How to Find Lost Jewelry Auctions and Save Big on High-Quality Pieces
Lost and unclaimed jewelry often ends up in auctions hosted by government agencies, transit authorities, or airport lost-and-found departments. These auctions offer a unique opportunity to purchase real gold, silver, and gemstone jewelry at prices far below retail. Whether you're a collector, reseller, or simply looking for a beautiful piece at a bargain, lost jewelry auctions can be a hidden gem of the resale world.
From diamond rings left in hotel rooms to designer watches forgotten at airports, these auctions offer both mystery and major savings for those who know where to look.
What Are Lost Jewelry Auctions?
Lost jewelry auctions consist of items that were lost, found, and never claimed, often after a legal holding period. These items are then sold to the public through auction to recoup costs or clear storage.
Typical sources of lost jewelry include:
- Airports and airlines
- Transit systems (like subways and buses)
- Police departments and government lost-and-found offices
- Hotels and cruise lines
- Storage unit clearances or postal mishandlings
Because these pieces aren’t coming from a jeweler or private seller, they’re typically sold “as-is,” with starting bids far below market value.
Where to Find Lost Jewelry Auctions (Local and Online)
1. Local Lost-and-Found Auctions
- Airport Authorities: Large airports like LAX, JFK, and ATL often hold regular auctions for unclaimed property.
- Public Transit Systems: Check your city’s transportation department (e.g., MTA, BART, or CTA).
- Police Departments: Many local law enforcement agencies auction lost or unclaimed items.
Check city government websites or contact their public information office for auction announcements.
2. Online Auction Platforms
- PropertyRoom.com – Works with over 3,000 police and municipal agencies
- GovDeals.com – Government surplus and lost property auctions
- BaggageAuctions.com – Features unclaimed luggage, often including jewelry
- PoliceAuctions.com – Mix of lost, seized, and unclaimed items including fine jewelry
3. Local Auction Houses and Estate Sale Companies
Many regional auction houses contract with municipalities to handle public auctions. Sign up for alerts from companies like Rick Levin & Associates, EGS Auctions, or CWS Marketing Group.
How to Find Quality Jewelry for Less
- Look for photos and item descriptions: Many auctions will include close-up photos and material info (e.g., "14K gold ring with .5 ct diamond").
- Set a maximum bid: Don’t get caught in bidding wars—determine the max you’d pay based on market value.
- Use appraisal tools: Check values on platforms like Blue Nile, Worthy, or Gemporia to estimate retail pricing.
- Bid on bulk lots: Some auctions sell jewelry by the tray or pound—perfect for resellers or treasure hunters.
- Inspect before bidding (if in-person): Always check for authenticity, damage, or hallmarks if allowed to view items beforehand.
Conclusion
Lost jewelry auctions are one of the best-kept secrets for scoring high-quality pieces at a fraction of the cost. Whether you bid online from home or attend a local auction, these events can uncover everything from luxury watches to vintage engagement rings. With a little research and a smart bidding strategy, you can walk away with stunning finds—without breaking the bank.
Sources
PropertyRoom – https://www.propertyroom.com
GovDeals – https://www.govdeals.com
Police Auctions – https://www.policeauctions.com
Baggage Auctions – https://www.baggageauctions.com
CWS Marketing Group – https://www.cwsmarketing.com