Selling Jacob & Co High Jewellery

A Practical Owner Checklist

Owning a piece of Jacob & Co high jewellery brings both pleasure and responsibility. Before considering a sale, it helps to gather your thoughts on its story, documentation and condition.

Begin by locating any existing paperwork, certificates or correspondence that accompanied the piece when it was acquired. Jacob & Co high jewellery often carries unique characteristics that make provenance particularly important. Next, examine the piece under good lighting to note the overall appearance of the coloured stones, the setting and any signs of regular wear. Take clear, well-lit photographs from multiple angles, including close-ups of hallmarks, engravings on the reverse and the clasp mechanism. These images form the foundation of any valuation.

Consider the original context of the piece. Many Jacob & Co high jewellery items are one-off commissions created in collaboration with clients or inspired by specific themes. Understanding whether your item was part of a limited series or entirely bespoke can influence how it is received in the secondary market. Finally, decide whether you prefer collection or postage. We arrange both at no cost to you and with full insurance from the moment the piece leaves your hands.

This checklist keeps the process orderly. With photographs and any available documents prepared, you can begin the valuation without delay. Offers are typically available around the clock, allowing you to move at your own pace.

Background and Design Story

Jacob & Co was founded in New York in 1986 by Jacob Arabo, beginning with diamond jewellery before later developing its own timepieces and high jewellery. The house gained recognition for bold diamond jewellery and a willingness to create entirely unique commissions for private clients. Unlike many traditional jewellery houses rooted in European heritage, Jacob & Co brought a bold, contemporary sensibility that blended exceptional gemmology with imaginative design.

High jewellery pieces from Jacob & Co often feature dramatic arrangements of coloured stones, frequently cut in unusual shapes or combined in ways that emphasise their natural vibrancy. One-off commissions allow clients to work directly with the design team, resulting in pieces that reflect personal stories or specific aesthetic directions. These bespoke works frequently incorporate techniques such as invisible settings, intricate pavé work and imaginative motifs drawn from nature, architecture or abstract concepts.

The appeal of these pieces lies in their individuality. Each high jewellery creation is approached as a miniature work of art, with attention paid to the harmony between metal, stone and overall form. This philosophy has attracted collectors who value both the technical mastery involved and the emotional connection that comes from owning something created specifically for them or in a truly limited expression.

Common Pitfalls When Selling

One frequent challenge is assuming that every piece of jewellery bearing the Jacob & Co name will appeal equally in the secondary market. High jewellery and one-off commissions are assessed on their specific design, the quality and rarity of the coloured stones, and how the piece aligns with current collector interests. Items that were highly personalised or created for a particular aesthetic moment may require more explanation and context than standard production pieces.

Another common difficulty arises from incomplete records. While we do not require paperwork to begin the conversation, the absence of certificates or design documentation can slow the verification process and affect the final assessment. Similarly, sellers sometimes delay submitting photographs, believing they must first have the piece professionally cleaned or adjusted. In reality, sending the item in its current state provides the most accurate picture of its genuine condition.

Overlooking the importance of the clasp, setting integrity and overall structural soundness can also complicate matters. High jewellery demands meticulous attention to how stones are secured and whether the piece maintains its intended silhouette after years of wear. Addressing these elements thoughtfully before reaching out helps create a smoother experience for everyone involved.

Paperwork and Completeness

Documentation plays a supportive role when selling Jacob & Co high jewellery. Any certificates of authenticity, gemmological reports detailing the coloured stones, original design sketches or correspondence from the house can add clarity. For one-off commissions, even a simple letter confirming the piece was created specifically for the original owner can prove helpful during assessment.

Completeness extends beyond paperwork. We look for the original fitted case if it still exists, though its absence does not prevent a valuation. The same principle applies to receipts and additional gem reports. What matters most is that the piece itself is intact, with all stones present and the setting complete. Clear photographs of the piece from every angle, including the interior of any case, allow us to understand exactly what is being offered.

Because many Jacob & Co high jewellery pieces are unique, the story behind their creation often forms part of their identity. Sharing what you know about the commission process or the inspiration behind the design helps us appreciate the item fully. We welcome any information you can provide, while understanding that not every owner retains every document from the time of purchase.

Condition and Signs of Wear

High jewellery from Jacob & Co is crafted to be worn, yet its value in the secondary market depends heavily on how it has been looked after. We examine the coloured stones for any chips, abrasions or signs of re-cutting. Even minor damage to a rare gem can influence how the piece is assessed. The metalwork should be reviewed for scratches, dents or areas where the finish has become uneven through regular contact with skin or clothing.

Settings require particular attention. Prongs, bezels and pavé elements must hold each stone securely without visible movement. Over time, normal wear can loosen these components, especially in pieces featuring intricate arrangements of multiple coloured stones. The clasp and any articulated sections should operate smoothly and close firmly, maintaining the intended drape or structure of the design.

Surface wear on the metal is expected in pieces that have been enjoyed rather than stored away. What we assess is whether that wear feels consistent with careful ownership or suggests more significant impact. Sending the piece as it currently exists, without attempting repairs or polishing, allows us to see its true state and provide an offer based on reality rather than speculation.

The Role of Coloured Stones

Coloured stones lie at the heart of Jacob & Co high jewellery. Rubies, sapphires, emeralds, tanzanites and spinels are selected for their hue, clarity and size, often combined in unexpected ways within a single piece. One-off commissions frequently push boundaries by pairing stones that create striking visual conversations or by using rare colour combinations that reflect the original owner's taste.

When assessing these gems, we consider their individual quality as well as how they work together within the overall composition. Natural variations in tone, the precision of the cut and the way light interacts with the arrangement all contribute to the piece's character. Documentation that confirms the origin or treatment status of particularly important stones can support the assessment process, although we can begin discussions with photographs alone.

Demand for specific stone types fluctuates according to broader market trends, yet exceptional examples of Jacob & Co design continue to find appreciative homes among collectors who understand the house's distinctive approach to colour and form.

How to Sell Your Jacob & Co High Jewellery to EncoreLuxe

The process begins with the valuation form located just below the main image on this page. Upload clear photographs showing the front, back, sides, clasp, any engravings and the coloured stones in good light. Include images of any existing case, certificates or documents if they are available. Our specialists review each submission carefully, drawing on their experience with Jacob & Co high jewellery and one-off commissions.

An offer is usually shared within minutes, available around the clock. Should you accept, we arrange either fully insured collection from your address or prepaid postage using a tracked and insured courier. Once the piece reaches us it undergoes thorough inspection to confirm it matches the photographs and description provided. This verification typically happens quickly.

Upon successful verification, payment is made by bank transfer on the same day. The entire journey is designed to be straightforward, with no obligation at any stage. If for any reason the final assessment differs from the initial offer and you choose not to proceed, we return the piece to you fully insured and at our expense. Our focus remains on handling exceptional pieces with the care and discretion they deserve.

Questions sellers ask

Do I need original certificates and paperwork to sell my Jacob & Co high jewellery? No. While any available documentation, certificates or design correspondence is welcome, we can begin the valuation process with clear photographs alone.

How should I photograph coloured stones in Jacob & Co pieces? Take multiple well-lit images from different angles, including close-ups that show colour, clarity and setting detail. Natural daylight or soft diffused light works best.

Will you collect my Jacob & Co jewellery from my home? Yes. We can arrange fully insured collection from your address or provide prepaid, tracked postage. Both options carry full insurance from the moment the piece leaves you.

What happens if I change my mind after receiving an offer? There is no obligation. If you decline the offer following inspection, we return the piece to you by fully insured delivery at no cost.

Are one-off commissions from Jacob & Co more difficult to sell? Not necessarily. Their uniqueness can appeal strongly to collectors. Providing any background on the commission helps us understand and present the piece accurately.

How quickly can I expect to receive an offer? Offers are typically available within minutes of submitting the valuation form, and the service operates 24 hours a day, seven days a week.