Request A Kit FAQ’s
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I qualify for a free kit?
If you are looking to sell a collection of vintage costume jewelry, or fine jewelry, plus collectibles, request a kit from our website and fill out our short form. We determine eligibility by assessing the quality, quantity, and value of your items based on the information you provide to us.
If your submission does not qualify, you will be asked to submit more information about the items you are looking to sell. Check the Astor Galleries Guide to see details about the kinds of items we accept in our kits, you may also need a larger collection of items qualify. Be sure to share key information about your items, (designers, quality materials, etc.). You will also have the opportunity to submit photos of your items.
Due to cost of labor, shipping, and materials, we cannot accept kits that do not meet our qualifications. Please be sure to describe your items in detail to improve your chances to qualify.
Do I have to pay for shipping?
Shipping is free, when you “request a kit” you will be sent a pre-paid Priority Mail Flat Rate Box and shipping label. If it fits, it ships – up to 70 lbs.
How long will I have to wait to get an offer for my items?
Our team of trained experts will carefully review every item in your kit. We thoroughly test for all precious metals and use our collective expertise to ensure an accurate estimate of the value of your kit to make our offer. This process varies depending on the size of your lot, the rarity of the items, etc. On average kits are processed in 10 to 15 business days.
What if I change my mind?
Our 100% Customer Satisfaction Guarantee means that if you change your mind for any reason we will return your items free of charge.*
How do I get paid?
Once you accept our offer, we will process your payment in 48 hours. We offer two methods of payment. You can select expedited payment by using PayPal (please note, applicable PayPal fees may apply). Our default payment method is company check sent via USPS first class mail (please note, we are seeing delivery of mail by USPS taking up to 15 days. If you need payment sooner you should select our PayPal option).
What items can I send in?
Please see the Astor Galleries Guide. FINE JEWELRY: Bracelets (bangles, bracelets & charms), Dress & Fur Clips, Earrings, Necklaces & Pendants, Matched Sets, Men’s Accessories (cufflinks & ties clips) Pins & Brooches, Rings, Antique/Vintage Watches (in any condition), Tangled Jewelry, Single Earrings, Missing Stones, Scrap Gold. Sterling Silver Jewelry from Mexico, Scandinavia, and Native American. VINTAGE DESIGNER COSTUME: (Chanel, Eisenberg, Schiaparelli, Ralph DeRosa, Trifari, Hobe’, Christian Dior, Weiss, etc.), Fine Pearls, Amber and Bakelite. We also accept vintage & antique Military & Masonic Metals, Sterling Silver Hollowware, Designer Handbags & Sunglasses, Pens, Small Travel & Case Clocks, Scientific Instruments, Toys, and Gold, Silver & Antique Coins.
What if I have a special item, or question?
Be sure to check the Astor Galleries Guide and the Astor Galleries List. If you have special piece you would like to bring to our attention, or have a question about your item, please email info@astorgalleries.com or call (800) 784-7876 for more information.
Can I send in photos?
If you would like to send a photo of a special item to be considered by Astor Galleries, please send them to info@astorgalleries.com. The email should include your contact information, and your question.
Can I get my items appraised?
If you would like your items appraised, follow this link for more information.
Are there items you do not accept?
Please see the Astor Galleries Guide.
• We do not accept VERY FRAGILE ITEMS (crystal, china, figurines, vases) via mail.
• We do not accept MODERN/NEWER ITEMS (electronics, records, videos, DVDs, digital watches, dolls*, toys*, books, furs, or clothing,* as items must be vintage [equal to or greater than 30 years old].)
*Please note we DO accept Vintage (equal to, or greater than 30 years in age) toys, dolls and some clothing upon approval.
• We do not accept MODERN COSTUME JEWELRY (jewelry less than 30 years old, plastic beads, etc.)
• We do not accept STAMP COLLECTIONS via mail.
• We do not accept HEAVY & BULKY LOW VALUED ITEMS (e.g., most silver plated items, etc.)
• We do not accept items that DO NOT FIT in one of the flat rate priority mail boxes we provide, unless you have received prior authorization from Astor Galleries.
• We do not accept FURNITURE OR LARGER ITEMS via mail. If you have larger items, or a large quantity of items from the Astor Galleries List, you may qualify for a house call.
What if I have a large collection of items, or items from the Astor Galleries List?
If you have items on this list you are looking to sell, you may qualify for a FREE house call from one of our professional appraisers. For more information about house calls, please email us at info@astorgalleries.com, or call us toll free at (800) 784-7876.
How does this work?
Use our free kit to mail in your unwanted collection fine jewelry and vintage costume pieces, plus collectibles. Click here to learn more about this service. We provide cash offers.
• Request a FREE kit and complete the application by telling us about the items you are looking to sell and submit it for approval. Once approved, your kit will be sent. Some requests will require more information to be approved.
• Carefully pack your items using the Astor Galleries Guide instructions. Complete the Customer Return Form, enclose it in the kit, and seal the box closed. Be sure to securely tape all the edges of the box.
• Take your package to the post office for shipping. Your kit is tracked and insured from the moment it leaves your hands.
• Once we sign for your shipment, our team of experts will go through your whole lot thoroughly. We will identify any good jewelry that you may have missed, and prepare your offer. We will contact you via email, phone, or USPS mail.
• To accept your offer, simply reply “Accepted.” If you choose to decline the offer, reply “Declined.”
• Once you accept the offer, payment will be sent within 48 hours.*
• If you decide not to accept the offer your items will be returned free of charge.
What is the 100% Satisfaction Guarantee?
If you are not satisfied for any reason with our offer, or service, we will return your items free of charge.*
Where do I request a kit?
Follow this link to fill out the form to see if you qualify.
What is included in the kit?
The kit includes:
• Welcome Letter
• Astor Galleries Guide
• Customer Return Form
• Pre-paid Priority Mail Flat Rate Box and shipping label
• Request a Kit FAQ
• Terms & Conditions
Why do I need to include my Government Issued ID, Birthday, and Signature?
New York law requires that you supply your Drivers’ License (or other government issued ID), your date of birth, and your signature. In order to avoid any delays, please complete this section on page 2 of the Customer Return Form.
Where can I see the Terms & Conditions?
The Terms and Conditions are included in the kit and can also be found here.
Where can I find the Privacy Policy?
Are my items insured?
Your items are insured from the moment they are dropped at the USPS for shipping. Please see the Terms and Conditions, section 4 – Loss Guarantee and Insurance.
Can I request additional insurance?
To request additional insurance for a special item, you must send in a request to info@astorgalleries.com. Your request should include photos of your item(s) and a description. Astor Galleries will then review your request and contact you.
Can I track my items?
Your items are tracked from the minute you drop them for shipping at your local post office. Visit usps.com to track your package using the tracking number located on the shipping label provided in your kit, and on the receipt you obtain from the post office.
How do I find out about the Referral Program?
If you refer a friend or family member to our company, we will pay you 5% of the accepted offer amount (up to $250) on their first transaction with us. Payouts will be awarded 14 days after the referred customer has accepted their payment from us. You can refer multiple customers, but we will payout only once per new customer referred. Referrals involving existing customers, i.e., customers that have previously transacted business with the Company, are not eligible for payouts. For more information email info@astorgalleries.com.
Do you accept vintage sterling charm bracelets/charms? Do you pay more that scrap value?
Yes we accept vintage sterling silver jewelry. We figure the value based on the workmanship in addition to the precious metal value.
Do you accept broken watches?
We accept watches in any condition.
Do you accept stamp collections?
We do not accept stamps with our mail in service.
How long do I have to send in my kit?
You have 30 days to send in your kit, don’t delay! To request additional time to prepare your package, please email info@astorgalleries.com.
Can I drop my items off?
Our warehouse is not open to the general public for insurance and security purposes. We accept items through our mail in service, or scheduled house calls.
How much do you pay for items?
Astor Galleries is proud to say over 90% of customers who sent in their unwanted treasures with our kit accepted their offer. We believe you will too. Our offers vary depending market conditions. We pay more for items that have limited availability and are in high demand. Yes – you make more money when you send in better items. We invite you to send in your items and we think you will be impressed with our offer. Put our 40 years of experience to work for you.
What kit sizes are available?
Your kit includes a prepaid USPS Priority Mail Flat Rate box. You can select either a small box (8 11/16” x 1 3/4” x 5 7/16”), medium box (11 1/4” x 8 3/4 x 6”), or large box (12” x 12” x 5 1/2”). Due to cost restrictions, you must provide information about the items you plan to send in when selecting a large box. You may be asked to supply photos.
Can I request more than one box?
You may request additional kits after you have completed your first transaction with Astor Galleries. We love repeat customers. If you send in more than three (3) boxes, ask about our Repeat Customer Bonus.
• Some of our new customers only send in a small amount of value in their first box to test out our service. However, if the value of your first box is too low, you may not qualify for a second and/or larger box.
• Does this statement apply to you? If so, please provide details about what your are including to make a higher value kit in your request to be qualified for additional kits.
Do I need to report this income?
Your doing business with Astor Galleries is confidential. We do not report your transaction to any outside agencies. If you have any questions about the tax implications of these transactions, seek advice from a qualified accountant or tax attorney. You may find this article helpful: Selling Your Stuff: The Tax Dimension
Do you break down your offers by item?
We use our collective expertise to ensure an accurate estimate of the value of your kit, in its entirety, to make our offers. We do not break our offers down by item.
What is fine jewelry?
Fine jewelry refers to high-quality pieces made from precious metals (like gold, platinum, and silver) and often set with genuine gemstones, such as diamonds, sapphires, rubies, and emeralds. Unlike costume jewelry, which is usually crafted from less expensive materials like brass, copper, or imitation stones, fine jewelry is more durable, valuable, and often passed down through generations as heirlooms. Fine jewelry pieces are typically designed to last and retain their value, making them both a personal investment and a statement of luxury.
What is vintage costume jewelry?
Vintage costume jewelry refers to fashion jewelry pieces made in the past, typically between the 1920s and 1980s, that were designed to mimic fine jewelry but crafted with less expensive materials. These pieces are often made from non-precious metals, glass, rhinestones, faux pearls, or enamel, and sometimes feature unique designs that reflect the style and trends of their time. Brands like Trifari, Coro, and Weiss, for instance, produced high-quality costume jewelry with meticulous craftsmanship that has made their pieces collectible today.
While it may lack the precious metals and gems of fine jewelry, vintage costume jewelry often has artistic, nostalgic, and historical value, making it popular among collectors and those who appreciate retro fashion.
How do you determine your offers?
Valuation of your kit
Astor Galleries has been in this business for over 45 years. Our team of trained experts carefully review every item in your kit, and thoroughly test for all precious metals. We look at current market data and trends, quality and craftsmanship, makers’ marks, provenance, possible damage or repairs, etc., in our research. Then we use our team’s collective expertise to ensure an accurate estimate of the value of your kit, in its entirety, to make our offer.
Our customers are looking for a free and easy way to sell their unwanted treasures. Selling your treasures yourself can be a full-time job, requiring time and expertise. Why not get paid, and let Astor Galleries do all the work?
Our offers are based on the Fair Market Value (FMV), which is determined by supply and demand. Unlike many of our competitors, we pay cash for your items. No waiting and hoping your items sell, no consignment contracts, or additional fees. Astor Galleries assumes all the risk and expense to find new homes for all your treasures. We are confident that our offers are very competitive, we want you to be too.
Objections
We understand that sometimes our customers take our offers and calculate the average price per item, which can seem low to them. However, this way of viewing our offer is misleading, as our business is based on supply and demand. We pay a high average price on items with high demand and low supply, while the opposite is in effect for items in low demand.
Some of our customers compare our offer to retail prices online. This creates unrealistic expectations. The listed retail price is often set high to advertise bigger discounts, sales, special offers in order to sell the item, meaning few if any will be sold for full price and over a long period (e.g., 10 years).
Bottom Line
The true reflection of an item is worth, is what the item would bring on the open auction market. This is the “Fair Market Value” and enables the auctioneer to sell the items in a timely manner to experience inventory turnover. The Fair Market Value is normally approximately one quarter to one third of the Retail Value.
Astor Galleries employes many strategies to achieve the best possible return for the items we sell. Depending on market conditions, items may sell at Retail Value, Fair Market Value, or Liquidation Value – which is where lower end/value items are sold in bulk to contain costs.
Our offers are very competitive, which brings our loyal customers back. And if you aren’t happy with your offer, we return your items – free of charge.
Definitions of Various Market Values
REPLACEMENT VALUE: The price required to replace a property with another of similar age, quality, origin, appearance and condition within a reasonable length of time in an appropriate and relevant market.
Because of the time element involved, the appropriate market for replacement is deemed to be that of primary sources, such as department stores, galleries, and shops carrying comparable and immediately available personal properties.
Replacement Value is used as the basis for insurance purposes and damage/loss reports.
FAIR MARKET VALUE: The price at which the property would change hands between a willing buyer and a willing seller, neither being under any compulsion to buy or sell and both having reasonable knowledge of relevant facts.
Because auction sales are publicly recorded, these are the values declared to be most appropriate in finding prices for properties in tax related reports and in cases where dispersal of properties is involved.
The fair market value assumption is that the value stated is the substantiated (by record price) that would be paid by the buyer at auction for a comparable property.Fair Market Value is used as the basis for appraisals for charitable contribution, estate taxation, and equitable distribution.
LIQUIDATION VALUE: Orderly Liquidation Value is the probable price for which a property would change hands under limiting conditions in an orderly manner, generally advertised, with reasonable time constraints, and in an appropriate and relevant marketplace, with knowledgeable buyers.
* Terms and Conditions apply
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