San Diego Union-Tribune

PERSONAL DOWNSIZING TIPS

- Judy Scheuer, President, Belle Roche, Inc.

As the population ages, personal downsizing is occurring more and more. In such a case, it’s vital to determine the value of one’s possession­s and find a reputable place where one can sell them for the best price possible. Judy Scheuer, Belle Roche Estate Jewelry Buyers, says there could be something quite valuable amongst one’s possession­s and downsizing is a good opportunit­y to cull through to find items worth selling.

Scheuer gives the following advice about downsizing:

“The best thing to do is sort through what you think might be of value. The first priority is what you want to pass on to family members, and then we can help you determine what you want to sell that is of higher value. Some things will be better suited to a garage sale or the thrift store donation, but you don’t want to miss out by mistakenly selling something valuable for $5 at a garage sale!”

Whether one wants to sell gold, jewelry, silver, collectibl­es or figurines, one should find an establishm­ent that will help you determine the right price and make an offer to buy those items. While used gold is still a sure thing, some fine jewelry can be worth more than just the gold weight. For instance, 1920s-era jewelry is currently quite popular. Designer jewelry such as Harry Winston, Tiffany or Cartier has strong resale value. Even costume jewelry can be quite valuable, especially if it is signed.

Anything silver, even if beat up or broken, is worth money. Some patterns and brands of silver flatware and hollowware are very much in demand. Even silver-plated items may be worth selling.

Some porcelain collectibl­es have held their value. Lladro and Herend porcelain figurines, for example, are selling well in the second hand market. Fine china and crystal can be worth money as well. Scheuer will buy namebrand crystal and china that is in demand, such as Baccarat, Waterford or Lalique crystal. Royal Copenhagen and many other brands of china can also bring you extra money.

Call Belle Roche Estate Jewelry Buyers for more informatio­n. (760) 479-2300 or check out their website at www.belleroche­jewelry.com.

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