Sorting through a loved one's jewellery is often one of the harder parts of finalising an estate. This guide sets out a calm, practical order of steps for executors and families in Australia. It is general information, not legal or tax advice.
1. Check the will first
Look for specific gifts of jewellery to named people. Those pieces should go to the beneficiaries, not be sold. If you're unsure, ask the estate's solicitor.
2. Confirm who can sell
Usually only the executor named in the will, or an administrator appointed by the court, can sell estate assets. Some estates need a grant of probate or letters of administration before assets are sold. Smaller estates may not. A solicitor or your state's Supreme Court probate registry can tell you what applies.
3. Make an inventory
- Photograph each piece and note any stamps (for example 375, 750 or 18ct).
- Weigh items if you can. Our gold jewellery weight chart shows typical ranges.
- Keep original boxes, receipts and valuation certificates together.
4. Set aside pieces that may be worth more than their gold
Signed designer pieces, antique jewellery, and items with significant diamonds or gemstones may be worth more to a collector or jeweller than for their gold content. Consider a valuation from a qualified independent valuer before selling these. Our offers are based on gold content, so we'll tell you if we think a piece deserves a specialist look first.
5. Talk to the family
Even when the will leaves jewellery to the residuary estate, family members may want a keepsake. Agreeing on this before anything is sold avoids regret and disputes.
6. Get clear, itemised offers
- Choose a buyer that publishes its gold prices. Ours are on the gold prices page.
- Ask for an itemised written offer showing each item's purity, net gold weight and price.
- Check the buyer is a registered second-hand dealer. See our registration details.
- You should never feel pressured to accept on the spot.
7. Keep records for the estate accounts
Keep the itemised offer, your acceptance and the payment record. We pay by bank transfer only, which gives a clear trail for the estate accounts. The estate's accountant can advise on any tax treatment.
What we'll ask for
As a registered second-hand dealer, we must verify the identity of the person selling. For estate items we may also ask for evidence of your authority to sell, such as a grant of probate or letter from the estate's solicitor.
How to send estate jewellery
You can post items to us from anywhere in Australia. See how it works and how to pack and post gold safely.
If you'd like to talk it through first, call 0469 838 242 or email admin@mailyourgold.com.au.