Our services

In addition to our stock of fine antique and period jewellery, McKenna & Co offer a range of complementary services. Please click on the links below for details. If you require further information, please call us on
+44 (0)20 7584 1966

 

 

Selling your jewellery

When a client wishes to sell jewellery it is important to consider the various ways and pitfalls in doing so and to understand any charges that could be deducted from the proceeds of sale. The two main methods in selling jewellery are through a dealer such as us or through an auction house.

At McKenna & Co we are full members of LAPADA – The Association of Art & Antique Dealers, and NAG – The National Association of Goldsmiths of Great Britain & Ireland. Unlike auction houses we must abide by the strict codes of conduct of these professional trade associations. In addition we are regulated by Consumer Law, in contrast to auction houses where transactions are considered trade (i.e. business) transactions. Consumer Law does not extend any protection whatsoever to clients of auction houses. Typically auction houses will only insure jewellery against loss etc for the lowest auction estimate. Auction houses will also routinely charge both buyers and sellers a premium of approximately 20% of the hammer price, plus VAT. Further charges can be levied for photography, cataloguing and handling, as well as for insurance. The total charges made by auction houses can therefore considerably exceed 40%. The whole process from initial consignment to final receipt of net proceeds can take many months.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Should an item fail to sell, charges will almost certainly still be payable. Auction houses can however be the most suitable method of sale in certain cases e.g. where it is very difficult to value an item or in the case of a probate sale.


The great advantage in selling to us, or selling through us, is speed, discretion, absolute confidentiality and also an agreed fair price confirmed in writing at the outset.

We are always looking for suitable high quality items for stock. We also have access to an international network of trade buyers, dealers and collectors, if the selling client wishes to access a wider market. This is also an advantage if the client does not wish to sell jewellery in the London market. The client’s jewellery will be insured by us for all risks at the agreed selling price. There are no deductions whatsoever for insurance, commission, handling, photography etc. As an alternative we may also be able to take a client's jewellery in part exchange for an item from our collection.

Please contact us on +44 (0)20 7584 1966 in complete confidence to discuss any aspects of selling jewellery to us.