FAQs
Whether your seeking to sell, get a compliment quote or an appraisal we understand it can be sometimes overwhelming so we’ve gathered some of the most common questions our clients ask. If you’re wondering about something not covered below, please don’t hesitate to reach out—we’re always happy to help. Call, text or email us at 778 350 9643 to discuss your needs.
What makes ALC Antiques & Jewelry different from other buyers?
At ALC Antiques & Jewelry, we pride ourselves on combining professional accreditation, trusted partnerships, and low overhead with the unique ability to travel wherever our clients’ needs take us. Based in a comfortable downtown Victoria office by appointment only, we’re able to offer the same level of expertise and professionalism as larger establishments — without the added costs of a traditional retail storefront.
We work with a broad network of clients across Canada and the international market, always eager to see what new discoveries arise. We never pressure clients to sell or work with us; instead, we encourage you to explore the marketplace so you can feel confident you’re receiving the best value for your items before making any final decisions.
We understand that selling personal items can feel deeply personal, and that trust matters most. Every piece we evaluate is handled with i integrity and care, and every client is treated as a valued relationship — not just a transaction. At ALC Antiques & Jewelry, our mission is to provide a personalized, transparent experience that’s worthy of the trust you place in us.
What Services does ALC Antiques & Jewelry offer?
At ALC Antiques & Jewelry, we offer a wide range of professional and personalized services designed to meet the needs of individuals, families, estates, and organizations across Vancouver Island and beyond.
Our services include:
- Selling to Us Directly — we make it easy for the general public to sell items directly to us, whether it’s a single piece or an entire collection. We provide instant evaluations and fair, transparent offers, making the process simple, private, and rewarding.
- Downsizing Assistance — respectful, knowledgeable guidance for those transitioning homes or simplifying collections, ensuring valuables are evaluated with care and nothing of importance is overlooked.
- Selling Your Home — connecting you with trusted real estate professionals and assisting with the sale of valuable household items, fine art, and jewelry.
- Church & Community Fundraisers — partnering with local organizations to host appraisal events or support charitable causes through donated items and community outreach.
- Planning a Garage or Estate Sale — offering expertise in valuation, pricing, and presentation to ensure your sale runs smoothly and successfully. We make sure items are never undervalued or overlooked.
- Precious Metal Recovery — providing fair, transparent evaluations and recovery of gold, silver, and other precious metals. We offer competitive payouts through our direct-to-refinery network.
Let’s Work Together
We’re proud to collaborate with a diverse range of clients and professionals, including down-sizers, estate executors, charitable organizations, junk removal services, resellers, dentistry offices, realtors, banks, and law firms.Whether you’re managing a full estate, preparing to move, or simply curious about the value of your possessions, we tailor every service with care, confidentiality, and professionalism — ensuring you feel supported every step of the way.
Are you accredited or certified?
Yes — our training includes:
- Sotheby’s Institute of Art (Art History)
- Canadian Personal Property Appraisers Group (CPPAG)
- Asheford Institute of Antiques (AIA)
- International Society of Appraisers (ISA)
- Uniform Standards of Professional Appraisal Practice (USPAP)
- Certified Management Professional (CMP)
- Member of the International Gemological Society (IGS)
- Better business bureau accredited (BBB)
- Canadian Antique Dealers Association (CADA)
The process. How does it work?
At ALC Antiques & Jewelry, we make the process simple, transparent, and tailored to your needs.
You can call, email, or text one of our certified specialists directly to ask questions or to book a free, no-charge in-person appointment — either in the comfort of your own home or at our downtown Victoria office, located in the Paramount Executive Centre (by appointment only).
Step 1: Schedule your appointment — choose a complimentary private visit to our welcoming downtown office or an in-home consultation for your convenience.
Step 2: Receive an evaluation or appraisal tailored specifically to your situation and goals.
Step 3: Upon completion, payment or your finalized appraisal documentation is provided.
Our process is designed to be straightforward and comfortable from start to finish, ensuring every client receives the personalized attention and professionalism they deserve.
How we honour your treasures
Have you ever had your valuables assessed and felt like something was missing — left without understanding their true story or significance?
At ALC Antiques, we take a more meaningful approach. Each evaluation is an interactive experience designed to connect you with the past — uncovering the origins, craftsmanship, and cultural journey behind every piece. We don’t simply assess your items and make an offer; we walk you through the process, helping you understand where your treasures came from and what they represent within your family’s history.
Our goal is not only to provide fair market value but to honour each object’s legacy — presenting the history of your pieces with care, respect, and elegance.
Preparing for Your Appointment: What to Bring and Expect
We offer both purchase price offers and formal appraisals, depending on your specific needs. During your visit, we’ll discuss which option best suits your situation and guide you through every step of the process.
If possible, please bring your items along with any documentation, receipts, or notes about their history or provenance. These details can help us provide a more accurate evaluation. If you’re unsure what to bring, don’t worry — we’ll advise you once we see the pieces. Simply keep your items easily accessible, and we’ll take care of the rest.
Do you charge for consultations?
Initial — verbal consultations are complimentary; written appraisals or estate documentation are billed based on time and scope. We’ll always provide a clear estimate in advance.
Will you travel for larger collections or estates?
Yes — we frequently travel across Vancouver Island and the Gulf Islands to evaluate full estates or large collections.
How do I know if my items are valuable?
No problem at all — this is one of the most common questions we hear. Part of our job is helping you identify which pieces hold market value and which may be more sentimental. You’re always welcome to bring a mix of both.
When it comes to jewelry, silverware, and coins, we always say: don’t dismiss anything. Time and again, the pieces that owners assume have little or no value — often tucked away, donated, or sold for a few dollars — turn out to be the most significant. Even items that appear worn, broken, or outdated can hold substantial worth.
In short, don’t throw anything away until we’ve had a look. You might be pleasantly surprised by what truly carries value.
What Is my gold or jewelry worth?
We’re currently seeing record-breaking prices for gold, silver, and fine jewelry. Our specialists carefully determine value based on quality, condition, craftsmanship, and current market demand — before anything is ever considered for the scrap pile. Each piece is evaluated individually, and we provide real-time market pricing to ensure you receive a fair and accurate assessment.
At ALC Antiques & Jewelry, we operate without the high overhead costs of traditional storefronts. By meeting clients privately in our downtown Victoria office or directly in the comfort of their homes, we offer a flexible, personalized approach that allows us to pay highly competitive rates for both fine and scrap metals.
Yes — we purchase broken, unwanted, or scrap gold and silver of any amount. Unlike resell-able jewelry purchased for its design and desirability, scrap metals are valued for their precious metal content. Our streamlined operations and direct-to-refinery model allow us to offer industry-leading payouts, saving our clients unnecessary costs.
You can learn more about our refining and recovery process here: Precious Metal Recovery
We purchase the following:
- All karats of gold
- All purities of silver
- Platinum (wire or bearing scrap)
- Gold-filled items
Do you purchase single items and entire collections?
Yes — we buy both. From individual jewelry pieces to entire estates, we tailor our approach to meet your needs with professionalism and discretion. We’re happy to visit your home or storage space to assess your collection as a whole, then guide you step-by-step on how to sort, prioritize, and plan based on your goals.
In most cases, we purchase items outright for immediate payment. However, for certain pieces or specialized collections, we may also discuss consignment or brokerage options if that approach best serves your interests.
What types of items do you buy or appraise?
We specialize in: jewelry, timepieces, silverware, coins, Indigenous and Asian art, fine and decorative art, and entire estate collections. Whether it’s a single heirloom or a lifetime collection, we treat each piece with care and expertise.
Understanding your options: should I sell, consign, or bring to auction?
We understand that deciding how to part with your items can feel overwhelming — and every option comes with its own considerations. At ALC Antiques & Jewelry, we believe in helping you make an informed choice that best serves your interests.
Selling directly is often the simplest and most cost-effective route. When you sell to us, you deal directly with professionals who understand current market values. This approach eliminates middlemen, avoids hidden fees, and ensures you receive a fair, immediate payment — without waiting months for results.
Consignment, on the other hand, can often appear appealing but comes with considerable deductions. Most shops take at least 50% in fees, and if your item doesn’t sell within a set timeframe, prices are typically lowered to encourage a sale. For jewelry, silverware, and similar items, this often means receiving well below market value.
Auctions can also involve unforeseen risks and high costs. With both buyer and seller premiums, total fees can reach up to 50% or more before taxes. Because bidders are aware of these fees, they tend to bid more conservatively, which reduces your potential return.
At ALC Antiques & Jewelry, we simplify the process by purchasing directly and cutting out the middleman, saving both sellers and buyers unnecessary costs. Our offers always come with no obligation to sell, and we genuinely encourage clients to seek second opinions and explore the marketplace before making any final decisions.
If you have items you’d like to think about or compare, we’re more than happy to review them with you. We understand our market deeply and maintain an international network of buyers and collectors, ensuring your pieces are evaluated with care, integrity, and global perspective.
How quickly can I expect payment?
Payment is typically issued immediately upon agreement — by e-transfer, cash, or cheque — whichever you prefer.
Still have questions?
We’re always happy to help. Whether you’d like to schedule an appraisal or sell your belongings, or learn more about the types of items we buy, or simply ask a question, we’d love to hear from you.
Please feel free to contact us anytime — we look forward to connecting with you.
Call Us
778. 350. 9643
Send a Message
info@alcantiques.com