Frequently Asked Questions - Iskenderian, vintage and antique jewelry
Frequently Asked Questions
Iskenderian is your jewelry selling partner.
Iskenderian provides live online auctions or private sales solutions to sellers. It gives more transparency and fairness to the sale. You are not frustrated by an offer which does not satisfy you. We are on your side to highlight and get the most for your jewelry, diamonds and watches you’re interested in selling.
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:
- Preparing Your Jewelry – To begin the process, On the day of your appointment, one of our specialists will examine in-person the jewelry or watches you’re interested in selling.
OR
if you cannot visit our Flagship Boutique you can sell your jewelry online. 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 .
- Preparing Your Jewelry – To begin the process, On the day of your appointment, one of our specialists will examine in-person the jewelry or watches you’re interested in selling.
In both case, your auction manager will help you set a reserve price you’re comfortable with. We then create the auction listing for you and promote it on our buyer network. Your job is to watch the bids increase.
- The Live Online Auction – We prepare your piece for auction, including cleaning, photography, and if necessary an objective third-party grading by a world-class grading lab.
- Getting Paid – After the auction 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. The payment will be issued to you about 30 days after the date of the auction.
Unlike local and onliaane 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 live 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.
An agreed-upon reserve price for each item of property will be set at or below the low estimate, namely at a level which does not exceed the low estimate. This price is strictly confidential between you and Iskenderian, and will ensure that your property does not sell below this chosen price.
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.
Iskenderian will answer an initial enquiry within seven business days. On some occasions, if an item requires additional research, more time will be needed. In such special instances, you will be notified of the status of your submission.
All our estimates are complimentary. Please kindly note that Iskenderian only provides estimates for items that have been identified by our specialists as potentially suitable for sale
Yes, requesting an estimate is only the first step in selling your item.
After submitting your item, you will receive a confirmation email containing a unique reference code. If your item is suitable for sale at Iskenderian, our specialists will contact you with provisional estimates and propose the most appropriate sale channel for your property.
All estimates are subject to physical examination of the item, as well as changes in the market. Estimates are not formal documents for insurance, taxes or estate valuations and cannot be used as such.
If you wish to submit an item into a specific sale, we normally recommend submitting at least 6-8 weeks prior to the sale start date. Our Private Sale channels work outside of the auction calendar. Our specialists will review your item to advise on the most suitable selling channel.
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 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:
Signed 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.
To establish market demand, an Iskenderian specialist will evaluate your property and market demand according to such important aspects as:
• artist or maker
• country of origin
• provenance
• date of execution
• materials
• dimensions
• rarity
• subject matter or type
• condition
Should our specialists decide your item is suitable for auction, you will need to ship your item to Iskenderian if you cannot visit our Flagship Boutique à Geneva, Switzerland.
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 .
Each consignment is unique and will receive individual attention. Our consignment terms and fees include commission, damage and liability fees as well as marketing costs to appropriately promote your consigned item.
Far far away, behind the word mountains, far from the countries Vokalia and Consonantia, there live the blind texts. Separated they live in Bookmarksgrove right at the coast
Iskenderian estimates to include in its live online auctions jewelry by famous makers such as Cartier, Van Cleef & Arpels, David Webb, Boucheron, Verdura, Bucellatti, Bulgari, Suzanne Belperron, Schlumberger, Mauboussin, and more.
We deal only with fine jewelry. Fine jewelry is not always signed, but values are usually greater when a maker can be identified. We estimate all fine gold, diamond, and gemstone jewelry.
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 live online auctions watches by Rolex, Patek Philippe, Audemars Piguet, Panerai, Breguet, Breitling, Vacheron Constantin, Richard Mille, Cartier, and more.
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 live 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.
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 headquarters to getting paid.
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 your country of residency).
By Bank wire transfer.
By Cheque (according to your country of residency).
Considering your jewelry, diamond and watches are sold and paid by the buyer, the payment will be issued to you about 30 days after the date of the auction.
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, to consign, even if you decide not to sell. No fees to get back your jewelry if unsold.
Iskenderian has passed through four generations of experts, over 100 years, in vintage high-end jewelry and exceptional gems, passing on craft and knowledge from father to son. The flagship boutique is based in Geneva, right in the centre of the most presitigious district. With an international clientele built-up over the decades, and a super serious reputation, Iskenderian is the place to find jewelry pieces of exceptional quality and size.
Yes, this is our service “In-person Appointment”.
You can certainly make an appointment with our jewelry specialists 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.
Open from Monday to Friday 10h30 to 18h00. On Saturday upon appointment.
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. We can either schedule a free pickup according to your location, at a time convenient for you, or you can drop off your package at a SwissPost 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 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 a jewelry or watch brand, please send it to us with any boxes or paperwork you have to help authenticate the item.
Your jewelry will be fully insured by our specialized insurers once in our boutique. During any shipping, additional coverage with written pre-approval from Iskenderian at our sole discretion is required. 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.
Our insurance coverage for a jewelry piece is based on the reserve price agreed during all the period of consignment at our Iskenderian boutique in Geneva, Switzerland.
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 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 at auction, 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 reverse 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 if required, to provide you with objective information that you can use to set your own reserve price for the auction.
The auction takes place online. We’ll virtually put your piece in front of buyers from all over the world, and you can watch the bids roll in from the comfort of your own home.
If the highest bid does not meet your reserve price, you can either accept the bid or opt to have your jewelry returned to you, free of charge.
The auction takes place at a fix date and hour and lasts, according to the number of lots, a few hours. This is a Live online auction which gives buyers enough time to compete against each other for your jewelry, getting you the best offer.
Our auctions are free and open to the public, and there is no obligation to bid. Most auctions are held during the day, except for occasional evening sales. You may also watch our live auctions online.
Your jewelry will be completely secured in our Geneva’s Flagship Boutique during the entire process in a safe which is under 24-hour surveillance.
Our team will send you a sale statement after the auction, confirming the Hammer Price achieved for your property and detailing your proceeds less our commission, any agreed-upon expenses and any applicable [taxes including] VAT. Please note that the prices listed on our website are inclusive of our Buyer’s Premium and Overhead Premium fees. Consignors with items for sale on our Private sales service will receive an email notification once sale happens.
Proceeds will be remitted about 30 days after the auction, provided that we have received payment from the purchaser and in respect of online only auctions held in the EU, UK and Switzerland, the period during which certain EU and UK buyers may exercise the consumer cancellation right that applies to some purchases has ended without the right being exercised. Payment will be withheld if we have not received the ID documents required to complete your account. Consignors with items for sale on the Private sales service will receive payment about 30 days after the item has been delivered to the buyer.
For Auction: If bidding on your item fails to reach the reserve price at auction, it will remain unsold. We will be in touch with you with our recommendations for your unsold property, including listing it on our Private sales channel.
For Private sales: Consignors who are in possession of their items don’t need to take actions. For items in Iskenderian’s possession, the return can vary, a specialist will contact the consignor with next steps.
If the highest bid does not meet your reserve price, you can either accept the bid or opt to have your jewelry returned to you, free of charge.
Buyers are worldwide located, collectors, private amateurs and professionals in the industry. They compete against each other for your piece, getting you the highest offers possible.
You get to choose how you’ll receive payment. The options for payment are:
By Cash (limited amount according to your country of residency).
How long to receive?: Immediate.
By Bank wire transfer.
How long to receive?: 2-3 business days.
By Cheque (according to your country of residency).
How long to receive?: Depends of your bank’s policies.
The payment will be processed about 30 days following auction date.
Iskenderian might be required to charge tax on goods and services. The nature and rate of the relevant tax is determined by the location of the auction. Please contact your appointed Iskenderian conatct for any further information.
All clients’ details and submissions are strictly confidential. For further information, please see our Privacy Policy.
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 / 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.
If an object is valued below Iskenderian’s threshold for sale, or if an item is outside of our realm of expertise, we might suggest a reputable local auction room or trusted partner. Often, these firms are able to offer a thoughtful valuation according to their specialized markets. Please note that certain brands and price thresholds are not accepted by Iskenderian. We will inform you if your property falls within these categories.
Iskenderian cannot accept requests from artists at this time. Please submit your portfolio to galleries that specialize in representing artists.
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 / info@iskenderian.ch
Browse an auction on bid.iskenderian.ch
We encourage you to contact our specialists, whose contact information is included on the auction catalogue page. All property in the auction is available for viewing in our exhibitions or by appointment.
Place a bid through bid.iskenderian.ch from the start of the auction until the lot closes. See below for how to bid in our online only and live auctions. Please contact us should you need any assistance.
Watch your bids! If you are outbid in an online only auction, you will be notified on the auction catalogue page and by email. In a live auction, you will be notified on the auction catalogue page, but not by email.
After your lot has closed, you will be notified on the auction and lot detail pages as well as via email. If you are the winning bidder, you will receive an invoice shortly after the auction including your total charges along with payment and property collection instructions.
Iskenderian is not an auctioneer. We organize and manage the best solution to help you to get the most of your jewelry, diamonds and watches. Iskenderian gathers a team and network of experts, specialists and auctioneers often with decades of experience. Our partner auctioneer based in Paris Drouot initiates the sale of each lot by briefly describing the item and then starting the bidding at a price that is lower than its reserve. The auctioneer acknowledges every bidder, whether they are participating via bid.iskenderian.ch, drouot.com or any other platform as interencheres.com, invaluable.com or over the telephone. They also place bids on behalf of absentee bidders. The auctioneer, whose authority is final, determines when the highest bid has been made and declares the lot sold.
After the auctioneer starts the bidding, they will accept incrementally higher bids until a sole bidder remains. This final bidder purchases the lot. However, if the bidding fails to reach the reserve price, the lot will pass unsold.
Iskenderian generally comprise fine, antique, vintage and contemporary jewelry in sales.
English 
German (Switzerland, Informal) 
Italian 
French 
