Treats clients fairly and respectfully.
Over the last few years I and my wife had inherited some jewellery and watches. Some with good value, some not so much.
I'm retired now and felt that it was time to sell the items that were not going to ever be worn.
I did some research and Van Rijk Jewellers consistently rated as professional and trustworthy.
I made an appointment to see Alex Van Rijk. At exactly the appointment time I was ushered into his office. He did not keep me waiting an extra second. He was polite and professional. He assumes that you have done your research and have a rough idea of the value of your items. If you haven't or are unsure, he will explain it to you. I had done some research and had a rough idea of the realistic value of most of my items.
Alex tests your gold items right in front of you and separates them by karat. He also weighs them in front of you and has the spot price of gold visibly posted on the wall. One bracelet surprised me by being worth more than I thought. One ring was worth less because the diamonds were not a fashionable cut for re-sale and not large enough to be worth re-cutting. Alex had no problem with me deciding to keep the ring.
Alex may buy an exceptional piece of silver jewellery but he does not buy silver for scrap value. Like every jeweller he buys gold.
Alex then totaled everything, showed me his calculations and made me an offer. His offer was close to my original estimate and I accepted. There was one watch that I probably could have sold privately for at least 15% more for a reasonably quick sale. However there are downsides to selling valuable items privately and Alex has to pay rent and staff costs. He has to make money on transactions to stay in business.
I also got to meet Alex's wife Barbara (it is a 30+ year family business). She was also very professional and courteous.
It was a very satisfactory and painless business transaction. So much so that I will go out of my way to shop their store the next time I wish to purchase a watch or piece of jewellery. Even though this review may sound like a paid promotion, I can assure you that it is not and I am a legitimate customer.
I intended to itemise do's and don'ts for selling jewellery but that will just take up too much space.
Do your research, go in with reasonable expectations and you will not be disappointed.
Over the last few years I and my wife had inherited some jewellery and watches. Some with good value, some not so much.
I'm retired now and felt that it was time to sell the items that were not going to ever be worn.
I did some research and Van Rijk Jewellers consistently rated as professional and trustworthy.
I made an appointment to see Alex Van Rijk. At exactly the appointment time I was ushered into his office. He did not keep me waiting an extra second. He was polite and professional. He assumes that you have done your research and have a rough idea of the value of your items. If you haven't or are unsure, he will explain it to you. I had done some research and had a rough idea of the realistic value of most of my items.
Alex tests your gold items right in front of you and separates them by karat. He also weighs them in front of you and has the spot price of gold visibly posted on the wall. One bracelet surprised me by being worth more than I thought....