How much to offer for turquoise locket on 1st Dibs

[Pinkmartini87]

Hi all, have been shopping for an antique or vintage turquoise locket and saw this on 1st Dibs:

Victorian Turquoise Heart Locket at 1stDibs

View this item and discover similar for sale at 1stDibs - Luscious antique turquoise figural 'heart' locket. The front is completely encrusted with well-matched turquoise stones with fine azure color. The bail

www.1stdibs.com

$3800 Seems inflated to me for a 1 inch 9ct gold locket so I though I’d poll the experts re what’s a reasonable offer to make to seller.

 

[diamondseeker2006]

Never make an offer on 1st Dibs. The markup is because 1st Dibs takes 25%! Often you can figure out who the vendor actually is and contact them directly. You'll get a much better price that way!

This one was pretty easy:

Alice Kwartler Antiques

Premier destination for those seeking quality antique and estate jewelry and unique unusual objects. Selections include pieces by Cartier, Tiffany & Co., Van Cleef & Arpels, Hermes, Buccellati, David Webb, Chanel and more.

alicekwartler.com

I don't see that locket on her site, but it can't hurt to contact her directly to see if it is still available.

 

[Pinkmartini87]

@diamondseeker2006 Wow, thanks so much! I did not know 1st Dibs takes such a hefty chunk!

I scanned their site but could not find the locket. I’ll reach out to them to ask.

Still wondering what’s a fair price. I hate to offer too little and offend. Have never bought turquoise before.

A quick search turned up a similar locket selling for under $200 (see below; it’s even 18k so higher gold content) although I like the shape and the rose gold color of the $3800 more (not sure if I like it 20x more though!).