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Selling Lapidary & Metalsmithing Shop Contents

Jewelry Discussion
#1

A customer’s husband recently passed away and has left behind what
I’m told is a large collection of lapidary equipment, tools, and
supplies, as well as metalsmithing tools and supplies. She asked me
if I knew the best way for her to sell the items. I’m fairly
confident that I can help her accurately price the metalsmithing
items, but I have no idea regarding the lapidary stuff. Nor any idea
how she can reach reputable prospective buyers. Does anyone have any
recommendations regarding the best way to sell the contents of a
lapidary/metalsmithing shop?

Thanks in advance for any advice!
Beth Taylor

#2

Hi Beth,

A customer's husband recently passed away and has left behind what
I'm told is a large collection of lapidary equipment, tools, and
supplies, as well as metalsmithing tools and supplies. She asked
me if I knew the best way for her to sell the items.

Check the local area for a lapidary club. Many times lapidary clubs
also have a number of metalsmithing members. You may find folks
interested in all the tools.

Dave

#3

Hi Beth - I am a member of a lapidary club in Tucson. We get a lot
of calls like this from people in the same circumstances. You might
see if there is a lapidary club in your area. They might be willing
to help value the equipment. And they can probably connect you with
people interested in buying it too. If this turns out not to be an
option for you, you can usually find contacts at your local jewelry
supply/ lapidary supply store. Also, lots of people sell used
lapidary equipment on Ebay and on Craig’s List.

Good Luck!
Diana

#4

There are several places you can advertise…lapidary mailing lists
and so on. Email me offline and I’ll try to track some down for
you… one of the big ones is Rockhounds on Drizzle.com
(http://lists.drizzle.com/mailman/listinfo/rockhounds)

Jeanne
jeannius.com
creativecabs.com

#5

Hello Jeanne,

You can also post here for free:
http://www.silversmithing.com/wanted.htm

Jeff Herman
silversmithing.com

#6

Hello Beth,

If your friend doesn’t need all the income, something to consider is
CERF.

Or a local art center/school. She can value the materials and tools
for the high end of what it’s worth and take a deduction for it. I
know thaat there is a jeweler/lapidary artist ( he may be reading
this) who recently lost his studio to a fire for example. Perhaps
she is willing to sell it in such a case for less than it is worth?
Just a thought.

And very sorry for her loss.
Marianne Hunter
http://www.hunter-studios.com

#7

Hi beth

from time to time i purchase large lapidary collections, used to be
2 or 3 a year, now 1 or 2 - you may want to contact me off list

Warm regards
Mark Zirinsky, Denver