For those with an adventurous spirit and a love for unique finds, a police auction can be a fascinating place to discover jewelry.
These are not glamorous, high-end sales, but practical events where law enforcement agencies sell unclaimed property to the public. The selection is often vast and unpredictable, featuring everything from simple silver pieces to gold chains, diamond rings, and classic watches.
While the potential to find a remarkable deal is a major draw, these auctions operate under a strict "buyer beware" philosophy. Success depends less on luck and more on careful preparation, a keen eye, and a smart bidding strategy.
What is a Police Auction?
A police auction is a public sale where a law enforcement agency sells personal property that it has in its possession but cannot return to a rightful owner. After a legally required waiting period and following specific procedures, these items are sold to clear out property and evidence rooms. An auction is considered a fair and transparent method for this process.
The jewelry comes from various situations, such as items that were found and turned in but never claimed. The key point is that the items are sold directly to the public, which creates an opportunity for buyers to purchase them without the typical retail markup.
These auctions are held in two main ways:
Live, In-Person Auctions: These are traditional auctions held at a physical location. They offer the significant advantage of allowing you to see and inspect the items in person before the bidding starts.
Online Auctions: This is the most common format today. Many agencies use third-party auction websites that specialize in handling such sales. This makes the auctions accessible to a much wider audience.
Essential Auction Skills for Smart Buying
Success at a police auction is not about luck; it's about being a prepared and disciplined shopper. The most experienced bidders rely on a consistent set of skills to make smart decisions.
Skill #1: The Power of Inspection This is the single most important part of the entire process. Your ability to properly inspect an item is what protects you from making a bad purchase.
The Golden Rule: "As Is, Where Is": You must understand this rule above all else. It means every item is sold in its exact current condition, with all its flaws, whether they are obvious or hidden. There are no returns, no exchanges, and no refunds for any reason. If you buy a necklace with a broken clasp, it's your responsibility to fix it.
The In-Person Preview: For a live auction, there will be a viewing period before the sale. Always attend this. This is your only chance to examine the items up close. Bring a small jeweler's loupe (a magnifying glass) to look for tiny stamps on the metal that indicate its purity. Check if stones are loose, if clasps work, and if there are any major scratches or dents.
The Online Inspection: When bidding online, the photos and the description are your only tools. Scrutinize them. Are the pictures clear? Do they show the item from all angles? Read the description very carefully. The auctioneers are not jewelers and will use careful language. A phrase like "gold-tone" means the item is not solid gold. A "Rolex-style" watch is not a Rolex. Vague descriptions or blurry photos are a major red flag.
Skill #2: Disciplined Bidding to Avoid "Auction Fever" The excitement of a live or online auction can be contagious. It's very easy to get caught up in a bidding war and spend more than you intended. This is called "auction fever."
Set Your Maximum Price Beforehand: Before the item you're interested in comes up for bid, decide the absolute highest amount you are willing to pay for it. This is your "walk-away" price.
Remember the Extra Costs: The price you bid is not the final price. All auctions add a "Buyer's Premium," which is an extra fee that is added to your winning bid. You must factor this into your maximum price.
Stick to Your Limit: This is the most important part of discipline. If the bidding goes past your pre-determined limit, stop. Let the item go. There will always be another auction. The person who "wins" by overpaying has actually lost.
Skill #3: Understanding How Jewelry is Sold Jewelry is not always sold one piece at a time. It is often grouped into "lots."
"Choice" Lots: In some live auctions, a tray of several rings might be presented. The winner of the bid gets their "choice" of one ring from the tray for their bid amount.
"Group" Lots: More common online, you might find a "lot" described as a small bag of assorted earrings or a collection of silver chains. You are bidding one price for the entire group. This can be a great way to acquire multiple pieces, but it's a bit of a gamble. A good strategy is to look for one or two "hero" pieces in the lot that make the entire bid worth it, and consider the rest a bonus.
Skill #4: The Post-Auction Strategy Your work isn't over when the auction ends.
Get a Professional Appraisal: This is a very smart final step, especially if you've purchased a significant item. Take your new piece to an independent, professional appraiser. They can provide you with an official document that confirms exactly what you bought (the type of metal, the quality of the stones) and gives you its retail replacement value. This is essential for insurance purposes and is the best way to find out just how good of a deal you really got.
By approaching a police auction with a clear plan, a critical eye, and a disciplined budget, you can turn the experience from a risky gamble into a calculated and rewarding adventure. It's a unique marketplace where preparation and knowledge can truly help you uncover a hidden gem.
