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Sell Your Gold, Diamonds, Gemstones Vintage Jeweler & More

Cash or trade-in value offered - highest prices paid!

For over 40 years, Federal Way Custom Jewelers has been a trusted buyer of gold, diamonds, antique jewelry, and scrap precious metals. Our GIA-certified staff evaluates each piece individually and will advise on the best way to sell your items for the best price. We pay top cash for scrap precious metals, estate jewelry, antique items, and diamonds. Not sure what you have? From single wedding rings to entire estates of jewelry, our accredited gemologists and appraisers can help you determine what you have, what it is worth, and what to do next.

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Valuables We Buy

Scrap Gold & Platinum

We buy outdated, damaged, or low-quality items for scrap. All standard and unusual karatages, including 8/9k, 10k, 14k, 18k, 21/22k, and 24k, are accepted and valued equally based on purity. Payment is based on the weight, purity, and spot price of the metal on the day of sale. If the item contains gemstones or diamonds they are either returned or purchased if of high quality. Accepted items include scrap jewelry, outdated necklaces, bracelets, broken chains, used wedding bands, old gold teeth, gold nuggets, single earrings, and worn-out rings. Gold-plated or gold-filled items are not accepted.

Scrap Silver
We buy various types of silver, including 925 sterling, 800 silver from continental Europe, and 900 silver from Asia. The value is determined by weight, purity, and the day’s spot price. We accept scrap silver jewelry, southwest and Native American silver, silver flatware, tableware, and decorative pieces. However, we don’t buy silver for resale, only based on weight and metal value. Silver plated jewelry is not accepted.
Antique & Estate Jewelry

We assess items based on their materials, stones, rarity, and market demand. We’re particularly interested in signed pieces from Cartier, Tiffany, and vintage Diamond engagement rings. We’re interested in right-hand rings, earrings, pendants, bracelets, etc. from the Georgian, Victorian, Art Nouveau / Edwardian, Art Deco, and Retro eras. However, we avoid consigning unless the item is exceptional or highly valuable. If we can’t buy your item, we’ll still help you value it and advise on the best way to sell it- we regularly help our clients consign pieces at auction houses around the country.

Diamonds

We buy all types of natural Diamonds, of any size, shape, and quality. We pay a premium for Diamonds over 1ct in size and of fine quality. We will buy smaller Diamonds, and those of lower quality, on a wholesale basis only. We do not buy lab-grown Diamonds, or treated Diamonds. Since the advent of lab-grown Diamonds, the Diamond market has softened, and prices are relatively low. If you aren’t sure what your Diamond is worth, or if you want to sell it, our experts can evaluate your Diamond and provide a secondary market analysis based on current market value. 

Colored Gemstones

FWCJ is one of the only buyers of colored gemstones in the Seattle area, selectively focusing on natural gems of fine quality like Sapphire, Ruby, Emerald, Alexandrite, black Opals, and Spinels. We also consider Tourmalines, Garnets, Tanzanite, Aquamarine, and other rare varieties. If you are unsure of the value of your gems, our GIA-trained staff can help with basic identification and verbal valuation on-site, with additional lab services available for a fee. We have a graduate gemologist on staff, and our experts are GIA accredited jewelry professionals with extensive experience with rare and fine gemstones. 

Coins and Watches

Occasionally, we purchase coins, primarily as bullion, and can refer clients to coin shops for larger quantities or rare coins. We will give top offers on coins and bullion used as trades toward other purchases. We are always buying watches, but we are primarily looking for vintage (1970s and before) and/or pre-owned luxury brands (Rolex, Omega, Tag Heuer, Patek, and more). We also maintain an extensive list of wholesale watch and coin dealers and can help you broker your higher value watch – contact us to learn more. 

Jewelry Selling FAQ

How do I get the most money to sell my jewelry?

To maximize your profit, consider the following steps:

  • Get an appraisal or evaluations: Have your jewelry evaluated by a professional to determine its true value. We are happy to help with this, whether you are looking to sell or not. 
  • Sell to the right buyer: Jewelers, private collectors, or auction houses often pay more than pawn shops. Some stores have specific needs and wish lists. 
  • Understand the market value: Research current gold, diamond, and gemstone prices, and if you aren’t sure, ask an expert.
  • Avoid consignment: Some jewelry stores will sell your item on consignment, meaning they take a commission but may fetch a higher price. While this used to work well, we now recommend avoiding it, since consignment is taking longer and pricing does not keep up with market changes. The only consignment we recommend is consigning to auction, where you can get higher prices on rare or highly valuable items (over $10k). 
  • Sell online or private market: Platforms like eBay, Worthy, or The RealReal can help you reach buyers willing to pay more. However, many jewelers can offer comparable or higher prices. We are happy to look at your item and advise as to the best way to sell an item for the highest price. 
Is it better to sell your jewelry to a jeweler or a pawn shop?
  • Jewelers typically offer higher payouts because they evaluate the intrinsic value of the jewelry and may resell it rather than scrap it.
  • Pawn shops usually pay less since they focus on quick resale and offer only a fraction of the jewelry’s actual value. If you need fast cash, a pawn shop might be an option, but for the best price, a jeweler or private buyer is better.
How and where to sell unwanted jewelry without getting scammed?

To avoid scams when selling jewelry:

  • Work with reputable buyers—jewelers, auction houses, or certified online platforms.
  • Compare multiple offers before making a decision; or work with an adviser to understand current market pricing. 
  • Avoid pressure tactics—legitimate buyers won’t rush you.
  • Use secure payment methods like escrow services or platforms with buyer/seller protection, cash payments, or checks from brick-and-mortar businesses. 
  • Research the buyer and check online reviews before selling, and verify education credentials fo the experts advising you. 
How to sell jewelry in a jewelry store?
  • Find a reputable jeweler that buys second-hand pieces. Does the jeweler have items similar to yours in their case? Can they talk to the specifics of your piece? Make sure the jeweler is qualified and knowlegable. 
  • Get an appraisal so you understand your jewelry’s worth before negotiating (for items of high value), or work with a respected jeweler for evaluations (on scrap gold or items under $10K)
  • Be prepared to negotiate as jewelers won’t offer full retail price but usually pay more than pawn shops.
  • Bring documentation—certifications and original receipts can increase your jewelry’s value. Provenence can help increase the value of antique pieces and fine watches. 
Who pays the highest for jewelry?

The highest-paying buyers include:

  • Federal Way Custom Jewelers- we are known for paying the highest prices in the Seattle area for vintage jewelry. 
  • Auction houses (Sotheby’s, Christie’s, Heritage Auctions or Worthy)—ideal for high-end jewelry.
  • Specialized jewelry buyers that focus on diamonds, gold, or luxury brands.
  • Reputable jewelers who offer fair market value.
  • Online marketplaces (eBay, The RealReal, 1stDibs)—selling directly to consumers can maximize your payout.
How to sell jewelry and not get ripped off?
  • Know your jewelry’s value by getting an appraisal or checking market prices.
  • Shop around—get offers from multiple buyers before deciding.
  • Sell to reputable buyers—research their reviews and credentials.
  • Avoid high-pressure tactics—legitimate buyers will give you time to consider.
  • Use safe payment methods when selling online to avoid fraud.

Trade-Ins: How It Works

We accept scrap metals, estate jewelry, diamonds, coins, and more as trade-ins for new items in our store. You will receive full market value as store credit, which you can use toward a purchase, repair, or custom design. It’s a great way to transform old jewelry into something new you’ll adore. If your items hold sentimental value, we can incorporate their materials or diamonds into a custom piece and provide cash credit for any leftover materials.

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