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Why is Selby's price so low? Official explanation of how reused jewelry prices are determined [Behind the scenes of pricing]

💎 Official commentary article

selby price
why so muchcheap?
How to determine the price of reused jewelry
Official complete explanation [Behind the scenes of pricing]

📅 2025 latest version ⏱Estimated reading time: 14 minutes 👤 Supervision: Takazo Saito

"Why is Selby's price so low?" "Why are the prices different for the same product?" - We will provide answers to these questions.Annual auction purchase of 1 billion yenSelby, who does this, provides a complete official explanation. The price of reused jewelry is not “appropriate”;7 market factorshas been scientifically determined.
Furthermore, existing in the industryDishonest price display techniquesI will also tell you how to tell the difference.

👤

This article was supervised by

Takazo Saito

Selby EC/SNS/Ruth/Head of Production Department. Supervises a wide range of fields including branded jewelry, rare stones, production, loose items, and antique departments. Playing the core of Komehei's only jewelry specialty company, it is a leader in the industry."Lethal Weapon"It is affectionately called.

01 Conclusion: Selby's price is scientifically determined by "seven market factors"

First, I will tell you the conclusion. Pricing for reused jewelry is not based on ``hunch'' or ``feel.''

🔑 Three conclusions of this article

  • Reuse jewelry price is7 market factorsscientific process to determine
  • Same product with different pricesThe fate of market price fluctuationsand is not "appropriate"
  • Selby price is for new 1/2〜1/5 is the standard line

💎 7 factors for determining the price of reused jewelry

SELBY PRICING METHODOLOGY

🪙
Element ①
material value
gold/platinum
Daily market price linkage
💎
Element ②
gemstone grade
Diamond 4C etc.
GIA standard evaluation
👑
Element ③
brand premium
Cartier Tiffany etc.
Rarity evaluation
✨
Element ④
Product condition
Scratches/age/
Condition after new finish
🏛️
Element ⑤
Purchase price
Annual scale of 1 billion yen
Auction purchasing
📈
Element ⑥
market demand
size trends
seasonal factors
📦
Element ⑦
Stock period
Depends on number of days in stock
Gradual price adjustment
Selling price = (Material value + Gemstone grade + Brand premium) × Product condition coefficient + Purchase cost margin ± Demand adjustment ± Inventory period adjustment

These seven elements are calculated one by one by our expert staff. At SelbyFounded 25 years ago, over 150,000 online transactions aloneBy accumulating data, the weighting of each element is optimized with high precision.

See our products in action and see the basis for our prices

💎 View products on official online store *Details of material, grade, and condition are listed on each product page.

02 Why do some people feel that the price is appropriate?

We will officially answer your honest questions.

Voices sent to Yahoo! Chiebukuro

💬 actual questions

We have received quite a few comments like, ``Even though it was the same product, it was much better than the previous grade, but it was a bargain.'' ``The prices vary, so maybe they are pricing it arbitrarily?''

✅ Selby official answer

In conclusion, this isA market where reused jewelry moves based on the “market price” system, rather than “the price is appropriate”That's why. It is the same market principle as stocks and real estate that the price of a ring with the same model number will change if the purchase price, material market price, and inventory period are different.

Differences in price logic between new market and reuse market

Comparison items new jewelry Reuse jewelry
price system List price system (manufacturer's suggested retail price) Market price system (linked to market price)
price stability High (hard to lose value) Fluctuations (changes depending on market price and demand)
Price difference for the same product No basics Varies depending on purchase time and condition
Price basis Brand strategy/cost ratio Scientific calculation of 7 elements
transparency Many are private Full disclosure in this article

Three reasons why the pricing seems appropriate

Cause 1
📊
Not aware of market fluctuations

Gold prices can fluctuate by more than ±20% in a year. The cost of the same product varies depending on the time of purchase.

Cause 2
📦
I can't see the difference in arrival lots.

Even if the model number is the same, there will be a difference in acquisition cost if the purchasing route and lot are different. This is an industry-wide structure.

Cause 3
⏳
Effect of inventory period

Since the price is adjusted in stages according to the number of days in stock, the price of the same product will change depending on the sales timing.

In other words,``Different prices for the same product'' is proof that pricing is done scientifically.That's it. On the other hand, if the price is the same every time you look at it, it may be said to be a "appropriate" price that ignores the market price.

03 Seven factors that determine the price of reused jewelry [core explanation]

We will explain the seven elements that support Selby's pricing, along with actual numerical examples.

Element ① Material value ── linked to daily market prices of gold and platinum

The prices of precious metals, which form the basis of jewelry, fluctuate daily on the international commodity market. At Selby, major precious metal companiesdaily retail priceWe update the material value every day based on .

📈 Image of gold market trends (domestic retail price)

*Illustrated diagram showing how the cost of materials for the same product changes due to market fluctuations.

8,000 9,000 10,000 11,000 12,000 January March May July September November 8,600 yen/g 11,500 yen/g ▲ The cost varies even for the same ring

For example, if a K18 (18-karat gold) ring weighs 15 grams, the gold price will fluctuate by just 1,000 yen per gram.15,000 yen difference in material value aloneis born. This is one of the biggest reasons why the same product has different prices.

Element ② Gem grade ── Diamond 4C and GIA standards

Diamond values are determined by GIA (Gemological Institute of America)4CRecognized internationally by All diamonds are inspected one by one.

4C elements Evaluation criteria Impact on price
Carat Weight ── Measured in 0.01ct units ★★★★★
Color 23 levels from D (colorless) to Z (light yellow) ★★★★☆
Clarity 11 levels from FL to I3 ★★★☆☆
Cut 5 levels from Excellent to Poor ★★★★☆

As an example,Even with a 1ct diamond, the market price changes by 40-50% just by changing the color from D to H.I will. Because it is reused, the accuracy of the 4C evaluation determines the validity of the price.

Element ③ Brand premium ── Residual value rate by brand

Branded jewelry has a "premium" quality based on its design, brand story, and rarity. Even in the reuse market, the residual value rate (ratio of reuse price to new list price) varies greatly depending on the brand.

👑 Comparison of residual value rates of major brands (estimate)

cartier
Approximately 50-65%
van cleef
Approximately 60-75%
tiffany
Approximately 35-50%
bulgari
Approximately 40-55%
non-brand
Approximately 20-35%

Some Van Cleef & Arpels and Cartier collections have been sold due to high demand.High residual value rate of 60-75% of new list pricemaintain. On the other hand, non-brand products are evaluated based on only the material value + jewelry value, so the residual value rate is low.

Element ④ Product condition ── Condition rank and new finish

condition rank Approximate condition Impact on price
S rank Brand new with official brand finish 95-100% of standard price
A rank Finished like new 85-95% of standard price
B rank There is a reason
With sesame and low eyes etc.
70-85% of standard price
C rank

There are noticeable scratches and discoloration
*In principle, not subject to procurement

50-70% of standard price

At Selby,New finishing process in the workshopBy applying this process, we maximize the condition of our products before delivering them to our customers. Although the cost of finishing is included in the price, it is still a significant savings compared to new products.

Element ⑤ Purchase price ── Annual economy of scale of 1 billion yen

In addition to the Komehei Group's purchasing network, SelbyPurchases worth 1 billion yen annually through auctions between domestic and overseas vendorscarried out. We are able to lower the acquisition price per item by taking advantage of economies of scale through bulk purchasing.

10Billion yen
Annual auction purchase amount
2210,000 cases
Cumulative transaction results
25year
Number of years in the industry

Element 6: Market demand -- size, trends, seasonal factors

Even if the ring has the same design,Popular sizes (10-13) are in high demand and have high prices.is set to . On the other hand, demand for extremely small and large sizes is limited, so there are cases where you can purchase them at a bargain price.

📏 size demand 💍 trend 🎄 seasonal factors 🌍 overseas demand

Additionally, demand increases before Christmas and Valentine's Day, and tends to be relatively calm in the summer.It's easy to find bargains in the off-seasonIt's timing.

Element ⑦ Inventory period ── Rules for gradual price adjustment

Inventory rotation is important for reused jewelry. At Selby, we are reviewing prices in stages according to the number of days in stock.

1

Arrival ~ 30 days: Initial price

Start selling at a reasonable price based on market price and 7 factors

2

First review

Recalculate prices to reflect market fluctuations and demand data

3

Second review

Strategic price adjustments to optimize inventory turns

4

Marginal price reduction product

Offered at great prices that match the fiscal year-end and sale plans.

With this mechanism,"Why is it cheaper than the last time I saw it?" "It was expensive last time."This will result in price fluctuations. This is the result of inventory optimization and is by no means a matter of "appropriate pricing."
*Depending on the item, there is also one price without any price reduction.

04 Three valid reasons why the prices are different even though they are the same product

We will answer the most common customer questions with specific examples.

🔄 Mechanism of different prices for the same product

PRICE VARIATION FLOW

🗓️
Reason ①
Difference in arrival time
If the purchase is different by one year
The cost itself is different
📉📈
Reason ②
Fluctuations in precious metal prices
gold price in 1 year
±20% fluctuation possible
🎯
Reason ③
inventory strategy
During the fiscal year-end/seasonal sale
strategic price adjustment

Reason 1: Difference in purchase price due to arrival time

Even with the same Cartier love ring,The purchase cost is significantly different between individuals purchased in 2023 and 2025.. The winning bid price in the auction market fluctuates every time depending on the market price, supply and demand, and the timing of listing, so it is inevitable that there will be differences in the acquisition cost even for the same product.

Reason 2: Daily fluctuations in precious metal prices

The domestic retail price of gold has increased significantly in recent years. In reused jewelry, where material value is an important component of price,If the market price changes by 10%, the selling price will change accordingly.. This is the same principle as real estate price fluctuations.

Reason 3: Staged discounts based on inventory strategy

In addition to the inventory period adjustment mentioned above,Sale plans during the fiscal year-end (March and September) and bonus periodWe will implement strategic price adjustments. To the customer, it may seem like the same product is cheaper, but this is a rational decision based on business operations.

05 The truth about the price structure where you can buy it for 1/2 to 1/5 of a new product.

The price of new jewelry includes a large amount of costs other than the jewelry's "intrinsic value."

price components new jewelry Reuse (Selby)
Material cost (gold/platinum) ◯ Including ◯ Included based on market price
jewelry cost ◯ Including ◯ Included in appraisal
Brand design premium ◎ Several times more △ Reduced by second-hand evaluation
Distribution margin (wholesale → agent → retail) ◎ Addition in multiple layers ◯ Auction direct purchase
Advertising expenses ◎ Huge investment △ Minimize
Store operating expenses ◎ Prime location in Ginza/Omotesando ◯ Efficient operation centered on Okachimachi
Total cost multiplier criteria = 10 2~5 (1/2~1/5 of new)

💰 New vs. Reused ── Comparison of cost structure

▼ Price breakdown of new jewelry ▼
Material/jewelry cost
30%
brand premium
25%
distribution margin
20%
Advertising expenses
15%
Store operating expenses
10%
▼ In the case of Selby (reused) ▼
Material/jewelry cost
55%
brand premium
15%
distribution margin
10%
Advertising expenses
5%
Store operating expenses
8%

Of the price of new jewelry, the “intrinsic value” of the materials and gemstones isOnly about 30%. The remaining 70% is brand premium, distribution margin, advertising expenses, and store expenses. Selby structurally compresses this "70%", soWe can provide jewelry with the same material and same gemstone at 1/2 to 1/5 of the new price.It is.

1/2 to 1/5 of a new item---Genuine jewelry at a reasonable price.

✨ Find genuine jewelry at great prices *All items have been inspected and finished as new.

06 ⚠ Beware of stores like this - 4 patterns of dishonest price display

In the reused jewelry market, there are methods to confuse consumers by displaying prices. Selby, who purchases 1 billion yen a year and knows the inside of the industry, can tell you about four patterns you should be aware of.

🚨 Four dangerous patterns of dishonest price display

DISHONEST PRICING PATTERNS

💸
Pattern ①
Unbelievable price reduction
"1 million → 100,000"
"90% OFF today only"
⏰
Pattern ②
Eternal “Today only”
"Closing sale" every day
“Last one point” every day
❓
Pattern ③
Ambiguous reference price
“○○ million if it’s a department store.”
Comparison target unknown
🔒
Pattern ④
Price not disclosed
"DM" "Live only"
Design that does not allow comparison

Pattern 1: Make an impossible price reduction

Common display examples
通常価格 100万円 → 本日限り 10万円(90%OFF!)
メーカー希望小売価格 50万円 → 特価 8万円

“1 million yen → 100,000 yen” “90% OFF today only”When you see a display like this, the first thing you should check is not the discount rate;Was it really sold at that "original price"?It is.

Since there are many second-hand items and one-of-a-kind items for which the list price is not clear, it is technically possible to set a price that is rarely sold as the "regular price" and make it appear as a large discount.

⚠ Risks under the Act on Premiums and Representations

  • Double price display itself is not illegal.
  • butRegular price without realityOr, display that compares high prices that have remained for a short period of time,Misrepresentation under the Premiums and Representations ActThere is a risk that
  • The Consumer Affairs Agency has also shown that comparing and contrasting prices that will rarely be sold in the future or prices that will only be sold for a short period of time can be problematic.

✅ Selby's response

  • All prices are calculation results based on 7 factors, and no fictitious "regular prices" are set.
  • In case of price reduction, it is a realistic price revision due to inventory period adjustment or market fluctuation.

Pattern 2: Every day there is a “closing sale” for “today only”

“Until 23:59 today” “Just now” “Closing of business” “Clearing inventory”However, the store continues to be open the next day and the next week -- do you have any idea?

This is more than the price itself.Sales design that does not make people rush into comparison and considerationis the problem. Jewelry ranges from tens of thousands of yen to several million yen, and is a product that requires careful checking of the stone, metal, brand, condition, and identification. If it's a really good item,The value will not change even if the buyer thinks about it overnight.

⚠ Be careful if you have these characteristics

  • It will still be sold at the same price even after the sale ends
  • Only the coupon expiration date is updated daily.
  • “1 item left” remains for weeks
  • You won't know the price unless you register on LINE, DM, or watch live.

✅ Selby's response

  • The sale period will be clearly limited, and after the sale ends, the price will return to normal.
  • Sales prices are always displayed on all product pages.
  • The display of the number of items in stock is linked to the actual inventory, and we do not display false "○ points remaining".

Pattern 3: “Reference price” and “Manufacturer’s suggested retail price” are ambiguous

Especially when it comes to second-hand jewelry, you should be careful.Price display with ambiguous comparison targetsIt is.

Common display examples
参考価格 300万円
メーカー価格 200万円相当
市場価格 150万円
百貨店なら100万円以上

Even with these indications,what are you comparing it to?If you don't know if the specifications are the same or who set the price, you can't prove that it's cheap.

New and used, non-brand and branded products, with and without identification, natural stone and treated stone.There is no point in comparing them side by side.. The Consumer Affairs Agency has also indicated that displaying the prices of different products as comparative prices may constitute a misrepresentation.

Check items ⚠ dishonest display ✅ sincere display
Clarification of comparison target "If it's a department store" (which department store?) Specify specific brand price
Is it the same specification? Comparing new and used products side by side Specify same model number and same grade
price setter “Market price” (whose price is it?) GIA standards/Auction results
Conditions for appraisal/differentiation The appraisal status of the comparison target is unknown. Specify whether or not there is a certificate of authenticity/differentiation.

✅ Selby's response

  • When comparing prices, use the regular price of the same brand, same model number, and similar grade as the standard.
  • We never set fictitious manufacturer's suggested retail prices for non-brand products.
  • We conduct appraisals on all gemstones according to GIA standards and disclose information in a comparable manner.

Pattern 4: Do not provide product information until you hear the price

"DM for price" "Live limited price" "Only for those who commented" "Please contact us"Stores that are open are also subject to caution.

Of course, for high-value items, individual negotiations may be necessary. However, if the product page does not have even the minimum information, it is not the market price.Possibility of changing prices based on each customer's ability to payThere is.

Before asking whether it's cheap or not, stores that cannot be compared are at a disadvantage for buyers.

For jewelry, at least the following information should be disclosed:

💰 Sales price (tax included)
🪙 Material/quality
💎 Stone weight, color, and clarity
🔬 Processing or not
📄 Is there a certificate of identification/authentication?
📏 Size/weight
🔍 Scratches/chips/repair history
↩️ Return policy

✅ Selby's response

  • Sales price (tax included), material, quality, stone details, condition rank, and appraisal information are published on all product pages.
  • We do not set DM-only prices or different prices for each customer.
  • You can access the same information from Rakuten, the official store, and physical stores.
Check point of view ⚠ Stores to watch out for ✅ trusted store
discount display Significant OFF from baseless original price Revision from actual price
Sale period “Today only” continues every day Limited sale period, regular price after sale ends
Reference price Comparison with vague or different products Specified based on the regular price of the same specifications
Information disclosure DM only / Live only / Inquiry required All information is always available on the product page
Stock display “One item left” continues for weeks. Real-time display linked to actual inventory
Postponement of purchase decision Design to make you feel anxious (countdown, etc.) Establish a return guarantee period to encourage calm judgment.

07 Five reasons why Selby's price is "appropriate"

We will prove with objective facts that "cheap doesn't mean suspicious."

🏛️
Annual auction purchase of 1 billion yen

We are well-versed in market prices due to our overwhelming purchasing scale. We are optimizing the acquisition cost per item.

🔬
Highly accurate inspection by jewelry specialist staff

All products are appraised one by one in multiple sections. There is a proof of quality.

⭐
More than 92% of 1,047 reviews on Rakuten alone are highly rated

Third-party reviews by actual buyers prove the balance between price and quality.

🏢
25 years of continuous business performance

It is impossible for the market to survive for 25 years with inappropriate pricing. This is proof that has passed through market selection.

🔄
90% purchase guarantee for past purchases (for a limited time)

Buying back products at 90% of the company's selling price---this shows absolute confidence in the appropriateness of the company's prices.

💡 Komehei's only jewelry specialty company

  • As a jewelry specialist company of Komehei GroupJewelry expertise is our greatest weapon
  • Number of purchasing/selling storesIndustry top classscale of
  • Not comprehensive reusespecialized in jewelryAppraisal accuracy and price accuracy due to

08 A smart guide to buying reused jewelry

We have put together six checkpoints to help you purchase reused jewelry with confidence.

✓
Check whether there is a certificate of identification or appraisal.

Does it come with a certificate from a third party organization (GIA, Central Gem Research Institute, etc.)? This is objective proof of quality.

✓
Whether or not new finishing processing is performed

Are finishing treatments such as re-polishing and re-plating performed? This is directly linked to the product condition and future durability.

✓
Return guarantee period

Is there a return guarantee of one week or more? It is important to have the peace of mind of being able to confirm the actual product before making a decision.

✓
Is there a repair guarantee/after-sales service?

Is there any repair support after purchase? A warranty period of one year or more is ideal.

✓
Years of operation/transaction history

Does it have a continuous track record of 10 years or more? Long-term survival is evidence that it is recognized by the market.

✓
Existence of physical stores

Do you have a physical store in Ginza, Okachimachi, etc.? Having the guarantee of corporate status and the option of physical verification is a source of peace of mind.

Find jewelry that passes all six checkpoints

💎 Choose products wisely *All items come with a certificate of authenticity, are brand new, and have a return guarantee.

09 10 Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q1 Why is Selby's price cheaper than a new one?
New jewelry comes with a brand design premium, multiple distribution margins, advertising costs, and store operating costs in prime locations. Selby eliminates intermediate margins through auction purchasing on the order of 1 billion yen per year, and optimizes fixed costs based in Okachimachi. In order to set prices by scientifically evaluating the "intrinsic value" of material value and gemstone grade,Offered at 1/2 to 1/5 of the new priceIt's possible.
Q2 Why is it cheaper (more expensive) than before even though it is the same product?
Reused jewelry is priced at current prices. ①Differences in purchasing timing ②Daily fluctuations in precious metal prices ③Strategic discounts based on inventory periods---These three factors cause prices to fluctuate even for the same product. This is not appropriate,Fair price fluctuations based on market principlesIt is.
Q3 Can Selby negotiate the price?
Available at the official online store and in-store.
However, we are sorry to inform you that Selby Okachimachi Main Store's marginally discounted items are not eligible, as they have already been reduced in price as shown (as they are sold at almost cost price).
Q4 What percentage of the original price is the best time to buy reused jewelry?
As a general rule of thumb, non-brand jewelry is priced at the new retail price.20〜40%, brand jewelry30〜50%is the market price. However, since prices vary greatly depending on the brand, condition, and material market price, it is important to comprehensively check whether there is a certificate of authenticity, product condition, and warranty details.
Q5 Why are the prices different between the Rakuten store and the official online store?
Rakuten Market charges mall fees and point resources, which may be reflected in the price. On the other hand,Official online store does not incur these costsTherefore, there may be price differences even for the same product.
Q6 Are the prices of the same product different at the Ginza store and Okachimachi store?
If the product is the same, the price is basically the same. However, each store's inventory differs, and due to differences in arrival timing and purchasing lots,When similar products have different pricesThere is.
Q7 Why is jewelry without a certificate so cheap?
Is there a certificate of identification?Existence of third party certificationmeans. Without proof, the seller's reliability is the only guarantee of quality, and the market price tends to be lower. At Selby, all products are authenticated and, if necessary, re-authenticated by an authentication organization.
Q8 If the gold price rises, will the selling price also rise?
yes. The material value of reused jewelry is linked to the international market price of precious metals. When the market prices of gold and platinum rise, the cost of materials increases, which is also reflected in the selling price.Conversely, when the market declines, the price goes down.There is also.
Q9 Can I sell back what I purchased at Selby?
yes. At Selby, we accept purchase appraisals for products you have purchased in the past.90% purchase price guarantee system (limited period)This shows that they have absolute confidence in their own pricing. Please check the purchase appraisal page for details.
Q10 Are Selby products authentic? What are the risks of counterfeiting?
Selby is the only company in the Komehei Group that specializes in jewelry.Appraise all productsI'm doing it. We have been in business for 22 years and have a track record of over 220,000 transactions, and our accuracy in determining authenticity is the highest in the industry. We also have a return guarantee system in place in case something goes wrong.

Summary: Selby's price is determined by "science"

📝 Key points of this article

  • The price of reused jewelry is7 market factorsdetermined by a scientific process based on
  • “Different prices for the same product” is the fate of the current price market.Evidence of fair price
  • The reason for the 1/2 to 1/5 of the new product isStructural compression of brand premiums, distribution margins, and advertising expenses
  • There are dishonest price displays in the industry.4 patterns: "Impossible discount", "Eternal closing sale", "vague reference price", "Price not disclosed"be careful of
  • Selby has been in business for 22 years and has over 220,000 transactions.90% purchase guaranteeproves value for money

It's not that it's suspicious because it's cheap, but that there is a structure that can make it cheap.
And what's really suspicious are stores that can't explain the basis for their low prices.

💎 For those of you who know the secret behind the price

Please take a look at our authentic jewelry that has been scientifically priced based on 7 factors.

View products on official online store
🏬 Check the actual product at a physical store in Ginza/Okachimachi (reservation required)
📋 Free appraisal value consultation (for those considering purchasing)
SELBY

Komehei's only jewelry specialty company
22 years since establishment, over 220,000 transactions, annual purchase of 1 billion yen
Ginza Main Store / Okachimachi Store / Official Online Store

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