General FAQs
Is it safe to send my diamonds & jewelry through the mail?
Yes. Your items travel registered, insured (you insure them and we reimburse your costs when we buy your jewelry items) through the US Postal system. The package is tracked through the entire process until it reaches its destination at Lippincott. This is the same insured method that the jewelry industry uses to transport shipments from one destination to another.
How do I know I will get the best prices?
Lippincott has spent many years cultivating relationships with top buyers of diamonds, fine jewelry and watches. We put a great deal of effort into achieving the top selling price for all items, thus allowing us to purchase at what we feel are our highest prices. If you’re unsure about our prices, we recommend that you obtain other offers from local buyers prior to sending your items. This means they should tell you what they would pay to buy your items, not what they believe you should get for your items or what they might pay you if you leave them on consignment. The only offer that is comparable is an immediate outright purchase offer (the same type of offer you will receive from Lippincott).
Can you give me an exact price before seeing an item?
Unfortunately, we cannot. There are too many variables that affect values. Also, we must physically inspect each item to formulate our offer. We are willing toextend preliminary quotes pending final inspection, but the reality remains that we must see the diamonds, fine jewelry or watches in person to make accurate determinations of value.
Do you remove stones to appraise and price items?
No. Lippincott retains the finest state-of-the art equipment that allows us to render our findings without disturbing stones. In some rare cases a primary stone in a ring may be set in a way that makes it impossible to accurately make a pricing determination, even with our equipment. In such cases, Lippincott will contact you to request your permission to remove the stone. Only with your permission will we take such a step.
Do you provide written appraisals?
We make our offers (not appraisals) during personal telephone calls between our experts and our customers. It’s important to note that offers are different from appraisals. An appraisal might tell you how much it would cost to replace your item with a new one. An offer is how much we can pay right now for your item.
Are my items safe and insured while in your possession?
Yes. All shipments sent to us have multiple bar code signatures used to identify them throughout the process. Items are stored safely in appropriate vaults in all departments. Lippincott has video and central station alarm status and your items remain within this environment until we complete the purchase.
Does Lippincott report my transaction to the Internal Revenue Service?
No. Lippincott has no responsibility to report purchases, or parties from whom we purchase, to the IRS.
Do I speak directly with your appraisers about my item(s)?
Yes. The appraiser assigned to your item(s) will discuss with you our findings and payment offers. He or she will share opinions and options while leaving you with the final decision of whether or not you would like to sell. If you choose not to sell, we will return your item(s), and we will insure the shipment back to you for twice the amount of the highest offer we make for the item(s).
What about selling to a pawnshop or a local jeweler?
We believe selling to Lippincott will give you the highest prices and the best overall experience. While we have buyers worldwide, a local pawnshop or jewelry store is limited to a relatively small pool of local customers. For this reason, they have to resell many items to a company such as ours. So by coming straight to us, you eliminate the middleman, get great customer service and enjoy a hassle-free experience.
Could a stolen item of mine have been sold to Lippincott?
It is very unlikely. The most important reason is that Lippincott renders payment not with cash, but rather with a company check, which creates a paper trail and record that a thief wants to avoid at all costs. Usually stolen merchandise is sold locally by way of some type of cash transaction.
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