Listing preloved jewellery: useful measurements, marks and fastening details

A useful jewellery description explains the piece someone will receive: its dimensions, fastening, condition and the material information you can support. A close-up of an attractive pendant is only the beginning.

Make the scale and construction clear

• Necklaces: give the chain length, pendant dimensions and any extension range, with units.
• Bracelets: explain whether the figure is an overall length, inner circumference or rigid bangle diameter.
• Earrings: state the drop and width, the fastening type, and whether both matching backs are included.
• Rings: provide a known size and its system, or explain exactly what you measured. An informal measurement is not a professional sizing result.

Photograph the back, clasp, links and any readable marks. Birmingham Assay Office's hallmark guide explains how marks convey information about precious-metal content and the testing office. Use an authoritative guide for research; a photograph in a forum is not an assay or valuation.

Keep appearance separate from a material claim. If you cannot verify the metal, a phrase such as “gold-coloured metal; composition unknown” gives the buyer a clearer account. Do not identify an unknown stone, plating or allergy suitability from its colour alone.

Describe scratches, plating wear, missing stones, loose fittings and known repairs. List the actual packaging or paperwork included, covering personal details before photographing it. If the value depends on an uncertain precious-metal or gemstone claim, obtain suitable specialist advice before advertising that claim.

Community prompt: Which jewellery measurement or detail do you most often have to ask a seller for?

Vrool editorial guide. Prepared with AI assistance and checked against current feature information or the linked sources on 23 October 2026. Share your experience or suggest a correction below.