FAQ

Frequently Asked Questions

What does Iskenderian do?

Iskenderian is a jewelry selling partner dedicated to providing sellers with the ultimate selling experience. Our process includes free shipping, cleaning, taking studio photos and objective third party grading, followed by a live online auction where our network of buyers on international marketplaces will compete for your jewelry. Iskenderian works to bring you the fairest market value for your jewelry, diamonds and watches

An appointment with ISKENDERIAN is a luxurious experience. There are three easy steps in our process:

1.Preparing Your Jewelry.
2. On the day of your appointment, one of our specialists will examine in-person the jewelry or watches you’re interested in selling.

If you cannot visit our Flagship Boutique you can sell.

Your jewelry is shipped to us via a prepaid SwissPost shipment (only for Swiss residents).

If you are not located in Switzerland please contact us for assistance: +41 22 310 22 08 / info@iskenderian.ch

In both case, your account manager will help you set a reserve price you’re comfortable with.

We prepare your piece for auction, including cleaning, photography, and if necessary an objective third-party grading by a world-class grading lab.

We then create the listing for you and promote it on our buyer network.

After the sale concludes successfully and your jewelry, diamond and watches paid by the buyer, you will receive the final sale amount minus our 5% only fee of the price your jewelry was sold for.

Unlike local and online buyers, Iskenderian doesn’t have an agenda. We’re on your side. Really! Our process is set up so that when you make more, we make more. And we only make money if your jewelry sells for the price YOU are comfortable with. We do all of the work, from cleaning to grading to hosting the online auction. All you have to do is sit back and watch the bids increase

Trust Iskenderian to inspect, evaluate and sell your special ring, necklace, bracelet, brooch, earrings, cufflinks, diamonds and gemstones. If you are considering selling your signed or unsigned diamond, sapphire, ruby, emerald, pearl, gold or platinum jewelry, simply send photographs, relevant paperwork, gemological certificates and other background information to Iskenderian for a complimentary estimate.

Iskenderian Specialists take many factors into consideration when offering for your diamonds, jewelry and watches. Diamonds are evaluated based on their inherit characteristics, including the 4C’s (Carat, Cut, Color, Clarity), overall appearance and beauty of the stone, as well as current demand for those attributes. When we make estimates for your jewelry, we account for the maker, the vintage, the condition, quality, style and desirability of each piece. With our network of enthusiastic international jewelry collectors, we can ensure that our results are competitive.

Our specialists take into account several factors when evaluating your bracelet, necklace, earrings, brooch, ring, or other jewelry. General condition, the maker (such as Cartier, Van Cleef & Arpels, or Harry Winston), provenance, and comparable auction prices all play a role in determining the value.

When estimating for your watch, condition, vintage, and market demand are just as important as it is for jewelry. And of course, the brand of your watch makes all the difference. Having original paperwork and boxes prove helpful, but are not necessary, for us to make an estimate.

In order to estimate the value of your jewelry we’ll need to have your jewelry analysed and graded. This process will take place once your jewelry arrives in our offices and you will receive a recommended reserve price shortly after.

The reserve price is the lowest amount you would be willing to sell your jewelry for. After we evaluate your piece and have it analysed and graded we will supply you with a recommended reserve price which should help your decision. If during the course of your auction a bid meets or exceeds the reserve price, that bid is binding. If the reserve price is not met, you can either accept the highest bid or have your jewelry returned to you, fully insured and free of charge.

After our experts evaluate your jewelry, we’ll give you a recommended reserve price and your dedicated auction manager will be there should you require additional advice. That should help you make an informed decision. Ultimately, your reserve should be a price which you are comfortable selling at.

Iskenderian accepts jewelry pieces which will interest the buyers and collectors on our auction platform.

Iskenderian typically accepts the following types of jewelry: s
Signed (view List) and period jewelry including Antique, Edwardian, Georgian, Art Nouveau, Belle Epoque, Art Deco, Retro, Modern and more. We appraise fine Emerald, Sapphire, and Ruby jewelry. We appraise steel sport watches, vintage, and gold watches by famous watch makers. We also estimate loose diamonds and diamond rings of all shapes, colors, and sizes. We do not, however, estimate lab grown diamonds.

When you purchase a piece of diamond jewelry from a retailer/jeweler, the price of the jewelry includes costs such as mining and cutting the diamond, the setting and craftsmanship of creating the piece, as well as retail business expenses. When you, as the owner, decide to sell that piece of jewelry, it’s important to keep in mind that depreciation has occurred.

Additionally, the buyer of your piece may have costs to consider. The setting of the jewelry will normally be reduced to its metal weight value. 

Iskenderian estimates to include in its online auctions jewelry by famous makers such as Cartier, Van Cleef & Arpels, DAVID WEBB, Boucheron, Verdura, Bucellatti, Bulgari, Suzanne Belperron, Schlumberger, Mauboussin, and more. To see a full list of jewelry brands we buy.

The increasing rarity of the most exceptional white and colored diamonds means that the top end of the market is very much supply driven. There is a huge imbalance between supply and demand for colored diamonds as clients are willing to compete for the chance to own these rare and beautiful gems. Clients will go to in order to own a diamond valued in the same realm as a work of art by a master artist.

With the extreme shortage of fine quality gems, prices for truly exceptional Burmese rubies, Kashmir, Burmese and Ceylon sapphires and Colombian emeralds continue to soar. Demand is outpacing supply and the auctions of incredible private collections and phenomenal gems have been generating remarkable prices. Take advantage of a strong market and consign now. We are currently accepting consignments for Iskenderian jewelry sales.

Iskenderian estimates to include in its online auctions watches by Rolex, Patek Philippe, Audemars Piguet, Panerai, Breguet, Breitling, Vacheron Constantin, Richard Mille, Cartier, and more. To see a full list of watch brands we buy.

We deal only with fine jewelry. Fine jewelry is not always signed, but values are usually greater when a maker can be identified, and we know enough how to find those hidden signatures that many might not spot. We estimate all fine gold, diamond, and gemstone jewelry.

You can still sell imperfect jewelry! Jewelry and precious metals are appraised based on their weight and quality. Because of this, we can still sell them even if they are broken or incomplete. Watches, however, must be in proper working condition in order to sell.

You can bid live or leave confidential absentee bids on our exclusive estate jewelry  online auctions: bid.iskenderian.ch. Because of our vast global reach and the large volumes of jewelry we offer, we find ourselves in the unique position of providing this beautiful, luxury jewelry from renowned houses like Cartier, Van Cleef & Arpels, Buccellati, Bulgari, and Schlumberger, at a result you won’t find elsewhere.
If you would like more information about selling a specific jewelry brand.

When you submit your jewelry for review by our specialists, they will consider your location as well as the current market demand when determining in which auction your jewelry should be included.

There is no obligation to sell and no pressure either. Our specialists write down reserve prices for your consideration. Should you accept, you will receive a consignment document and we will begin our work to highlight your jewelry, diamonds and watches.

Prior to auction there is no obligation of any kind. During the preparation process, you will work with an auction manager to set a reserve price. If the highest bid meets or exceeds your reserve price, you are committed to selling the piece. If the highest bid does not meet or exceed the reserve price you chose, you can opt to have the piece shipped back to you free of charge.

The process typically takes about 60 business days from the time your jewelry arrives at Iskenderian. It may takes less or much more time if your jewelry does not get interest from the market and the collectors.

Once your jewelry, diamond and watches are sold and paid by the buyer, you can choose from one of the following payment options:

  • By Cash (limited amount according to the government policies).
  • By Bank wire transfer.

As soon as your jewelry, diamond and watches are sold and paid by the buyer, the payment will be issued to you.

There is never an out of pocket cost to you. Our fees are subject to a successful auction and are based upon a percentage of the final sale price. We share a common interest. We also only get paid when you do. Only 5% flat fee applied.
There are no fees to make appointments or meet with a Iskenderian specialist, even if you decide not to sell.

There are no fees either to consign a jewelry, diamond and watch in our online auction, even if it is unsold.

ISKENDERIAN has passed through four generations of experts, over 100 years, in vintage high-end jewellery and exceptional precious stones, passing on craft and knowledge from father to son. The gallery is now based in Geneva, right in the centre of the most prestigious district. With an international clientele built-up over the decades, and a super serious reputation, ISKENDERIAN is the place to find jewellery pieces of exceptional quality and size.

Yes, this is our service “In-person Appointment”.
You can certainly make an appointment with our jewelry specialist at our Geneva’s Flagship Boutique in Switzerland by calling us at +41 22 310 22 08.
We are located at Rue Robert Ceard 12. Google Map
Open from Monday to Friday 10h30 to 18h00.

This is our service “Sell Your Jewelry Online”.

In preparation for the auction, we must clean, photograph, and have your jewelry graded. This allows us to fully understand the value of your jewelry as well as create a listing which we send to buyers prior to your exclusive auction.

Iskenderian will provide you with a prepaid shipping label and packing instructions. We can either schedule a free FedEx pickup according to your location, at a time convenient for you, or you can drop off your package at a staffed FedEx location free of charge.

Absolutely not! Iskenderian takes on the cost of shipping, and you pay nothing.

  • You can request to have your piece sent back to you at any point prior to the auction. Once your reserve price is set and the auction begins, you cannot request a return. If the auction ends and your reserve price is not met, you can have your piece sent back to you fully insured and free of charge.
  • If you would like to have your jewelry returned to you, please contact our support team who will be able to assist you further with our return process.
  • Your shipping box should include your jewelry and any protective accessories it requires. If the piece you would like to sell is from one of the jewelry or watch brands we accept, please send it to us with any boxes or paperwork you have to help authenticate the item.
  • Please note: For non-branded items (those purchased from a local jeweler or retailer), do not include any boxes or paperwork when shipping your piece. These boxes and paperwork will not be returned to you.

Your jewelry will be fully insured by our specialized Swiss insurers for up to $50K, and over if required, from the time you ship the item until it is either sold or returned to you. In the unlikely event that a loss occurs while the item is in our care, we will work with our insurers to file a claim and obtain reimbursement.
Contact us for additional information about the insurance coverage and claims process.

  • Our insurance coverage for a jewelry piece in transit is up to an amount of $50K, and over if required, based on the resale replacement value and is subject to the terms, limitations and requirements of our then current insurance policy (the “Insurance Coverage”).

    * Jewelry pieces estimated above $50K will receive additional coverage with pre-approval from Iskenderian at our sole discretion.

There is never an out of pocket cost to you. Our fees are subject to a successful auction and are based upon a percentage of the final sale price. We share a common interest. We also only get paid when you do. Only 5% flat fee applied.
There are no fees to make appointments or meet with a Iskenderian specialist, even if you decide not to sell.

  • There are no fees either to consign a jewelry, diamond and watch in our boutique, even if it is unsold.

Iskenderian only makes money when you make money. Our interests are aligned with yours: we want you to get the most money possible for your jewelry. When a piece successfully sells, Iskenderian takes a percentage of the sale price. Only 5% flat fee applied.

No, there are no additional costs – Iskenderian’s success fee is deducted from the final sale amount and that’s it.

If you don’t sell, you don’t pay anything. It’s risk-free!

Regardless of whether or not you have a grading report for your piece, we can send it, if required,, to a world-class grading lab. It would ensure that you have an accurate and valid grading for your piece which will ultimately help you get a better price.

An insurance appraisal is not the same as a grading report. An insurance appraisal is created specifically for insurance purposes, assigning a value for the jewelry in the event that it is lost or stolen, and the value it gives your jewelry does not hold in other circumstances. Thus, in the specific context of a piece of jewelery’s resale value, an insurance appraisal cannot be used to determine the jewelry’s resale value.

A diamond grading report, for example, is a document with the specific characteristics of your diamond including cut, color, clarity, and carat weight (size). The best diamond grading reports come from professional diamond grading labs, such as the GIA and HRD. Knowing these characteristics can help determine the value of your diamond at resale. Diamonds of a higher quality, with better characteristics, will fetch a higher price at auction than those of a lower quality.

We partner with the Gemological Institute of America (GIA), the Antwerp Diamond High Council and other industry leading labs for diamond jewelry and watches.

A diamond grading report is an important tool for diamond sellers because it helps them and potential buyers determine what they have. When it comes time to determine a reserve price for your piece, the diamond grading report will help you and your auction manager figure out the best price to work with. When your auction manager creates the listing, the characteristics and grading report help our buyers buy with confidence, knowing that the information they are getting about the diamond is coming from a trusted, third-party grading lab.

Iskenderian’s expert gemologists will professionally clean and photograph your jewelry in HD, showing off every angle. Then we’ll have your pieces professionally graded by a professional third-party grading lab to provide you with objective information that you can use to set your own reserve price.

Your jewelry is presented at our flagship boutique, on our marketplace et to our worldwide network.

If the highest offer received does not meet your reserve price, you can either accept the offer, wait a bite more to find another potential buyer or opt to have your jewelry returned to you, free of charge.

Your jewelry will be completely secure in our Geneva’s Flagship Boutique during the entire process in a safe which is under 24-hour surveillance.

If the highest offer received does not meet your reserve price, you can either accept the offer, wait a bite more to find another potential buyer or opt to have your jewelry returned to you, free of charge.

Buyers are worldwide located, collectors, private amateurs and professionals in the industry.

You get to choose how you’ll receive payment.

The options for payment are: by wire transfer or  by cash (limited amount according to the government policies). The payment will be processed between 1-5 days following the buyers payment.

Once the sale is complete we begin processing your payment once buyers payment is received. Receipt of the payment varies depending on the payment method you select and works as follows:

  • Cash : Immediate (limited amount according to the government policies).
  • Bank transfer: 2-3 business days

All clients’ details and submissions are strictly confidential.

Iskenderian is obliged to comply with Anti-Money Laundering (AML) legislation, dependent on the relevant sale location and jurisdiction. When consigning to a Iskenderian sale for the first time, you will be asked to provide ID in accordance with the sale’s local AML regulations. If you have any questions regarding Anti-Money Laundering or ID requirements, please speak to your appointed Iskenderian contact.

We suggest that you submit a small sample of the collection and indicate that you have a larger collection that you would like us review. Our specialists will be in touch regarding next steps.

Yes, you can contact us on +41 22 310 22 08 or info@iskenderian.ch

Due to the high volume of requests Iskenderian receives, we strongly recommend submitting your request online.

Online submissions are regularly monitored by our team of experts to guarantee a timely response.

There is no need to make any changes to your item at this time. An Iskenderian specialist will review the current condition of the item you submit and produce a condition report prior to the sale.

Please note that certain brands, designs or prices thresholds are not accepted by Iskenderian. We will inform you if your property falls within these categories.

We only accept property/items that meet fine jewelry, diamonds, gemstones and watches. For any further information, feel free to contact us +41 22 310 22 08 or info@iskenderian.ch

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