Selling inherited jewellery to pay inheritance tax

It is a situation we encounter every week: heirs receive valuable jewellery, but must settle inheritance tax in cash. The assets are there; the liquidity is not.

Why the question almost always arises

Inheritance tax is paid when the declaration is filed, in principle within six months of the death. Yet the assets transmitted — an apartment, jewellery — do not turn into cash at the same speed. When the estate includes few bank accounts and many assets, the heirs must find the money elsewhere.

Selling part of the jewellery is often the quickest and least painful solution: quicker than a property sale, less final than a loan, and generally without major emotional consequence when the pieces are ones nobody wears.

Before selling: three precautions

1. Have the entire collection appraised, including what you intend to keep. One only sells well what one knows the value of, and the notary will need a value for everything.
2. Check the agreement of the heirs. As long as the estate has not been divided, the jewellery is held in co-ownership: the sale requires the agreement of all co-owners. See our page on co-ownership and division of jewellery.
3. Inform your notary. The timing and form of the sale have effects on the declaration: a public sale within two years of the death fixes the value used, which is not the case for a private sale to a professional.

Auction or direct purchase?

Both routes are legitimate, they simply do not meet the same need.

Auction can get the best price for a rare, signed or historic piece, when there is time ahead: allow several months between the inventory, the sale and settlement, and deduct the sale fees.

Direct purchase — our business — provides the opposite: a firm immediate offer and payment the same day, with an invoice. It is the route chosen by most heirs pressed by the tax deadline, or who want to settle a co-ownership without waiting.

We have no interest in pushing you toward one or the other: if a piece clearly belongs in the auction room, we tell you — we also maintain good relations with several Parisian auction houses.

What we buy in an inheritance context

Certified or uncertified diamonds, signed jewellery (Cartier, Van Cleef & Arpels, Bulgari, Boucheron, Chaumet, Chopard…), antique and family jewellery, coloured stones, pearls, scrap gold and mixed lots. We examine everything, including what appears worthless: surprises exist in both directions.

How it works

You come without an appointment to 43 rue Beaubourg, with the jewellery and, if available, the certificates and the identity document of the person selling. The appraisal is done in front of you. If the offer suits you, payment is immediate and you leave with an invoice — a useful document for the inheritance file. If it does not suit you, you leave with your jewellery and the written valuation, at no cost.

Updated on 24 July 2026 — thresholds and allowances may change with each finance law.