As you know, I am rather new to all this and though I haven't ever sold jewelry on eBay (and I don't plan to besides this one), a relative gave me a whole bunch of beautiful jewelry that was an older relative's for the purpose of selling on eBay and then I am to keep the money (a loving, generous relative).
It is mostly "bolo ties", rings and belt buckles. They are all heavy silver with tons of big chunks of turquoise some of them with silver snakes winding around the turquoise rocks.
The pieces are all circa 1970. At least one of them has insets of coral and tortoise shell. I assume it's now against the law to use the tortoise shell, but I am curious if old pieces can be sold.
Most of them say "Effie C." & "Zuni" on the back, which I assume is the jewelry designer?
*Edit: Oh, I just did a google search for Effie C./Zuni and found this:
Anyway, I am thrilled to get the stuff for free, to sell, but I have no clue at what price point to start the bidding. I plan on selling each piece separately.
Should I go somewhere to get an appraisal so that I will have a clue?
Can I sell the one with tortoise & coral?
Any additional tips for this clueless jewelry seller?
Oh and I want to post a photo, but I don't know how to do it here. Help?
Thanks so much,
[ edited by reallywonderfulstuff on Jun 1, 2004 11:02 AM ]
[ edited by reallywonderfulstuff on Jun 1, 2004 11:06 AM ]
posted on June 1, 2004 02:14:14 PM
Ebay is very likely to end the auction if you use the word "tortoise" in it. I believe it's one of the words they do periodic searches for. It's a serious violation of California law in most instances to sell tortoise shell items. They have ended auctions for guitars because the seller innocently included a tortoise shell guitar pick.
A $75.00 solid state device will always blow first to protect a 25 cent fuse ~ Murphy's Law
posted on June 3, 2004 01:35:51 PM
wonderfulstuff:
I sell jewelry, mostly vintage regularly. I'll take the lot off your hands (just kidding). No, seriously, If you don't want to sell it by the piece, sell it as a lot. Regardless of how you sell it the keywords in the title and the photos are absolutely key. Particularly the photos. Once you get superior photos then, describe - describe - describe. It may seem silly to you but the more info you can give the better the price you'll get.
posted on June 3, 2004 03:03:38 PM
Don't forget to put Native American in the listing and maybe in the title. As I'm sure you have found out - some of it gets really good money.
If you could post a photo or two, I'm sure you would get some really good feedback from the jewelry sellers here
posted on June 3, 2004 08:13:55 PM
Thanks all of you.
I'd love to post some photos, but I can't figure out how. Can I not just attach a jpg? Does it have to be on a wb page (url) first? Because I don't have one.
posted on June 3, 2004 09:23:05 PM
Since Effie Zuni comes from a family of Zuni Pueblo Silversmiths ( they took their surname from the name of the Pueblo tribe to which they belong) suggest you also put Zuni in the title and list it in jewelry - Ethnic - Native American. This stuff sells for good prices and you should sell each piece individualy. I sold a good part of the S.W Indian jewelry I had collected for over 30 years on e-bay and the prices I got sometimes suprised me. There is a demand for the well made pieces and if you have any Zuni inlay pieces, so much the better.
buyhigh
posted on June 4, 2004 04:21:56 AM
Effie's name is Effie Calavaza, of the Zuni tribe. The whole Calavaza family make jewelry, but Effie's work is most sought after. The snakes are on most of her pieces. I would recommend listing in vintage silver jewelry category also. I have found I get better prices there. People who are not particularly interested in the Ethnic, Native American category but appreciate fine silver work are likely to bid. And collectors of Effie's work will likely search "Effie." Are there any other signatures or initials? Begay or Chee? What a great windfall - best of luck with them. Please let us know when you list, I am interested.
[ edited by earthmum on Jun 4, 2004 04:22 AM ]
posted on June 5, 2004 11:02:01 AM
Not yet.
I will be putting them up for auction this coming week.
I will announce it here.
Thank you all for your interest.
What a wonderful situation to find myself in.
Thanks friends,
~RWS
