Common Questions
Answers about selling, buying, custom design and visiting our Lakeway showroom. Don’t see your question? Call or text (512) 814-0574.
Selling to Us
What types of jewelry do you buy?
Fine and estate jewelry, diamonds, gemstones, luxury watches including Rolex, gold and silver, coins and bullion, and designer pieces from houses like Tiffany & Co., Cartier, Van Cleef & Arpels, and Harry Winston. We can purchase a single piece or an entire estate. Book today for a free evaluation.
Do I need an appointment?
Yes. Selling evaluations are by appointment only, so we can give you private, one-on-one attention. If you walk in without one, we’ll do our best to accommodate you, but we’ll likely ask you to leave your items with us for evaluation later that day when a specialist is free.
How is the value of my items determined?
Our GIA-trained specialists evaluate each piece in front of you, considering metal, gemstones, condition, maker, and current market demand. You see how we reach our number.
How fast do I get paid?
When you sell to us, we pay immediately by cash, check or wire. We are one of the few dealers with the capital to settle large estates the same day.
Will you travel to me?
For qualifying estates and collections, yes. No distance is too far to add that perfect piece to our collection. Contact us with a description of your items and experts will reach out.
Do you buy jewelry that needs repair?
Yes. Our in-house buyers will always purchase broken jewelry and pieces in need of repair or restoration. Bring it in and we will take a look. Anything we buy is paid same day or you can trade those old pieces for something new and save an extra 10% off your new treasure.
How do you value estate jewelry differently than scrap gold buyers?
Scrap gold buyers evaluate jewelry strictly by placing it on a scale and offering a low percentage of melt value while disregarding hand fabrication, historical rarity, gemstones, and important marks. At Eco Estate Jewelry, we evaluate jewelry as completed art objects. We pay true premiums for period craftsmanship, iconic design houses, and historical desirability.
Do I need to clean, repair, or appraise my jewelry before bringing it in?
No. We strongly advise against polishing or cleaning antique jewelry, as aggressive buffing can remove delicate milgrain, damage porous gemstones, and erase original patina that collectors cherish. Furthermore, you do not need an outside appraisal, our in-house evaluations are complimentary.
How do you evaluate uncertified colored gemstones and antique cut diamonds?
We test and inspect all stones on-site using standard gemological instrumentation (refractometers, polariscopes, microscopes, and thermal testers). We identify treatments, determine origin probability, and grade antique diamond cuts with zero requirement for you to pay for external lab certificates upfront. Some stones may require additional testing and certification to achieve full value.
How does consignment work?
We offer consignment on high value pieces that we would not purchase outright. Consignment pieces are displayed to serious buyers in our showroom and to clients online. Fees start at 25% and are negotiable for larger estates. You approve the price before anything is signed. Consignment periods are 90 days and extend automatically until the item sells. Payment is made 30 days after the sale.
Is the process confidential?
Completely. Evaluations are private, and nothing about your items or your visit is shared. For high value estates and named clients, after hours or home visits can be arranged on a case by case basis.
Watches
Do I need to have my watch serviced or polished before selling it?
No. In fact, we advise against polishing or third-party servicing prior to an evaluation. Collector value heavily favors original case bevels and untouched finishes. Over-polishing can permanently reduce the value of vintage and collectible luxury watches.
Will you buy a watch that is not running or damaged?
Yes. We evaluate watches in need of mechanical overhaul, crystal replacement, or movement repair. We factor standard repair margins into our offer, so you do not have to invest money upfront into restoring a piece you intend to sell.
Can I sell my watch if I do not have the original box or warranty card?
Absolutely. While full sets command premium collector prices, we purchase “watch-only” timepieces daily. We confirm authenticity through serial number registries, movement caliber inspection, and case stamp verification.
Coins and Bullion
What about coins and bullion?
We are one of the few dealers in Central Texas actively buying coins and bullion. We pay 95% or better for all gold coins and 90% to spot plus on silver bullion. Pre-1964 American quarters, dimes and half dollars are 75% or better. Collections are always inspected for numismatics.
Should I clean my coins before bringing them in for an evaluation?
No, never clean your coins under any circumstances. Polishing, dipping, or wiping coins with a cloth leaves microscopic hairline scratches and strips the original mint luster. Collectors pay significant premiums for untouched, original surfaces. We prefer to see them exactly as they came out of the drawer or safe.
Do you buy entire collections or just the most valuable pieces?
We evaluate and make offers on entire collections. Many dealers will cherry-pick the 2 or 3 rarest items and leave you with albums of partial sets that are difficult to sell. We make comprehensive, fair offers across all coins, albums, proof sets, and bulk metals.
Do my coins need to be graded or slabbed by PCGS or NGC?
No. While third-party certified coins make grading standardized, we evaluate raw, unslabbed coins every day. Our specialists have the magnification equipment, reference guides, and market knowledge to grade and authenticate raw coins accurately in-house.
Custom Design and Restoration
How long does the custom design process take?
Turnaround times are typically 6 to 10 weeks from initial sketch/CAD approval to finished bench production. Holiday and peak seasons can add 2-4 weeks based on demand.
How much does a bespoke piece cost, and can you work within my budget?
Our bespoke commissions begin at $2,500, with final pricing guided entirely by your choice of metals, the rarity and scale of your gemstones, and the complexity of bench fabrication. We believe true custom work is a transparent collaboration, during your initial consultation, we discuss your ideal investment and tailor design concepts, material selections, and sourcing options to maximize your budget without ever compromising quality.
Can I use my own heirloom stones or melt down family gold?
Yes. Resetting heirloom stones into modern creations is at the very core of our work. When incorporating heirloom gold, our goldsmiths require the metals to be refined prior to casting to ensure your creation is structurally dense, durable, and free of impurities. Heirloom gold refining is a time intensive process that is available for an additional fee. We also allow the precious metal value of your family gold as a credit toward your project.
Where do you source your diamonds, gemstones, and precious metals?
We curate exceptional diamonds and colored gemstones through two deliberate avenues: reclaimed antique treasures and certified, ethically vetted dealers adhering to the strictest conflict-free standards. Every custom creation is brought to life using certified recycled precious metals, ensuring that our heirloom craftsmanship honors the past without compromising the future.
Can I start from a drawing or inspiration image?
Without question. Every bespoke piece begins with a spark of inspiration, whether it is a rough sketch, a fragment of period jewelry, or a mood board. The deeper we delve into the details of what moves you, the more intentional the final design becomes. We bridge the gap between initial concept and fine jewelry fabrication, engineering your vision into a one-of-a-kind piece crafted to outlive the everyday.
Shopping With Us
What is your return policy?
Please see our Refund Policy for full details on returns and exchanges.
How can I reach you?
Call or text (512) 814-0574 or email info@ecoestatejewelry.com. You can also book an appointment online.