The appraisal price is great for insurance purposes. But if you’re trying to sell it back to a jeweler, they need to make a profit off the ring too and they know they won’t get the full appraisal price when they sell it. These stores that offer you 300$ will likely melt the ring and use the materials to make another ring that sells for $500-$600. That difference in price isn’t full profit because it takes time (therefore money) to melt and remake a ring…

My engagement ring is a perfect example of that. It’s appraised at much more than was actually paid for it - I’d never be able to walk into a jeweler and demand the appraised price…it just doesn’t work like that.

However, since they sound like antiques, your best way of making some money is to sell them as antiques. Look up antique sellers or go to a high end antique store. Even ebay would work. I have an antique store near my place and they sell really high end rings like this. You will want to bring the certificate from the appraiser as proof of “value”.

Try going to antique jeweler sites, fill out the “sales” forms and see what type of estimates you can get…take the best offer. LIke this one: (really, can it hurt to do this? It might help if you can upload a photo of the ring)

Since you got them appraised, why don’t you bring that document with you when you go to sell them so you can demand a reasonable value.

I’m sorry. If you need the money then you need the money. I don’t live in that area so I can’t help you there. But damn that’s a shame…Diamonds are a girl’s best friend!