Almost every family has a jewelry box passed down from a grandmother, great-aunt, or other relative. It may be sitting in a dresser drawer or tucked away in a closet, filled with tangled necklaces, old brooches, rings, and pieces of costume jewelry.

It’s easy to look at an old jewelry collection and assume most of it is simply outdated. But age alone doesn’t tell you what a piece is worth. The metal, gemstones, designer, age, condition, and rarity can all make a difference.

Before you donate, sell, or give away Grandma’s old jewelry, take a closer look. Some pieces may be worth having evaluated by a qualified jeweler or appraiser.

Pearl Jewelry

A strand of pearls may look like a simple family keepsake, but it could have real value. Natural and cultured pearls can be desirable, particularly when the pearls are well matched, in good condition, and set with quality materials.

Older pearl jewelry can also have appeal because of its craftsmanship and style. If you’re unsure whether the pearls are genuine, have them checked before deciding what to do with the piece.

Gold Jewelry

That old gold bracelet or dated necklace may be worth more than its appearance suggests. Gold jewelry has value based partly on the amount and purity of the gold it contains, so an unfashionable design doesn’t necessarily make the piece worthless.

Check the markings inside rings or on clasps for stamps that indicate gold purity. A jeweler can test the metal and give you a better idea of what you have.

Diamond Jewelry

Older diamond rings, earrings, and pendants can be easy to overlook, especially if the setting looks dated.

The style may have changed, but the diamond itself can still have considerable value. Factors such as carat weight, color, clarity, cut, condition, and the quality of the setting all matter.

If you find an old piece containing a diamond, don’t assume it’s costume jewelry just because it looks old-fashioned. A professional evaluation can tell you much more.

Bold Gemstone Pieces

Colorful gemstone jewelry can be another category worth checking. Rubies, sapphires, emeralds, aquamarines, and other stones have long been used in vintage and antique jewelry.

Larger stones with attractive color and good clarity can be particularly desirable. The type of gemstone, whether it has been treated, its origin when known, and the quality of the setting can all affect its value.

Designer Jewelry

A familiar designer’s name can make a major difference. Pieces from brands such as Tiffany & Co., Cartier, Van Cleef & Arpels, and David Yurman can attract collectors and buyers.

Don’t assume a designer piece has to be made from solid gold or covered in gemstones to be collectible. Certain costume jewelry lines from established designers are also sought after.

Look for signatures, logos, hallmarks, and other markings before dismissing an unfamiliar piece.

Limited-Edition Collections

Jewelry made in limited quantities can become harder to find as the years pass. Certain collections, seasonal releases, and special-edition pieces may attract collectors who are looking for a particular design.

Original packaging, certificates, receipts, or other paperwork can also be useful. If you find these items with the jewelry, keep them together rather than throwing them away during a cleanup.

Art Deco Jewelry

Art Deco jewelry from the 1920s and 1930s continues to attract collectors. The period is known for geometric shapes, strong lines, symmetrical patterns, and striking combinations of metals and gemstones.

Authentic pieces from this period can be quite desirable, particularly when they are in good condition and retain their original details.

Lockets and Personalized Pieces

Lockets, engraved bracelets, charm bracelets, and other personalized jewelry can have a special kind of appeal. An inscription or photograph can connect a piece to a particular person or period in a family’s history.

Some examples may also have monetary value based on their age, materials, or craftsmanship. But even an inexpensive locket can be worth keeping if it contains a photograph or message connected to someone in the family.

Cameo Jewelry

Cameo brooches and pendants have been popular for generations. Older examples can feature detailed portraits carved into shell, stone, coral, or other materials.

Hand-carved cameos can be more desirable than modern mass-produced versions. Look closely at the carving, setting, age, and materials before deciding that an old cameo is just another piece of costume jewelry.

Antique Brooches

Brooches may not be worn as often today, but antique examples can be beautiful pieces of jewelry history. Victorian and Edwardian brooches are especially interesting to collectors, with designs ranging from delicate floral pieces to elaborate gemstone settings.

Look for unusual construction, detailed workmanship, hallmarks, gemstones, and signs that the piece is genuinely old. A brooch that looks dated to you may be exactly the sort of piece another collector has been searching for.

Family Heirlooms

Not everything in Grandma’s jewelry box needs a price tag.

A wedding ring, charm bracelet, engraved pendant, or simple brooch connected to a family story may be worth more to your family than it could ever bring at an auction. The history attached to these pieces is often what makes them special.

So before clearing out an inherited jewelry box, take your time. Check the markings, separate fine jewelry from costume pieces, and set aside anything unusual. If something looks promising, have it evaluated before selling or donating it. You might discover a valuable piece, but you may also find something that’s priceless for a completely different reason.