National Rarities FAQ

No.  Appraisals are subjective and done strictly for insurance and replacement value. Our specialists will walk you through the appraisal and will show you the current value of your item.

Yes, we can give you a price range. Fill out the form on the website to speak with an estate specialist.

Yes. A GIA certification or a well-known certification company (for diamonds, fine art, or autographs) can increase its value.

Sometimes customers come to us with expectations closer to what they paid retail for a piece, or a number in mind from an insurance appraisal. The number from an appraisal represents an insurance coverage value for replacement costs if the valuable was lost, stolen, or broken beyond repair. Appraisals are good for indentification purposes, but do not translate to the current value of an item. Our offer ranges take into account current market values and recent sale comps on the open resale market. 

 For example, a 1970's gold nugget ring with a .25ct diamond might appraise for $3000.

But not many would purchase this item to wear in today's fashion.

The appraisal only takes into account how to recreate this item to be sold in a retail setting. A ring like this is no longer in fashion and would not sell in today's market, but would be recycled for parts at approximately $300 for the gold and diamond value.

All gold is not the same, there are different purities that hold unique characteristics and values:

24k = 100% pure

18k = 75% pure

14k = 58.5% pure

10k = 41% pure

Yes, our offer will include the price for the diamond and any additional value included in the mounting.

Yes. Fees may apply, talk to your estate specialist and they can walk you through this process.

Yes. We will make you an offer based on the value of the precious metal/stones.

Yes.  We partner with FedEx to provide our international customers with fast, secure, fully insured and trackable shipping. Any fees associated with customs, duties or taxes will be taken into consideration when making you an offer.  Please feel free to contact our customer support team if you have questions about a specific location.

We will send a prepaid label to ship your items to us at no charge. For return and international shipments fees may apply.

To guarantee insurance coverage, we request that you pack and ship your valuable as follows:

The fastest way to get your valuables shipped is by packing them on your own. If you don't have supplies at home, you can purchase boxes and packing materials at any staffed USPS location or contact us to have a National Rarities shipping kit delivered to you in 3 to 5 business days.

Step 1. Print two copies of your shipping label: inner and outer box labels.

• If you do not have a printer, contact us and we can mail you a shipping label, which would arrive in 3 to 5 business days.

Step 2. Securley wrap your valuable in bubble wrap or paper and place in a small box or container.

• You can use any box, pouch or padded envelope that will fit inside a larger box.

Step 3. Put the small box or container and inner label in a box and seal securely with tape (a sturdy, used box will do).

• You can use any box you have at home that is smaller than 13" x 11" x 3". If you are reusing a box, please make sure it is not torn or damaged, and remove any old shipping labels.
• Don't have a box and packing materials? Contact us and we will send you a free shipping kit.

Step 4. Seal the outer box and attach the shipping label to the outside.

Step 5. Drop off your package at any USPS staffed location and obtain a receipt for your records.

In the unlikely event your item is lost or stolen, we will work with the insurance company to ensure that you are reimbursed as quickly as possible.

Yes.  We partner with FedEx and Parcel Pro to ensure your items are shipped safely and insured for loss. All shipments are fully trackable and will be insured at the top of the estimated value. Once we receive your item, it is covered under our Jewelers Mutual insurance policy.

Your item will be under 24/7 video surveillance and kept in a safe in a UL alarm-secured environment. You will receive updates any time your item is handled by a specialist.

• You may choose between receiving a physical check by mail or a same day money transfer directly to your bank account for a $30 fee. Please check with your bank regarding any additional fees associated with receiving wire transfers. 
• If you accept our offer before 3:00 pm (CST), we can have payment sent within 2 hours.

This is required by law to document the identity of a seller of second hand purchases to prevent the resale of stolen merchandise.

Yes, your items will be returned promptly.

We partner with over 200 jewelers and host over 400 events annually across the country. We are continuously building our network of jewelry store partners.

Yes, our office located at 2190 S. Mason Rd, Ste 209, St. Louis, MO 63131. Our office hours are from 10:00-4:00 Mon-Fri. Please contact us to make an appointment at 888-787-1112. Here you can meet and speak with one of our estate specialists in person.