Jewelry

Sell my jewelry

Marc Labarbe's Auction House, a key player in the antique and modern jewelry market, organizes one or two sales each month, as well as two exceptional annual sales.  

We offer you an estimation service free, personalized and confidential, By appointment, with the expert eye of our auctioneers. Whether you want to know the value of your pieces for a future sale, insurance, or simply out of curiosity, we are at your disposal to provide you with an accurate and detailed evaluation. You can make an appointment with our team, we will advise you professionally, taking into account the quality, condition, and rarity of your jewelry, to ensure a fair and optimal valuation. 

And why not sell your jewelry at auction?

Selling your jewelry at auction has several advantages, especially for those who want to get a fair price or even a higher price than they could have obtained by selling it to a traditional dealer.  

Here are some reasons why selling your jewelry at our auction house can be a great option:

The main advantage of selling your Selling jewelry at auction can create a bidding war. This competition between potential buyers can drive up the selling price, often well above the estimated value, especially if the jewelry is rare, unique, or in high demand. Your antique jewelry is rare, we no longer find it on the jewelry market ; However, today there is a increasing number amateurs of antique jewelry which will raise theis price ! 

OUR auction house attracted Buyers from around the world, including collectors, investors, and jewelry enthusiasts looking for rare or specific pieces. This international visibility increases the chances of selling at a high price and to a targeted audience, which is not always possible through other local sales channels. 

We work in collaboration with an expert in gemology, who professionally appraise your jewelry. This ensures you receive a fair estimate of the value of your pieces and helps you avoid undervaluation, while also offering advice on how best to showcase each piece. 

Unlike private sales where there may be negotiations and price adjustments, selling at auction allows you, with the help of the auctioneer, the fix a starting price by letting the market decide the final amount. This saves you the stress of negotiation and ensures a transparent and fair transaction. ! 

The auction house Marc The beard gets involved in the presentation of your jewelry in order to make the most of themThis enhancement increases SO their attractiveness and attracts the attention of potential buyers who will therefore be more easily carried away by the fire of the auctions! 

If you have fine jewelry, antique pieces, or unique creations, auctions can be particularly advantageous. Our auction house has a network ofbuyers looking for rare or historic pieces often willing to pay high prices.  

Sell passing through our An auction house allows you to take your time, depending on the sale date, to decide when you would like your jewelry to be presented. You won't be forced to sell at a lower price due to time pressure, as you might be in a rush private sale. 

We assure the security of your belongings from the reception of your jewelry until the sale is handed over. In addition, we provide Athe sales requisition cleare and transparente which defines the terms of the sale, commissions and other fees. This gives you peace of mind when selling. 

If you're selling heirloom or sentimental jewelry, auctions can offer a way to ensure it finds a new buyer who's passionate and ready to appreciate its value. This can give you the confidence that your pieces will be valued fairly while respecting their history. 

How do we value your diamonds and precious stones?

The value of a diamond is determined by several factors, often summarized under the term 4C : Carat, Color, Clarity and CutThese criteria influence not only the appearance of the diamond, but also its rarity and therefore its value. Here is a detailed overview of these elements:

1. Carat (weight) : Carat measures the weight of the diamond, not its size. One carat is equal to 0.2 grams. Generally, the heavier a diamond, the higher its value, as larger diamonds are rarer. However, two diamonds of the same weight can have very different values depending on other criteria.

2. Color : Diamonds are graded according to their color, on a scale ranging from D (colorless) to Z (slightly tinted with yellow or brown). Colorless diamonds are rarer and, therefore, more valuable. The absence of color allows the diamond to better reflect light, increasing its brilliance. 

3. Clarity Clarity refers to the absence of inclusions (internal imperfections) and external flaws on the diamond. A perfect diamond, without any inclusions or imperfections visible to the naked eye, will be much more valuable. Inclusions affect the brilliance and visual appearance of the diamond, so the fewer there are, the more valuable the stone is. 

4. Cut : Cut refers to how the diamond was cut and polished. It is a determining factor in the diamond's brilliance. A well-executed cut maximizes the reflection of light through the stone, resulting in exceptional brilliance. A poor-quality cut, even if the color and clarity are high, can diminish the stone's beauty and value.

In addition to these 4Cs, several other factors can influence the value of a diamond: 

  • Rarity : Some diamonds may be considered particularly rare due to their origin, history, or unique characteristics (such as pink or blue diamonds, which are extremely rare). 
  • Origin : The origin of the diamond can also affect its value. For example, some diamonds from reputable mines or with a particular historical provenance may be more highly valued. 
  • Certificates and Expertise : Diamonds certified by recognized gemological laboratories (such as GIA, the Gemological Institute of America) will have a higher value, because they have been evaluated by experts who guarantee their authenticity and characteristics. 
  • Market demand : Finally, market demand and trends play a role. For example, certain types of diamonds may increase in value based on fashions or consumer preferences. 

 

 

And your precious stones… 

Gemstone valuation relies on several key criteria. Here are three of the most important: 

1. The color: 

Color is one of the most important criteria for assessing the quality of a gemstone. It is usually analyzed in terms of tint, saturation and secondary shade. For example, for diamonds, color is measured on a scale ranging from D (colorless) to Z (yellow or brown tint). The more vivid, deep, and uniform a gemstone's color, the higher its value. This is especially true for stones like sapphire, emerald, or ruby, where color plays a key role in valuation. 

2. Clarity: 

Clarity refers to the presence or absence of inclusions (internal impurities) and visible flaws on the stone's surface. The clearer and purer a stone is, the higher its value. Inclusions can diminish the stone's brilliance and transparency, affecting its appearance and value. Gemologists use a clarity scale to classify stones, from “flawless” (without visible flaws) to “included” (inclusions visible to the naked eye). 

3. The carat (weight): 

The carat measures the weight of the gemstone, not its size. One carat is equal to 0.2 grams. Generally, the heavier a stone, the rarer it is and, therefore, the more expensive it can be. However, a stone's value doesn't depend solely on weight; a smaller stone with better color or clarity can be more valuable than a larger one with visible imperfections. 

If you'd like an appraisal for your antique jewelry, don't hesitate. You can contact our office for a free and confidential appraisal from an auctioneer.  

Definitions

The auctioneer conducts the auction.

There are two auction types :

  • Voluntary auctions : an owner provides freely items. The voluntary auction is organized in accordance with the provisions of the French Civil Code (laws of July 10, 2000 and July 20, 2011,art. L. 321-1 to L. 321-38 of the French Commercial Code). The fees are applied in addition to the hammer price. They are generally set at 20% pre-tax, i.e 24% after tax.Upcoming Voluntary Sales.
  • The judicial sales : a judicial sale is provided for by a law or regulation, or can be authorized by a judge. Fees in addition to the hammer price are set at 12% pre-tax, i.e 14.40% after tax.Upcoming judicial sales.
 

A sale can be described as an auction when anybody is free to participate, under the sole condition of his solvency.

Everybody is able to hear all the offers made, and can thus outbid. The object presented is won by the highest bidder.

Any bid has to be equal to or higher than the starting price, or must be higher than the one proposed by a competitor for the purchase of the thing.

The amount of every bid is repeated out loud by the auctioneer so that every bidder can hear it.

This way, auctions are an objective and automatic mode of designation of a price and a purchaser.

The purchase order corresponds to a specific maximum amount in euros up to which the auctioneer is mandated to buy the item. The auctioneer buys the item on behalf of his client, in accordance with the instructions of the purchase order form. The auctioneer aims to purchase the item at the lowest possible price and still under the maximum price his client has set.

 

How to bid ?

The auctions being "public", they are open to anyone who can bid, i.e to any creditworthy person.

The place where the sale takes place is public. The auctioneer ensures the free access to the sale.

The restrictions to participate in an auction are those of common law : non-emancipated minors, protected adults, people under the influence of alcohol.

The auctioneer may subject the participation to a prior registration and the presentation of a guarantee of payment, these conditions being objective, non-discriminatory and appropriate.

The price is shouted. The sale is conducted in French and bids are made in euros. The auctioneer conducts the operations. He designates the item for sale and announces a starting price. People start bidding. When it turns out that no one is willing to offer a higher price, the item is won. The lot is sold and the sale is over when the auctioneer blows the hammer and says 'Adjugé'.

It is possible to bid by raising your hand, the sign being immediately translated into figures by the auctioneer, who announces it orally.

If you can't attend the saleit is possible to place an absentee bid. You have to fill in a purchase order form with the highest amount you are willing to pay for the artwork..
Once your form is registered, you will receive a confirmation by email.

If you can't attend the saleit is possible to place an absentee bid. You have to fill in a purchase order form with the highest amount you are willing to pay for the artwork..

Once your purchase order is registered, you will have the confirmation by email. You may be required to provide a piece of identification for the buyer as well as his bank details.
For some objects of exceptional character and/or value, a guarantee deposit may be required.

If the purchase order is made on behalf of a legal entity such as a company, you may be required to provide a Kbis extract and the ID of the manager mentioned in this document.

If the auctioneer receives several orders for identical amounts on the same lot and if, at the auction, these orders represent the highest bids, it will be awarded to the bidder whose order has been received first. .

No purchase order lower than the low estimate is accepted.

Full contact details must be provided in the form.

If the purchase order has been completed, the bill of sale summarizing the designation of the objects purchased, the amount awarded and the total amount with the fees will be sent no later than 24 hours after the sale (excluding non-working days).

The sending is done to the email filled during the request or, in the absence of it, by postal way.

it is possible to place bids by telephone.

Bidding by telephone lets you take part in the auction without having to be present in the auction room. If you would like to do this you will need to book yourself in as a telephone bidder in advance. Places are available on a first-come-first-served basis. You will also need to fill in a telephone bid form, providing proof of identity and residence and a contact telephone. is the one by which the person asks to be called on the phone during the auction, to make a live auction. To do this, simply fill in a Telephone bid form.

Once your request is registered, you will have the confirmation by email or telephone. You may be required to provide an ID as well as bank details.
For some objects of exceptional character and/or value, a guarantee deposit may be required.

If the purchase order is made on behalf of a legal entity such as a company, you may be required to provide a Kbis extract and the ID of the manager mentioned in this document.

Please note that this is a free service provided by the Auction House that can not be held responsible in case of late request or defective telephone link or in case of any error made in telephone contact.

No telephone bid form for objects whose low estimate is lower than 200 euros is accepted.

 

If you want to bid on the internet, the Auction House Labarbe uses the platform Interencheres Live. Live sales are broadcast on https://www.interencheres-live.com/. They bring two new services:

  • of the live auctions it allows to remotely participate in a real-time auction. From your computer, you can follow the auction fire and the auctioneer's comments during the sale (with sound and video). At any time and with a single click, you can bid as if you were in the room on the lots you want.
  • of the secret purchase orders : interencheres-live.com offers a service of secret purchase orders. Secret purchase orders are automatically executed and computerized. Their maximum amounts are not disclosed to the auctioneer. The bidders benefit from the guarantee of a purchase at the fairest price if they win the auction.

If you want to participate in an auction live or deposit a secret purchase order, kindly note that you have to register BEFORE the sale on interencheres-live.com.

Taxes are alway included in the hammer price, but the selling fees are not. Selling fees are a percentage calculated on the total amount of the sales bill. They can cary from one sale to another.

If you bid on the internet, an additional 3-percent fee applies. It pays the subcontractor responsible for organizing the auction live.

The payment of any item is due immediately. spot.

You can pay cashcash in the limit of €1000 with fees for French citizens and up to €15,000 with fees for anybody whose tax domicile is abroad.

The payment can also be made by credit card when the place of the sale allows it. 4% additional fees are charged to purchasers holding foreign cards.

If you bids were placed remotely, payment must be made upon receipt of the sales slip. You can pay by making an appointment with our accounting department, or use a bank transfer. Please contact us to retrieve our bank details.

For purchases made via the platform interencheres-live.com, the total amount can be debited from the credit card you've used for the registration.

How to pick up your purchase ?

  • I'm leaving with my goods on the same day.
    The staff will give me my goods on presentation of my sale slip (my invoice) fully paid.
  • I can not immediately take away my goods.
    Exceptionally, the Labarbe House can give you 72 hours to pick up your items. You should find out the place of storage of your object by contacting us beforehand. We will give you your good on presentation of my sale slip (my invoice) fully paid.
  • You can also mandate the person of your choice to pick up your property. In this case, you have to :
  1. fill out and send it to the Auction House a withdrawal authorization of the goods by a third person.
  2. This third person must present a copy of the sale slip fully paid, the withdrawal authorization, and his ID. If the sale slip hasn't been fully paidthis person has to do it at the auction house, in cash up to €1000 with fees or by credit card.
  • You pick up your property in person.
    On presentation of a sale slip fully paid, the goods can be withdrawn at the auction house. during opening hours, or when appropriate, at another place of sale. You should find out where your good is stored by contacting us beforehand.
  • You mandate the person of your choice to pick up your property. In this case, you must :
    1. Inform us by filling in a withdrawal authorization by a third party.
    2. This person must present the copy of the fully paid slip sale, the withdrawal authorization, and an ID. If the sale slip hasn't been fully paidthis person has to do it at the auction house, in cash up to €1000 with fees or by credit card.

    You should first find out where your good is stored by contacting us beforehand.

  • You want to call a carrier.
    You are free to call the carrier of your choice. If you don't know any transport company, the auction house can give you the details of a professional. In any case, you must :
  1. Inform us by filling in a withdrawal authorization of the goods by a third person.
  2. Transmit to the carrier a copy of my fully paid sale slip.
  3. You should first find out where your good is stored by contacting us beforehand.

Unless otherwise specified, the property is sent in good condition. The auction house is not liable for any loss or damage. The cost of the transport is the responsability of the purchaser.

  • I wish my purchases to be sent by post.
    It will be perceived a A price for packaging and shipping is required. It changes from 5 to €20 depending on the weight and volume of the property. Unless otherwise specified, the property is sent in good condition. The auction house is not liable for any loss or damage. The costs and the responsibility of the transport belong to the purchaser. In case of a postal sending, please contact us so that we can give you a quote. The auction House can refuse the packaging service if it seems to be too risky, given the nature of the object. The transport being carried out under the full responsibility of the buyer, please contact us to know if the good you want to acquire can be dispatched.