensive rings.
• Look for a reputable seller: Make sure you sell through a reputable online seller. Read reviews from sellers who have used the websites you’re looking at and make sure the overall experience is a good one.
• Set a realistic price: Once you’ve had your ring evaluated, you’ll need to decide how much you want to sell it for. Start with the price point that your appraiser gives you and do additional research online to see how much similar rings sold for. Keep in mind that you’ll need to discount the price because your ring is used.
• Use shipment tracking and insurance: When you ship your ring, ask for a tracking number, delivery confirmation, and insurance coverage.

Selling your ring in person

First, it's important to emotionally prepare yourself to sell your ring. Selling a wedding ring can be a difficult process, especially if you've gone through a divorce or lost a loved one. Give yourself time to think about what selling the ring means to you and whether you might regret it in the future.

Next, get your ring appraised by a professional. This will help you understand the value of your ring and ensure you don't get cheated when selling it in person. Keep in mind that you'll likely get less than the full value of your ring, as the buyer will take a commission or look for a profit.

Now it's time to find a place to sell your ring. You can try nearby consignment shops that sell jewellery, or look for local diamond dealers if you're selling a diamond ring. Research and compare different shops and dealers, checking reviews and policies to ensure you're getting a good deal and selling to someone trustworthy.

Once you've gathered information about potential buyers, decide where you'd like to sell your ring. Consider how much you'll get for the ring, the reputation of the seller, and your general gut feeling. It's important to feel comfortable and confident with your chosen buyer.

Finally, take your ring to the consignment shop or diamond dealer to finalise the sale. Remember to ask any last-minute questions and ensure you're happy with the terms before completing the transaction.

Tips for selling your ring

• Get an appraisal: Before you sell your wedding ring, get a formal appraisal from a qualified appraiser to know what it's worth, especially if it has diamonds. Look for an appraiser that doesn't sell rings, as they're more likely to give you an objective assessment.
• Have your ring professionally cleaned: A sparkling, shiny ring is more likely to sell than one that's dull. Most jewellery stores will clean rings, and you can then store it in a ring box.
• Prepare emotionally: Selling a wedding ring can be an emotional process, especially if you've gone through a divorce or lost a loved one. Give yourself time to think about what selling it might mean and whether you might regret it in the future.
• Look for a reputable seller: If selling online, use a reputable site like eBay or I Do Now I Don't. Read reviews from sellers to ensure you have a good experience.
• Set a realistic price: Do your research to determine a realistic price for your ring. Start with the price point given by an appraiser and consider how much similar rings are selling for online and in retail stores. Remember to discount the price because your ring is used.
• Describe your ring in detail: The more detail you can provide, the better. Include specifics such as size, metal type, stone size and condition.
• Take quality pictures: Post multiple well-lit pictures of your ring from different angles to give buyers a clear idea of what they're buying.
• Use shipment tracking and insurance: When shipping your ring, ask for a tracking number, delivery confirmation and insurance coverage for the full amount you sold the ring for.
• Trade-in for new jewellery: Many chain jewellery stores will allow you to trade in your diamond ring for new jewellery. You may be able to do a straight trade or use the trade-in value as credit towards a more expensive piece.
• Sell in person: If selling your ring in person, have it appraised first to avoid being cheated. You can sell to a consignment shop, diamond dealer or local jewellery store, but be aware that you may not get the best price.

Frequently asked questions