3971 Jog Road, Greenacres, FL 33467
Gold Price: $2207.405
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Silver Price: $24.5989 0.0329
What Makes a Coin Valuable & How is Demand Set?

You are probably aware of sites like PCGS and APMEX and understand that you can look up the value of your coins. But do you know what the characteristics of a valuable coin are and what to look for if you are selling your coins or building your collection?

In today’s post we seek to help you understand a little bit about coin values and where they come from, how they ebb and flow, and what you can do to get top dollar for your coin collection.

“A Coin is Worth what Someone will Pay for it”

Are you tired of hearing this from your old man? Numismatics can be far more complicated than simple economics of supply and demand, and understanding that something may be worth little today and a lot tomorrow is important to any coin dealer.

Coin Rarity and Demand

coin valueAs you get more involved in the buying and selling of coins you’ll often be startled to see coins that once fetched face value begin to fetch hundreds, if not thousands, from collectors. Collectors who seek unique collections or complete sets can make the value of certain coins rise as their interest no longer becomes solely based on the value of one coin, but the value of that one coin to their collection.

Generally, what is valuable to one collector is valuable to another, making certain coins more sought after at certain stages. When this happens, the simple economics of supply and demand do come into play, as coins with higher demand will certainly fetch higher dollar amounts. This explains why coins that were essentially worthless can become something far greater.

Often, the mint has a lot to do with demand as the original amount of coins made can play into their demand. The less coins that were created at the mint, the more rare they are. This often leads to a coin that can fetch four figures versus a coin that begs face value.

Classic Cars not Classic Coins

Contrary to logic, the age of the coin does not always merit worth in the same way a mint condition classic car would. In fact, it is probably one of the least important factors to consider when evaluating what makes a coin valuable or gives it its worth.

This can be due to the fact that some older coins of the same series, for example, might have been created in volume whereas newer coins of the same series may be much more rare.

This is not to say that you should dismiss age as a valuation factor altogether, this is just to say that it is not often as important as other factors like rarity and condition.

Condition and Grade = Get Paid

The grade of your coins, as opposed to age, is actually a very important factor for a coins value. This will reveal the amount of dents, scratches, corrosion, carbon spots, poor cleaning, or other forms of damage that have accumulated on the coin.

Additionally, grade, which uses a scale from 1 to 70 (with 70 being mint condition), also takes into account strike of the coin, the aesthetics, the coins coloration, and luster. Coins that were never circulated or are mint condition — as in straight from the mint — are usually graded 65 and up and are generally the most desirable to collectors.

A well-struck coin is desirable because it means that the aesthetic design elements of the coin really come through. However, a poorly struck coin can fetch a pretty penny as well. In fact, a rare error coin sold for $5,462.50 in 2010.

Intrinsic Metal Value

One of the most obvious points of valuation, the intrinsic value of the metal is also an important factor. Apples to apples, a gold or silver coin would be worth more than a copper or steel coin.

The values of gold and silver have increased a lot since the early 1900s, greatly influencing the value and desirability of coins that were minted during this era. If you go back even farther, you’d find record of a 1974 silver dollar that sold for more than $10 million at a 2013 auction.

Of course, this coin was believed to be the first silver dollar struck by the U.S. Mint, making it rare, historic, the finest known of its kind, and of a special collection (the Cardinal Collection).

What Sets Coin Demand?

A rare coin is certainly one of the most important aspects that can drive its price. In addition to rarity, quality and aesthetics play a vital role to numismatists who want something attractive and well-preserved. Keeping all these things in mind will help you understand why coins can hit the $10 million mark or why a shiny coin might never get past the $10 mark.

If you are in the West Palm Beach area and have some interesting coins you want to have looked at, contact the coin buyers at Twery’s to get them appraised and for a potential cash transaction.

3 Ways to Sell Your Coin Collection for Top Dollar

Perhaps you’ve been collecting coins for some time or you’ve recently inherited a collection that you’d love to cash in. On one hand, you may know a thing or two about selling coins and on the other, you just want to determine if you can get some quick cash for your inheritance without getting ripped off.

First off, you should know that truly rare coin collections are just that, rare. More often than not, what many think is a true “coin collection” is just an accumulation of coins. This means that the value of your coins may just be in the gold or silver content, and not in the actual collectible value.

But every so often, you may just find you have a coin worth hundreds, many thousands of dollars, which makes finding out so much fun!

Today, we will examine coin collections from different perspectives and evaluate a few ways to sell your coin collection for top dollar.

How to Organize Your Coin Collection

Organizing your coins is the first step in preparing them for a sale. If you have not been told already, never clean your coins! This can reduce their value similar to the way cleaning a piece of antique furniture can reduce its value. The coins luster does not contribute to its value, so save the time you were thinking about dedicating to cleaning your coins and spend it doing something more valuable, like learning about coin value.

Check out A Guide Book of United States Coins by R.S. Yeoman, available on Amazon for about $10. Reading a few coin books like this will help you understand more about the value of coins and allow you to be an educated consumer rather than one that has to trust whatever the coin buyer tells them.

Your organization process can be broken down into five main categories.

Organizing Your Coin Collection:

  1. U.S. coins
  2. U.S. paper money
  3. Foreign coins
  4. Foreign paper money
  5. Medals and exonumia

Organizing your collection makes it easier to sell and evaluate the worth of individual coins. Logical organization means you’ve spent some time placing your coins in proof or mint sets and can also brake coins out into folders.

Using the book mentioned above, you can match the pictures with the coins in your collection and begin the organization process. This will also help you categorize your coins by metal type — gold, silver, copper, etc. — so you know exactly where, and how many, higher value coins you are dealing with.

Cataloging your collection on an Excel spreadsheet is always a good idea too, as you can use this to reference as well as send to potential buyers who may not be close by.

coin collection appraisal tipsHow to Have Your Coin Collection Appraised

An appraisal by a coin professional is the best way to get your coin collection valued. The added benefit of an appraiser is that you can often find one that has an objective interest in evaluating your coins and is not trying to value them to make an offer on them.

The aforementioned book, A Guide Book of United States Coins, will be able to help you determine the roundabout value of your coins. Of course, the price you get from a coin buyer may differ as they may operate a shop with high overhead or will be looking to resell your coins for an additional profit.

Another roundabout way to determine the value of your coins is to perform a search on eBay for ‘completed listings.’ These, compared to the ‘buy it now’ live listings, will show you what coins like yours have sold for on the auction platform. This can be some revealing information that will help you get a grasp on what people are willing to pay online.

Finally, and perhaps the most accurate method, is to pay a professional numismatist to evaluate your coin collection. These professionals usually charge by the hour, so be prepared to pay based on the amount of coins you have and the time it takes to evaluate them.

While you may have to come out of pocket for this option, the knowledge you gain about your coins can be invaluable in your effort to sell them for top dollar.

Now that you know what your coins are worth, let’s learn about the three ways to sell your coin collection.

1. How to Sell Coin Collections Nearby

Selling your coins locally is generally the quickest way to offload them and put cash in your hand. However, this option, like the others, has its pros and cons.

One of the first places amatuer coin collectors or persons who have recently acquired a coin collection consider is a nearby pawn shop. While the state of pawn shops has been improved much in the public eye due to TV shows romanticizing them, they are still one of the worst places to sell coin collections. For starters, pawn shops will be unlikely to appreciate the true uniqueness of your coins and lowball you. Secondly, they have high overhead because they operate a brick-and-mortar and therefore need to make larger margins on the resale. Finally, pawn shops are an unlikely favorable option because they simply don’t have the audience interested in buying coins that others might.

Another place to sell coins nearby is a local jeweler. While they may appreciate the rarity of your collection more than the pawn shop, they too have high overhead and will lowball you due to their need to make margins when reselling.

Perhaps the best place to sell your coin collection quickly and for a fair price nearby is at a coin dealer like Twery’s, who has numerous reputable memberships and certifications in place that ensure compliance and high standards. Often, these local coin buyers will appraise your coins for you for free, meaning you get an honest estimate and potentially cash in hand in the same day.

2. How to Sell Coins on eBay

The online auction site eBay can be a great option to sell your coin collection but does come with its challenges. We already mentioned above that it can be used as a good place to get information on what coins have sold for. With this knowledge, you will have a reasonable expectation of the dollar amounts you may get.

The major con with eBay is that if you don’t have a sales history you won’t gain the trust of buyers and you may be subject to higher seller fees. Thus, a seller new to eBay will definitely have some roadblocks before setting their listings live.

If you do have a seller profile and decide to sell your coins on eBay, you’ll be benefitting from what is perhaps the biggest possible coin buying audience. As it is a digital platform with millions of users, your chances of finding someone interested in what you are selling is best here compared to the other options.

Still, you’ll need a few things to be successful on eBay, including:

  • High quality images: Use natural light, close-ups of both sides of your coins, and a contrasting background so the buyer can see the true quality of the coins.
  • Accurate descriptions and titles: Second only to images are the titles and descriptions of your products. Spend some time writing some good descriptions, as eBay will use its internal search feature to bring people to your listing.
  • Detailed seller policies: You’ll want to make sure you remove all buyer hesitation by publishing your seller policies. On the same token, understand how shipping prices can affect your sale as well as what kind of return policy you’ll accept.

3. How to Sell Coins at Online Coin Shops

There a lot of online coin buyers out there like American Rare Coin and Collectibles that are reputable businesses. As these businesses don’t have the overhead of brick-and-mortars, they can often offer competitive prices to sellers. However, these types of coin buyers also will require you to send in your coins before you are paid, making the “scam alarm” go off for some sellers.

Weigh the Pros and Cons before Selling Your Coins

Now that you know a little bit more about selling coins and how to educate yourself on the value of your coins you should be better equipped to make a sale. Each of the options has its respective positives and negatives, and the option you choose greatly depends on the goals of your pocketbook as well as the caliber of coins you have.

If you are in the Palm Beach County area and are interested in getting your coin collection evaluated and potentially selling it for top dollar, contact the coin buyers at Twery’s.

How to Sell Luxury Watches: 4 Options to Get Top Timepiece Dollar

Have a luxury watch or timepiece that you want to offload but don’t know where to sell?

This is a common dilemma many watch owners face as selling a luxury watch involves many factors ranging from fees, time to sale, convenience, exposure, and of course, the dollar amount you can expect to receive.

Below, we take a look at the four types of options you have for selling your luxury watch and weigh each so you can make an objective decision for your specific scenario. These options include:

  1. Dealers & Retailers
  2. Craigslist, Ebay, Etc.
  3. Online-only Buyers
  4. Auction Houses

Selling Watches with Dealers & Retailers

Dealers are retailers are companies with a physical, brick-and-mortar building. These can range from your local pawn shop to the resident mom and pop jeweler, to a reputable watch buyer like Twery’s, to sophisticated brand name retailers you’d find in the mall.

Going to your local retailer is often the simplest and quickest way to sell your luxury watch, and in many instances, you can simply sell your watch “as is” with no recourse in the event the watch stops ticking moments later.

However, not all retailers are created the same and your local pawn shop or jewelry store may not have the expertise in properly evaluating your timepiece. Thus, selling your classic Rolex, for example, may not fetch the dollar amount you may have thought. Additionally, retailers tend to have considerably more overhead than online options, and this means that their reduced margins mean they’ll offer less for your watch.

The most trusted of these options in terms of finding a retailer that understands the value of your timepiece is the seasoned luxury watch buyer like Twery’s or the luxury watch retailer.

Perform your due diligence and get a few offers but keep in mind that you can always negotiate. When selling your luxury timepiece to a retailer you are seeking the quickest sale but may be taking a gamble on the payout. Especially for watches that are worth $5,000 or more, you’d probably be best served to rule out pawn shops and smaller jewelers and opt for specialized watch buyers.

sell Breitling watchSelling Watches with Craigslist, Ebay, Etc.

Social selling or auction websites like Craigslist, Ebay, or OfferUp need no introduction as most people have bought, or sold, goods on these convenient, wide-reaching sites or apps. These sites are huge and can potentially showcase your watch to thousands, if not millions, of potential buyers.

Ebay, in particular, is great if there is someone who wants your exact watch as they are likely to find it and start a discussion with you if the price is right. However, Ebay does come with its cons as does each of the selling options listed on this post. First off, if you are new to Ebay or don’t have a robust seller profile, you likely won’t evoke enough trust to sell a high ticket item like a luxury watch. You need a few established sales under your belt for Ebay to give you a high seller ranking and for total strangers to trust you enough to buy from you.

Of course, a online auction site like Ebay has a dispute area should products not live up to their descriptions. Still, buying an expensive watch from a person you you’ve never met is probably not the most ideal way that buyers will purchase expensive watches.

Then there are the fees. Ebay charges as much as 5-10% depending on your seller history and ranking, making the biggest tradeoff here between the wide audience you are advertising to and the fees you’ll have to absorb.

Then there are the local social selling sites like Craigslist and OfferUp where websites or apps connect potential buyers with sellers. Posting your item here is a lot like Ebay with the exception that your buying audience will likely be limited to your local geographic region. The challenge with these outlets is actually finding a buyer who appreciates a luxury watch and is willing to pay top dollar for it. These sites, while convenient and free of fees, tend to attract deal-seekers and are not always the best outlets to sell luxury items like watches.

sell your rolexSelling Watches with Online-only Buyers

More recently, online only shops like Crown & Caliber or Bob’s Watches have popped up as attractive options for selling luxury watches for top dollar. While these watch buying houses don’t have the convenience of a local watch buyer, they do have strong reputations and can provide a quick quote.

If you do sell your watch to an online shop, you will have to send it in before you are paid which may make some sellers a bit uncomfortable, especially if they are sending their vintage, $40,000 Rolex through the mail. However, given the trust in the larger online watch buying/selling houses, this seems to be getting easier to digest for many consumers.

Some of these online options also offer consignment services, meaning you get the benefit of the wide audience they attract but also the fees that come along with this convenience.

If you choose this route, look for a online buyer that specializes in the type of watch you are selling as they may be willing to give you a higher price.

sell luxury watches - RolexSelling Watches with Auction Houses

Auction houses such as Sotheby’s or Christie’s are the tried and true method for selling high ticket items like luxury watches. Plus, some people like to attend the auctions and even enjoy the sexiness of saying “I sold my watch at Sotheby’s.”

Auction houses are also attractive because there is a high trust factor that you may not get with Ebay or an online watch buyer. The other benefit is you’ll often reach a more discerning audience who will appreciate your opulent timepiece and a bid war may ensue that results in your financial benefit.

On the other hand, the process in which to sell a watch through an auction house can be trying. The turnaround is often very slow due to the frequency of the auctions, there are lots of fees associated with listing your watch with such prestige, and the likelihood that you’ll reach a large audience that is interested in your watch is low. Furthermore, you’d be hard-pressed to sell a watch under $10,000 as the auction houses usually don’t find these types lower tier items too attractive.

Where to Sell my Luxury Watch Closing Thoughts

As you can see, each of the above four options comes with their own pros and cons. For the quickest turnaround and those looking for nearly instant cash in hand, a retailer like Twery’s is probably your best bet. Other local brick-and-mortars like small jewelers and pawn shops are unlikely to appreciate the uniqueness of your timepiece or offer you top dollar.

Online auction or social selling sites like Ebay offer the greatest audience, but the trust factor as well as fees make this outlet a tricky sell. Online-only watch shops are a great option, but you’ll have to send a high ticket item through the mail and find a shop you can trust and where fraud concern is alleviated.

Finally, auction houses have strong trust and appeal but tend to have high fees and low eyeball counts. They do tend to fetch decent dollar amounts if you can wait the often months-long process.

If you are in the Palm Beach County area and are looking for a reputable watch buyer, contact the pros at Twery’s for a quick quote.

When Does it Make Sense to Restore Antique Furniture?

It seems that we all have antique furniture lying around our garage or home. Or, perhaps you stumbled upon something interesting at a garage or estate sale that you want to restore or even restore then sell?

After catching the latest episode of Antiques Roadshow, you think to yourself, ‘could it be that my [desk, chandelier, cabinet, bed frame, table] could be worth as much as that gem I saw on TV?’

The answer, quite simply, is maybe. But it really depends on a few factors.

Here, we’ll dive into the considerations you need to mull over before restoring your antique furniture to determine if it will add value.

Related: 6 Factors Antique Appraisers Consider

Before You Restore, Review

Lots of antique furniture owners make the mistake of taking to the glue or wood cleaner before evaluating the origin of their piece. Evaluating the origin of your antique furniture will provide some clues as to what kind of restoration you should — or shouldn’t — do on your own.

A simple Google search of the brand name and furniture type should be able to help you find out the antique’s origins. You’ll also want to evaluate the overall quality of the craftsmanship, wood, accents, and details.

If your research reveals that you have a very rare, valuable item on your hands, stop right there. Rare antique furniture should only be restored through the help of a professional who specializes in working on such fine pieces such as yours.

If your research seems to reveal the opposite — that your antique piece of furniture is actually just a piece of… well — you are safe to take measures into your own hands. Often times, a simple cleaning and dusting will get your antique back to a state of living room display standards. Remember, antique furniture is recognized for having a bit of patina that shows its age.

Still not sure if your antique furniture is valuable or not? It is best to take your antique piece to an antique appraiser like Twery’s who can let you know if you might have something valuable or not.

Restoration and Antique Furniture

The idea of a “restoration” is to bring a piece of furniture back to its original state, when possible. Completely repainting, installing different hardware, or some other update would result in a potential loss of value of a true classic.

For example, refinishing a piece of antique wood is not a restoration process; it would be a permanent change that would not be reversible. Think of any restoration project as an act of preservation. If the restoration cannot be reversed by a future generation, it is not a true restoration.  

On the other hand, if you’re not looking to sell your piece or are not worried about retaining its monetary value or historical significance, feel free to do what you must to get it back to a functioning state.

Restorating Antique Furniture with Missing Parts

Often, you will come across a piece of antique furniture that is missing parts that once contributed to its original beauty. These may even include intricate inlays or scrolls that you feel can’t be restored.

However, this is not always the case, restoration professionals are often able to source vintage materials that can match your furniture. If that is not possible, new technologies will allow restoration professionals to recreate exact pieces that no longer exist.

Molds can be created out of plaster, sent to master woodworkers, and exact duplicates can be created restoring your antique to its original grandeur.

restore antique furnitureBefore You Restore Your Furniture Consider These Tips

As we’ve learned, there are important considerations for restoring antique furniture:

  • Review your piece for a brand name or sign of value that you can research before working on it.
  • If you find that a notable craftsman created your piece, avoid trying to restore it yourself and take it to a professional to help with the project so that you retain its value.
  • If the restoration cannot be reversed by a future generation, it is not a true restoration.
  • Professionals can source vintage materials or create molds for exact parts.

When in question about the quality of your antiques, take them to a professional to get appraised.

Best Ways to Sell Tiffany Jewelry for Top Dollar

Founded in 1837, Tiffany & Co. is a world famous, highly coveted brand with timeless brand equity. Whether it’s the signature Tiffany blue boxes or the much-loved Breakfast at Tiffany’s movie, this iconic jeweller has made its name as a maker of must-have pieces. From earrings to engagement rings to necklaces, selling your Tiffany jewelry can be a straightforward process.

Here are some tips to capitalize on your sale if you’ve decided to part ways with your Tiffany jewelry.

Appraise the value of your Tiffany jewelry

The first step is to do some research to determine the current market price for the piece. A good first step would be to check the Tiffany website to see if the piece is still listed. Not only will this provide important details on the jewelry’s characteristics, having this information will be helpful to a prospective buyer.  

You can also estimate your item’s worth by finding similar pieces on online auction sites such as eBay.  Following this, it’s a good idea to have your piece evaluated by a qualified appraiser.  This professional will be well-versed on current market trends and can give you a fair estimate of how much you can expect from your sale.

Prepare it For A Sale

When looking to sell your Tiffany jewelry, one of the most important steps is to gather all the packaging and paperwork that came with your item. This includes warranty cards, receipts, certificates of authenticity, presentation boxes, as well as additional appraisals or other certificates.

The advantages to this step are twofold:

  1. This information will facilitate a more hassle-free sale as potential buyers will be able to price your item more accurately.
  2. The original packaging and papers hold value; many buyers will pay a premium for these items.

Don’t have these items? Not to worry. Though you may receive a slightly lower price, a sale is still possible.

Additionally, you may consider cleaning your Tiffany jewelry. While this may not influence an appraiser’s evaluation, it will make a difference to the everyday buyer interested in purchasing your piece. The average buyer is more likely to opt for the sparkling piece over the dull piece, even if they are identical.

Sell it to a Jeweller

The next step is to shop around for potential buyers by visiting brick and mortar stores and doing some online research to explore your reselling options.

Consider working with a professional who specializes in what you are selling. Not sure what you should be looking for when choosing a potential Tiffany jewelry buyer? Here are some questions to consider:

  • Are they accredited with the Better Business Bureau?– BBB Accreditation showcases the the legitimacy of your prospective buyer.
  • Do they have positive reviews? – An important factor to consider is the reviews left by past customers. Buyers with overwhelmingly negative reviews should be avoided.
  • How long have they been in business? –  Working with newer companies with no reputation or little presence is a risky move. Opt for working with an established buyer with years of buying experience.

Sell it Online

There are plenty of options available to you should you choose to sell your jewelry online. Your options include online auction sites, online auction houses and online specialist buyers. Each of these options present their own advantages and set of challenges.

While an online auction site like eBay or Craigslist makes it easy to quickly list your item, it can be difficult to accurately price your item and the process of selling can be time-consuming. Whereas online auction houses tend to favor high-value, rare pieces and includes a tedious process with high fees. Whichever option you choose, make sure that you are working with a platform that is safe and secure. Take necessary precautions such as insuring the item when mailing it in and conducting financial transactions through secure sites.

Have a piece of Tiffany’s jewelry you’d like to sell? Contact Twery’s today. Our BBB accredited business has been in operation since 1982 making us trustworthy experts in purchasing fine jewelry.

6 Factors Antique Appraisers Consider

Do you have an interesting antique that you think could be worth a significant amount of cash?

Determining its worth entails more than searching for it in a price guide or auction results. There are several factors that will influence your antique’s value.

Here are our guidelines to help you evaluate your antique like an appraiser:

Is it in good condition?

One of the first things you should consider when trying to determine the value of your antique is is its condition. How close is your item to looking like new or “mint” condition? Factors such as visible wear and tear, cracks, chips, stains, and missing components will significantly contribute to its worth. Of course, the degree of imperfection comes into play. Minor nicks are more passable than major cracks.

Does It Have Salvage Value?

A broken or damaged antique isn’t necessarily worthless. Oftentimes dealers will be interested in purchasing items they can restore or disassemble for parts to repair other pieces. An antique can retain some value depending on the extent of the damage and its relative usefulness. Check around before thinking of discarding it.

Is it rare?

There are times when rarity can overshadow an antique’s condition. Extremely rare items will still be valuable even with some slight damage. Not sure about your item’s rarity? Consider consulting an expert.

Does it have a mark?

antique appraisal

Use a magnifying glass to closely examine your piece for identifying marks. Items with a manufacturer’s or designer’s mark are more valuable than identical pieces with no signature. Marks can help you determine the following:

  • The item’s authenticity.
  • The item’s age. Many makers frequently changed their marks; knowing when a mark was used will help you determine when your item was made.
  • The artist or maker who made the item. This is important as an antique’s value can increase depending on who the artist or maker was.

Is it in Demand?

Age isn’t always indicative of value. What matters more is the demand for an item. It’s not unusual for a 100-year-old item’s price to fluctuate widely and quickly based on its demand with collectors. It’s important to closely monitor the markets and remain well-informed on value-affecting trends for your antique or collectible as prices may dip to pre-demand levels after a boom.

Is it authentic?

Is your item real or a fake? As a rule of thumb, items that have been passed down in your family for generations are usually more legitimate when compared to items purchased at a random flea market. Examine the subtle details of your antiques as these are often tell-tale signs of its true age. Need a second opinion? Consult an expert.   

Has It Been Restored or Repaired?

A restoration or repair may increase or decrease an item’s value depending on the expertise of the person who did it. While professional restoration can potentially enhance the value of a rare antique, an amateur job will negatively affect its value. Haphazardous repairs or improper cleaning may remove the original value-adding “patina” thus decreasing its value. Other factors to consider include visibly detected glue, soldering or chips.

Did you read these guidelines and realize you have a valuable antique on your hands? Check out our tips on selling your antique to a dealer near you

Ask an Expert for Advice

If you’re still uncertain about your item’s value, consult Twery’s! Our family-owned and operated business has successfully dealt with antiques and other collectibles from both dealers and the public in the South Florida area since 1982, making us trustworthy experts you can rely on.

Call us today!

How to Buy and Sell Art Near You

Purchasing a fine piece of art is a worthwhile investment. Not only does it add beauty to your home and evoke powerful emotions, its value as an investment appreciates steadily over time while simply hanging on your wall or sitting on your mantelpiece.

Whether you choose to purchase a painting, sculpture or print for your new or existing collection, or are looking to sell one of your pieces, we’re here to give your our tops tips to help you buy and sell art near you.

buying and selling art

  1. First, determine your taste

Before you decide to buy a piece of art, you must first figure out what you like. Ask yourself: What form of art am I intrigued by?

Do I prefer sculptures, paintings, photographs, mixed media etc? Is there a particular style or artist I admire? Start by visiting local museums and galleries to familiarize yourself with the various styles of art.

  1. Set a budget, but be flexible

The cost of artwork can vary significantly depending on the artist, the size, the medium and the time it took to create the piece. Figure out how much money you are willing to spend ahead of time. You can base this budget on a quick internet search and your previous research at local museums and galleries. Of course, selling your old art may help pay for new art.

  1. Shop Around

One of the beauties of buying art is that you’re not limited to one retailer should you choose to buy or sell art. This gives you plenty of options and the choice to make a deal in a place that is best suited to your needs and wants. Here are a few options for where you can buy or sell art near you:

Art Galleries

buy art near youArt galleries provide a  relaxed environment where you can view, discuss and evaluate art.

Art galleries are unique in their relationships with the artists, often working closely with individual artists giving them a platform to display and sell their art to a wider audience.

A simple search on Google will help you find local galleries in your area, also giving you some information on the type of art on display.  

Thrift Stores

If you’ve been to a thrift shop then you know that you can find some valuable treasures amongst all the junk.  These stores receive frequent donations from the local community and beyond,  making it easier to discover and purchase budget-friendly works of art. Keep an open mind.

There’s always the chance you’ll uncover something amazing.

Estate Sales

Estate sales allow you shop other people’s treasure’s, often for prices that are considerably lower than what you may find elsewhere. Estate sales happen all the time and are a place you can find all kinds of treasures beyond art. Look for estate sales near you for such items as art, antiques, jewelry, and more.

Pawn shops

Looking to make a quick sale or purchase? You might then consider your local pawn shop. The advantage of this option is the ubiquity of these retailers. You can find multiple just about anywhere! This will prove beneficial if you’re looking to compare prices.

Art Dealers

Whether you’re choosing to buy or sell some art, you should work with a trustworthy art dealer you can trust. These experts will not only have a larger and more diverse collection for you to choose from, they will also be well-versed on the market and therefore better equipped to discuss the resale value of your piece.  At Twery’s, we have a fine collection of antiques and art from around the globe making us the ideal choice for those looking to purchase fine art. Our expertise and years of experience in buying and collecting art make us the go-to buyer for those looking to get a great price on the sale of their piece.

Do you or someone you know wish to buy or sell their fine antiques or art? Don’t hesitate to get in touch with us today!

Top 7 Antiques in Your Garage Worth Lots of Cash

Do you have a random assortment of old junk in your garage that’s just taking up space? You may be sitting on a goldmine without even realizing it!  Whether it’s the antique furniture you found at a thrift store or an old music box your grandma gave you as a child, it’s possible that what you have is worth more than you think.

Here are 7 antiques of value that are worth lots of cash:

Sterling Silverware

sterling silverIt is not uncommon for people to inherit sterling silverware that has been passed down the family for generations. These could be especially valuable if they’re made by well-known companies such as Tiffany or Gorham.

Keep in mind, the value increases the more complete the set is.  

Music Boxes

Before the record players, radios and iPods, there was the music box. These portable treasures brought brought melodies into the home in the 1800’s and early 1900’s.  As can be expected,  the older the music box, the more valuable it is with those that are older than 50 to 100 years being worth more than the music boxes are being created today.

Vintage Pocket Watches

Sell Your AntiquesThese historic timepieces, especially those wound with a key, are often worth their weight in gold.

To determine the value of your watch or pocketwatch, consider factors such as the make and model, as well as the watch’s current condition.

Antique Lamps

Like a piece of fine crystal, an antique lamp often qualifies as a fine piece of art. With designs spanning a broad spectrum, including the more famous styles like Victorian and slag glass, your old lamp may be collectible of  high value if it’s made by a well-known name like Van Briggle, Handel, Tiffany or Fulper.

Bronze Sculptures

That interesting bronze sculpture you have sitting in the garage could be a mini treasure. The value of these intricate pieces of mini art depends on a number of factors including the artist, age, or subject matter as well as the  type of material used. To figure out what your piece is worth, have it appraised by a specialist like Twery’s.

Paintings

original art pieceThat painting you own could be worth a fortune. Keep in mind there are a few factors that will determine its worth. Is it an original? Is it still in its frame? Does it have the artist’s signature, initials or monogram?

If you’re curious about its worth, have it appraised by a trusted dealer like Twery’s.

Antique Furniture

Do you have a unique period piece collecting dust? Whether it’s Mid Century Modern (made in the 1950’s -) or Art Nouveau (made 1890-1914) that vintage set could be worth more than you realize!  Keep in mind, your furniture’s value will be based on four factors  – quality, rarity, provenance, and condition.

Do you have an antique gem that you’d like to sell? Contact Twery’s today!

Is Your Watch a Fake?

The wristwatch first debuted in the 19th century as a decorative bracelet for Countess Koscowicz of Hungary.  It was later used in the 19th and 20th century as a strategic tool to coordinate military efforts in World War I. Since then, it has become a ubiquitous accessory for all.

High-end watches remain in a league of their own. Known for their superior quality and detailed perfection, the world’s best luxury watches can cost you a pretty penny.

It’s no surprise then that the market is flooded with counterfeit watches posturing as the real deal. So how can you tell if your watch is a fake?

Is My Watch a Replica?

Here are 7 tips for determining authenticity of your watch:

Are there visible errors?

replica watchFirst things first, when you look at your watch are there glaring errors that make your watch an obvious fake?

Check things like the spellings of words and the logo placement. Common errors in fakes are misspelled words and logos that are not centered properly. Try using a magnifying glass to check the fine print.

Try using a magnifying glass to check the fine print.

Is the engraving clear-cut?

A real watch will have well-defined finishes.  Substandard engravings on the display are a tell-tale sign that your watch is not the real deal.  Use a magnifying glass to check for sandy or misshapen engravings; these should be perfectly cut.

Can you hear it tick?

How does the watch sound? Can you hear it tick? This may be another sign of fraud. The only time you should hear your watch tick is if you bring it close to your ear; high-quality watches are built to function at an extremely low volume.

Is the watch fully functional?

Luxury watches are renowned for their superb functionality. What’s more, they are built to do more than tell the time. When checking to see if your watch is real, make sure you check that all of the watch’s functions are a) present b) working. Do the subdials and helium release valves work well? What about the chronograph and time zone settings? These basics might seem obvious but are often overlooked.

Does it feel light?

Next, consider the weight of the watch. Luxury watches are significantly heavier than their fake counterparts. This is due to the differences in weight of precious metals such as gold, silver and stainless steel used to make high-end watches compared to the cheaper, lighter base metals used in fakes.

Did it come with a certificate of authenticity?

is my watch a fakeThe best way guarantee authenticity is the certificate of authenticity.  

This usually comes in some of documentation from the manufacturer or dealer – think warranty cards, warranty certificates, etc –  showing information like serial number of the watch.  

With this paperwork, you can feel confident about its legitimacy.

How much did it cost?

When it comes to the price of luxury watches, the sky’s the limit. Premium timepieces are at their lowest, worth thousands of dollars. That is to be expected when the watches are being hand-manufactured with the finest quality of materials. So if when you were buying the watch the price felt too good to be true, it probably was.

Get your watch appraised

Still not sure whether you’ve got the real thing? Why not have your watch physically examined by experts at an official, authorized retailer? With our history dating back to the 1960’s, Twery’s has been a leader in the South Florida jewelry and pre-owned timepiece industry for quite some time. If you have watches – rare, old, or brand new – bring them into Twery’s to have them appraised.

Pre-owned Rolex: Where I can I buy one or sell one?

A Rolex is the epitome of class and style. Whether you are looking for a lavish watch that will impress your friends, or you’re looking for something high-quality that will stand the test of time, a Rolex watch is the perfect accessory.

This award-winning brand is famous for its craftsmanship and beauty and of course, its name. Are you looking to buy a Rolex but don’t want to break the bank? Do you own a Rolex that you want to sell? Here are the best options for where to buy and sell a pre-owned Rolex.

  1. Buying or Selling a Rolex from Online Dealers

Pre-Owned RolexIn the age of the internet, anything that can be bought or sold online. For those of us looking to consider all of our options from the comfort of our couch, this may be the best bet.  There are several pros and cons to this option.

Some of the pros include easy access to a wide variety of well-known online dealers and the ability to search for the exact make and model of your choice. The main cons to this approach are not being able to to examine the watch in person prior to purchase and the potential to be duped by scams.

Buying a Rolex online can be risky since Rolex watches are easily forged and sold for high market value, but if you do your research carefully, the rewards of ownership make it worthwhile.

If you choose to go this route, make sure you are working with a company who is: 1) reputable and is well-established in the business 2)  uses a secure payment method with a legal guarantee such as Paypal 3) has a consistent and clear return policy with some type of warranty and money-back guarantee.

  1. Buying or Selling a Rolex from a Watch Auction House

sell rolexSelling your watch to an auction house is a popular option for those looking for a wide audience of collectors.

These auction houses are known for the prestige and setting record-breaking prices for the finest vintage and modern timepieces. While safety, notoriety, and convenience are among the top reasons to consider this option, it should also be noted that there are some cons. Working with auctioneers means paying steep fees and commissions on both the buyer’s and seller’s end. However, the trade-off can be worth it if you are a seller looking to find the most well-funded collectors.

Here are some of the top picks for auction houses:

  1. Buying or Selling a Rolex from a Local Jewellery Dealer

Looking for something local? Your best option is to meet with a reputable, local jewelry dealer like Twery’s. Twery’s is a proud member of the Better Business Bureau (BBB), a nonprofit organization that certifies a business’ legitimacy so you will also have the confidence in knowing you’re working with trusted experts.

Those who wish to sell will enjoy numerous benefits including access to a convenient location, dealing face to face with an expert, trustworthy and thorough appraisals of their watch, and immediate cash in hand based on fair pricing. Those who wish to buy a pre-owned Rolex can choose from our range of fine options with the benefit of purchasing an authentic timepiece for a fraction of the cost of a new watch.

When deciding to buy or sell a pre-owned Rolex, it is important that you consider all of your options carefully and never rush into making a purchase or a sale. Make a wise choice and work with a dealer you can trust. Looking to buy or sell a pre-owned Rolex in the Palm Beach County area? Stop by Twery’s !