By Ken Bowers, Owner of KenWorks in Metairie, Louisiana
The seasons are changing, and if the sudden need to reorganize the junk drawer hit like a cold front, don’t worry—it’s not just you. There’s something about the approach of fall that makes people take stock of their stuff. The swimsuits get tucked away, the gumbo pots come out, and suddenly that dresser drawer filled with tangled chains and orphaned earrings starts giving off “What are you waiting for?” vibes.
Jewelry, as it turns out, has a funny way of sticking around long after its purpose is gone. Maybe it’s a gift from an ex, a piece inherited from someone you loved (but whose style leaned a little heavy on gaudy), or maybe it’s just something that broke ten years ago and never made it to the repair shop. Regardless of how it got there, it’s still taking up space—and fall is a great time to consider giving it a second life.
Why Now?
There’s a rhythm to the year. Spring is for renewal. Summer is for excess. And fall? Fall is for trimming the fat. Think of it as the Marie Kondo of seasons. Only instead of asking whether something “sparks joy,” the real question is: does this still deserve space in the drawer… or should it be turned into something a little more useful—like cash?
Now, this isn’t about rushing into the garage and holding a jewelry yard sale next to the rusty tricycle and the lava lamp from 1998. It’s about recognizing that those unworn pieces—especially the ones made from gold, silver, platinum, or carrying stones—still carry real, measurable value.
The Hidden Value in “Junk”
Here’s the thing: most people don’t realize what they have. That single gold earring with the missing back? It’s still gold. The broken chain from high school graduation? Still counts. Even that dental gold crown that’s been sitting in a baggie (yes, it happens more than one might think)—it has value.
The market for precious metals is always moving, and when prices are decent, even small amounts of scrap gold can turn into something more substantial. While that tangled chain may not be headed for a museum exhibit anytime soon, it’s still a valuable asset. And unlike those pumpkin spice candles that come out this time of year, it won’t lose value after three weeks.
From Clutter to Clarity
Selling unused jewelry isn’t just about making money—it’s about reclaiming space. Jewelry boxes have a way of becoming mini time capsules, filled with bits and pieces from every chapter of life. Some of those memories are worth keeping. Others? Maybe they’re overdue for an upgrade.
It’s not about being cold-hearted or sentimental—it’s about practicality. That gaudy ring from a long-past relationship isn’t paying rent in the drawer. And that chain from the ‘80s? It may have had its moment on Bourbon Street, but now it’s just collecting dust (and maybe some strange looks).
By cleaning out the collection, it becomes easier to see what matters. A few quality pieces that actually get worn are worth keeping. The rest? Let them go.
What Buyers Actually Look For
There’s a misconception that jewelry has to be flawless, pristine, or trendy to be worth anything. Not true. Most buyers are interested in the raw materials—gold, silver, platinum, and gemstones. Condition helps, but it’s not everything.
Whether it’s a family heirloom or a bracelet from a vacation long forgotten, the key components—metal content and stone quality—determine its resale value. And if it’s branded (like a Rolex or Cartier), that’s a bonus. But even without big names or perfect condition, old pieces still have value. Sometimes it’s more than expected.
Emotional Attachments and Letting Go
Now, it’s fair to say jewelry often carries emotional weight. And there’s nothing wrong with holding onto something because it means something. But not everything has to become a legacy item. Some pieces were meant for a season, not a lifetime.
Letting go doesn’t erase the memory. It just clears out space—physically and emotionally. And in some cases, selling those old items can help fund something new: a home project, a small trip, or even a more updated piece that fits today’s life.
No Pressure, Just Perspective
No one’s saying every piece of jewelry needs to be hauled into a buyer this minute. But fall is a great time to reassess. If something hasn’t been worn in five years, isn’t likely to get fixed, or comes with a backstory best left in the rearview, it might be time to let it move on.
Besides, that drawer isn’t going to organize itself. And those little piles of tangled metal and stone? They’re not just clutter. They’re opportunity.
So if the cool breeze of fall brings with it a sudden desire to clean house, don’t stop at the coat closet. Open the jewelry box. Untangle the chain. Take stock of what’s worth keeping—and what might be ready to move on.
Because sometimes, the best way to make room for the future… is by cashing in a little of the past.