How to sell watches and jewellery on eBay and Vinted

• Material: solid gold, gold plated, sterling silver, stainless steel or base metal, and how you know.
• Hallmarks, maker's marks and stamps such as 925 or 375.
• For watches: brand, model or reference number, movement type, whether it works and keeps time.
• Box, papers, receipts and spare links, which matter a lot for branded watches.
• Ring size, chain length, bracelet length and clasp type.
• Scratches, missing stones, worn plating, stretched links and damaged clasps.

1. The piece on a plain dark or white background, in good natural light.
2. Close-ups of hallmarks and stamps, in sharp focus.
3. For watches: the dial, the case back, the clasp, and the side showing the crown.
4. A photo of the watch running, or a short video if the platform allows.
5. The piece worn or next to a ruler, to show its size.
6. Box and papers, with serial numbers partly covered if you prefer.
7. Every flaw: scratches, missing stones, discolouration.

• Start with the brand, but only if you can show it is genuine.
• Then the material, only as far as it is marked or tested ("925 sterling silver", "9ct gold hallmarked").
• Then the type of piece and style.
• Then size: ring size, chain length, case diameter.
• Add "box and papers" for watches if you have them.

Example title

9ct Yellow Gold Hallmarked Signet Ring Size P, 2.1g, Engravable Oval Face

Words buyers search for

• hallmarked
• sterling silver
• 925
• 9ct gold
• 18ct
• signet ring
• chain
• pendant
• automatic
• quartz
• box and papers
• vintage

• Ring size, using a ring sizer or by measuring the inner diameter.
• Chain and bracelet length in cm, measured end to end including the clasp.
• Pendant size and chain width in mm.
• Weight in grams for gold and silver, using accurate scales.
• For watches: case diameter in mm (excluding the crown), lug width and strap length.

• Describe exactly what you can see: surface scratches, worn plating, a dent on the case.
• For watches, say whether it is working, when the battery was changed if known, and whether it has been serviced.
• Say "untested" rather than guessing if you haven't checked whether a stone is real.
• Never claim a stone is a diamond or a metal is gold unless you have proof such as a hallmark or a test.
• Mention any repairs, resizing or replacement parts.

eBay tends to suit branded watches and hallmarked gold and silver, where buyers search by brand, model and material and want detailed item specifics. Some higher-value watches and jewellery may go through eBay's Authenticity Guarantee in some markets; check whether it applies to your item.

Vinted tends to suit fashion jewellery, everyday silver pieces and watches bought as accessories. Vinted also has rules on authenticity and counterfeits, and may ask for proof for some branded items.

For anything valuable, consider getting it appraised before listing so your description is accurate.

• Pack small pieces in a small box rather than a padded envelope, so they can't be crushed or slip out.
• Wrap the item in tissue or put it in a jewellery pouch inside the box.
• Use a tracked and signed-for service for valuable items, and check the carrier's compensation limits and rules for jewellery.
• Don't write "jewellery" or the brand on the outside of the parcel.
• Most pieces fit a small parcel or large letter size; check on the postage guide before choosing.

Not sure which parcel size you need? Check the postage size guide.

• Calling something gold or silver because it looks like it.
• Using a brand name to describe a style ("Cartier style") which can be treated as counterfeit.
• Missing the ring size or chain length.
• Photographing hallmarks out of focus, so buyers can't check them.
• Posting valuable items without tracking.

What do hallmarks tell me?

A UK hallmark shows the metal and its purity (for example 375 for 9ct gold, 925 for sterling silver), where it was tested and often the year. A stamp such as 925 alone isn't a full hallmark but still describes the metal.

Can I sell a watch without box and papers?

Yes, but say so clearly. Buyers of branded watches value box and papers, and some may be more cautious without them.

Does eBay's Authenticity Guarantee apply to my item?

It covers some watches and jewellery in some markets above certain values. Check eBay's help pages for your country when you list.