If you’ve never sold jewelry before but are considering it for the first time, you might be overwhelmed by several questions and concerns. Your goal is to get the best price for your jewelry, and avoid being scammed or taken advantage of. Doing your own research can be end up being a time-vacuum, so this article will simplify the selling process to help you navigate the market for used jewelry like a pro.

At some point in recent years, you have probably heard of the Minimalism Phenomenon.

While the term also refers to the 1960s art movement, its meaning today more often refers to a lifestyle centered on lack of material possessions. In some ways it is simply a trend that briefly drew a great deal of social media and press attention, with spearheads such as the creators of the documentary “The Minimalists,” as well as Marie Kondo, author of #1 New York Times best-selling book The Life-Changing Magic of Tidying Up.

On the most superficial level, jewelry can be thought of as nothing more than a fashion item.

It is commonly worn to enhance or complement an outfit, especially for formal events that showcase elegance and style

But if you dig a little deeper and look beyond Western ideals, you will find that in many cultures, jewelry represents more than simply wearable decoration.

In many cultures, jewelry is often worn for luck and superstition. Family heirlooms are passed down to honor tradition and the bonds between generations. In short, jewelry is worn not only for aesthetically pleasing purposes, but often for sentimental or social intents.

Ever wonder where your jewelry came from before finding its way to a retailer? What has it seen and experienced beyond its relatively brief time in your possession? What is the fate of a piece of jewelry after it’s been sold?

Considering the sentimental value we attach to a diamond ring, it’s not out of the ordinary to wonder about the history of the stone, as well as where it might end up after its time in your possession. Chances are, the diamond has traveled to more continents than you have before ending up on you or your partner’s finger. So when it comes to diamonds, supply-chain transparency carries more emotional significance than it would for products like coffee beans or sneakers.