SHOP around if you want the best price for your unwanted jewellery. That s the advice from Hertfordshire Trading Standards which has tested the market and found wide variations in the amounts being offered. The recession has boosted the second-hand jewell

SHOP around if you want the best price for your unwanted jewellery.

That's the advice from Hertfordshire Trading Standards which has tested the market and found wide variations in the amounts being offered.

The recession has boosted the second-hand jewellery market as people feeling the pinch look to raise cash by selling unwanted gold.

Trading standards officers visited 16 premises across the county that offered to buy unwanted jewellery and gold.

They asked for a valuation on four items - two bracelets inset with diamonds, one pink sapphire and diamond ring, and a plain 9ct gold men's bracelet.

Some premises could not give a proper value for the items containing stones, and would only offer on the plain gold bracelet.

Of those that offered on all four items, the amounts varied from �246 to �800. Offers on the 9ct bracelet varied from �40 to �60.

Checks are being made on the scales used in the premises as only very accurate machines should be used.

Keith Emsall, the county council's executive member for community safety, said: "In one case, two shops within yards of each other gave valuations differing by �220, with one offering �450 and another �670, which demonstrates the value of shopping around.

"Whether you are selling jewellery or buying car insurance, it is always best to compare prices - you could be missing out on a great deal if you don't."

The jewellery in the test will now be sent to companies which offer to buy unwanted gold by post.