Chicago's Fine Jewelry Experts
Jewelry Appraisal & Fine Jewelry Buyers
Need a jewelry appraisal in Chicago? We offer free expert appraisals and pay more than scrap gold prices. With 40 years of expertise, we recognize when a piece is worth more than its metal weight.
Fine Jewelry We Purchase
Gold Jewelry
All karats: 9K, 10K, 14K, 18K, 22K. Chains, bracelets, rings, earrings, brooches.
Diamonds
Loose diamonds and set pieces. All cuts, clarities, and sizes. Estate diamonds welcome.
Luxury Watches
Rolex, Cartier, Omega, Patek Philippe. With or without box and papers.
Platinum & Silver
Platinum jewelry, sterling silver pieces, and silver flatware sets.
Antique & Estate
Victorian, Edwardian, Art Nouveau, Art Deco. Period pieces often worth more than metal value.
Engagement Rings
Selling after divorce or broken engagement? Fair, private, confidential transactions.
We Pay More Than Scrap Gold Buyers
Many gold buyers only see metal weight. They melt down beautiful antique pieces without considering their true value. At Decatique Studios, we look at the whole picture.
A Victorian mourning brooch might contain $50 worth of gold but be worth $500 to collectors. A signed Cartier piece might have minimal gold content but significant resale value. Our 40 years of experience help us recognize these opportunities.
- We research maker's marks and signatures
- We evaluate craftsmanship and design
- We consider collector demand
- We check current auction results
- We assess condition and wearability
Our Specialty Areas
Victorian Jewelry — Mourning pieces, cameos, hairwork, seed pearl designs
Georgian Pieces — Rose-cut diamonds, foil-backed stones, enamel work
Art Deco Design — Geometric patterns, platinum and diamond pieces
Masonic & Fraternal — Lodge pins, rings, and ceremonial pieces
Mourning Jewelry — Jet, gutta-percha, woven hair pieces
Antique Brooches — Hat pins, bar pins, figural designs
How We Determine Value
Metal Content
We test all metals to verify karat and purity. Current spot prices form the baseline, but we often pay above scrap value.
Gemstone Quality
Diamonds evaluated on the 4 Cs. Colored stones assessed for type, origin, and treatment.
Age & Period
Antique and vintage pieces often command premiums. Victorian, Art Nouveau, Art Deco have strong collector markets.
Maker & Provenance
Signed pieces from Tiffany, Cartier, Van Cleef are worth significantly more. We research hallmarks.
Condition
Intact pieces with original components are preferred. We also buy damaged jewelry for parts or repair.
Current Market
With 11,000+ items sold on eBay and deep connections in the antique community, we know what buyers are paying.
Our Evaluation Process
Initial Contact
Call us or send photos via email. We can often provide a preliminary assessment remotely.
In-Person Evaluation
We test metals, evaluate stones, research marks, and consider market value — not just melt value.
Transparent Offer
We explain our valuation and make an offer. No pressure — take time to consider.
Immediate Payment
Accept our offer and receive payment on the spot. Check or cash, your preference.
Frequently Asked Questions
We use multiple testing methods: acid testing, electronic testing, and visual inspection of hallmarks and wear patterns. We can accurately identify gold karat and distinguish gold-filled, gold-plated, and solid gold pieces.
Generally no — the gold content is too minimal. However, if a gold-filled piece is antique or from a desirable maker, it may have collector value beyond its metal content. We evaluate each piece individually.
A formal appraisal typically costs $50-150 per piece. For selling purposes, our free evaluation provides the same information. However, if you believe pieces are exceptionally valuable, an independent appraisal can provide peace of mind.
Yes. Even damaged pieces have value — sometimes for repair, sometimes for parts, sometimes for metal content. Broken clasps, missing stones, or bent settings don't necessarily eliminate value.
For significant collections or estates, yes. If you have a substantial amount of jewelry or are handling an estate with multiple categories of items, we can come to you. Call to discuss your situation.
Jewelry Appraisals Throughout Chicago
Service Areas
Ready for a Free Jewelry Appraisal?
Get a free, no-obligation evaluation from experts who understand the difference between scrap value and true worth.