The Value of Military Jewelry
Military jewelry may have sentimental and nostalgic value to the individual who possesses it and commands respect from those who revere it, but those pieces of jewelry, like any precious stone or metal, also have monetary value.
Each branch of the military - the Air Force, Army, Coast Guard, Marine Corps, and Navy - have their own unique jewelry and medals. Some jewelry can be bought legally while others must be earned and cannot be purchased.
Military rings are popular in the military jewelry market. These can range anywhere from $20.00 for low end rings to around $1,500.00 for more prestigious rings. Rings can be purchased online at an auction or specialty site, or in certain military and jewelry stores.
Necklaces are another favorite. These can range from $10.00 to $315.00 for memorial necklaces. Dog tags, which are what military personnel wear for identification, can be bought for around $20.00.
Some military medals are actually prohibited for sale without proper authorization. The Stolen Valor Act was passed in 2005 and prohibited the manufacture, sale, or even wearing of the medal without proper authorization. This act was specifically enacted for the Medal of Honor, the Distinguished Service Cross, the Navy Cross, and the Air Force Cross. The Medal of Honor is the most prestigious medal awarded in the military; only 120 individuals have the right to wear this medal today. The other three are second to the Medal of Honor, awarded to those who have performed outstanding acts in the service. However, this law only applies to United States medals. Other nations’ medals can be bought and sold freely. For instance, there is a France Legion of Honor medal being sold on ebay.com for around $700.00. Similarly, the law only applies for outstanding national medals, so state medals can be purchased or sold without any incriminating implications. A Louisiana National Guard Medal of Honor could be bought for around $300.00.
While the most prestigious medals do have laws prohibiting sale, the lesser medals may also be lawfully bought or sold. A military hat pin for good service in the Marines is only around $3.00. However, they can also be quite expensive. A complete set of Vietnam medals costs $10,000.00 dollars. These and other medals can be purchased on most auction sites online. No specialty stores make authentic medals for sale, but some do make decent replicas.
Each branch of the military - the Air Force, Army, Coast Guard, Marine Corps, and Navy - have their own unique jewelry and medals. Some jewelry can be bought legally while others must be earned and cannot be purchased.
Military rings are popular in the military jewelry market. These can range anywhere from $20.00 for low end rings to around $1,500.00 for more prestigious rings. Rings can be purchased online at an auction or specialty site, or in certain military and jewelry stores.
Necklaces are another favorite. These can range from $10.00 to $315.00 for memorial necklaces. Dog tags, which are what military personnel wear for identification, can be bought for around $20.00.
Some military medals are actually prohibited for sale without proper authorization. The Stolen Valor Act was passed in 2005 and prohibited the manufacture, sale, or even wearing of the medal without proper authorization. This act was specifically enacted for the Medal of Honor, the Distinguished Service Cross, the Navy Cross, and the Air Force Cross. The Medal of Honor is the most prestigious medal awarded in the military; only 120 individuals have the right to wear this medal today. The other three are second to the Medal of Honor, awarded to those who have performed outstanding acts in the service. However, this law only applies to United States medals. Other nations’ medals can be bought and sold freely. For instance, there is a France Legion of Honor medal being sold on ebay.com for around $700.00. Similarly, the law only applies for outstanding national medals, so state medals can be purchased or sold without any incriminating implications. A Louisiana National Guard Medal of Honor could be bought for around $300.00.
While the most prestigious medals do have laws prohibiting sale, the lesser medals may also be lawfully bought or sold. A military hat pin for good service in the Marines is only around $3.00. However, they can also be quite expensive. A complete set of Vietnam medals costs $10,000.00 dollars. These and other medals can be purchased on most auction sites online. No specialty stores make authentic medals for sale, but some do make decent replicas.