The RealReal: Ukrainian jewelers enter the US premium market

Ukrainian jewelers create products that can compete with the best on the global market. But in today’s realities, this is not enough – to sell jewelry not only through Instagram or Etsy, you need a professional and trusted platform. A platform where jewelry does not get into the general stream, but to the right audience.

That’s exactly what The RealReal is, an American resale marketplace with high standards, a strong reputation, and a steady stream of customers looking for not just jewelry, but proven quality. In this article, we will analyze how The RealReal works, what a jeweler from Ukraine needs to know, how to send jewelry, and how GlobalPost takes all the logistics risks.

What is The RealReal and why is it relevant for Ukrainian brands

The RealReal is a leading American platform for consignment sales of luxury goods: jewelry, watches, designer clothing, accessories, and interior items. Its main feature is the mandatory authentication of every item before sale. Each piece is evaluated by experts, professionally photographed in a studio, described, and only then displayed on the platform. This creates an exceptional level of trust among buyers.

At the application stage, the seller must upload preliminary photos of the jewelry — so that curators can assess its condition and compliance with the platform’s standards. After arrival, the item undergoes expert inspection and professional photography directly at The RealReal.

For Ukrainian jewelers seeking not just sales, but a structured entry into the international market – this is an opportunity to avoid underpricing and work in a segment where materials, craftsmanship, concept, and presentation are truly valued. Purchases on The RealReal are not random – they are conscious and deliberate.

What kind of jewelry does The RealReal accept – and how can an independent brand pass moderation

The platform is primarily interested in pieces from global brands: Tiffany & Co., Cartier, Van Cleef & Arpels, Chopard, Bvlgari. These items are accepted with almost no exceptions, as platform customers already have established trust in these names. But that doesn’t mean an independent piece from Ukraine has no chance. On the contrary – if the item is made from quality materials, has a current or unique design, and is well-presented – the curators may accept it.

What’s important to consider:

• Jewelry material. The platform only accepts items made from precious metals: gold (14K and above), platinum, or silver. Fashion jewelry, plated items, or base metal alloys are not accepted. Stone type. Both precious (diamonds, sapphires, emeralds) and high-quality semi-precious stones (topaz, amethyst, garnet, etc.) are allowed. Synthetic stones and unclassified inserts will be rejected.
• Physical condition. The piece must be free of damage, scratches, chips, or significant wear. Light wear is acceptable if the overall appearance is preserved.
• Documentation and packaging. A certificate, receipt, original box, or pouch from the maker is not mandatory but increases buyer confidence. If there are no documents, this must be honestly indicated.
• Presentation. High-quality photos of the piece – from all angles, clearly showing details, hallmarks, and clasps – are required to submit an application. These images are used by The RealReal curators to make a preliminary decision on whether the item will be considered. These are not final catalog images – those will be taken after the item arrives at The RealReal’s studio in the U.S. However, the initial photos must be clear, filter-free, and taken in good lighting. A unique or on-trend design that aligns with premium segment aesthetics will be an additional advantage.

Independent pieces are often approved if the materials, photos, and description are clearly provided. This is a valuable opportunity for Ukrainian brands to gain visibility in the U.S. market.

How to submit a piece of jewelry to The RealReal: step-by-step guide

The cooperation process with the platform begins with submitting an application. It is important to do this correctly to increase the chances of approval.

• Go to the The RealReal website. Click “Start Selling” and register as a seller.
• Select the “Jewelry” category and upload photos of the jewelry.
• Add a brief description — type of metal, purity, weight, type of stones, presence of certificates. The entire description must be in English. Use precise wording without subjective adjectives — only factual information.
• After the application is approved, you will receive the address of the U.S. warehouse to which the jewelry must be sent.

If you want to safely send the jewelry to the U.S. warehouse, the GlobalPost team will help organize the shipment with all necessary documents, packaging, and insurance. More information is available here.

This process allows you to quickly complete the first stage of cooperation and receive a response from the platform regarding further steps.

Problems Ukrainian jewelers face

After the application is approved, the main barrier is delivery. And it’s a serious one: The RealReal has no warehouses in Ukraine, offers no couriers, and does not accept scans. Only a physical item – shipped from the U.S.

The most common issues in practice:

• Unclear customs requirements for shipments containing jewelry. Incorrect classification under the HS code or inconsistent accompanying documents may result in delays or returns.
• Incorrectly prepared invoices and declarations.
• Risk of damage due to poor packaging.
• Lack of insurance during shipment.
• Restrictions on jewelry acceptance. Not all delivery services accept items made of precious metals, especially without verified documentation of value and origin.

This is not an ordinary parcel. It is a product of high material and reputational value, which must arrive undamaged, with correct documentation, and on time.

How GlobalPost ensures the safe delivery of jewelry to The RealReal platform

GlobalPost does not submit the application for you, does not evaluate the jewelry, and does not influence the platform’s decision. But we are responsible for the entire logistics process – from the moment the jewelry is ready for shipment to its safe delivery to The RealReal warehouse in the U.S. We provide proper packaging, document preparation, insurance, and shipping through trusted carriers. If you have any doubts about the documentation or conditions – we are ready to consult you at every stage.

What exactly we do at the delivery stage:

• We assist with document preparation. We check the accuracy of the invoice, complete the customs declaration, add technical descriptions of the item, and, if needed, prepare an explanatory note. This ensures that the shipment clears customs smoothly both in Ukraine and in the U.S.
• We package the jewelry according to international shipping standards. We use cushioning materials, special inserts, branded boxes or pouches – everything to ensure the item arrives in perfect condition.
• We select the carrier individually. FedEx, UPS, or DHL depending on the route, budget, item type, and the requirements of The RealReal platform. We offer options – you choose the most convenient one.
• We provide full shipment insurance. If your shipment is insured, you will receive full compensation in accordance with the liability insurance terms of GlobalPost through the chosen carrier.
• We deliver to The RealReal warehouse. We are responsible for delivery to the platform’s door in the U.S., considering its specific requirements.
• We provide tracking and informational support. You receive a tracking number, and we monitor the shipment progress and respond promptly to any inquiries if needed.

If you are planning to enter the U.S. market and want to understand exactly how to organize delivery – we have gathered all the necessary information by direction:

• For companies and brands preparing regular shipments or already working with U.S. clients – more information can be found here.
• For workshops, local jewelers, and small businesses working to order or with small batches. See our services for business clients.
• For those who are just starting out or sending a single piece as a private individual.

To quickly calculate the cost of delivery to the U.S. – use our calculator.

How the payout model and commission work

Items are sold on a commission basis: the platform retains a portion of the amount, and the rest is transferred to the seller after the sale.

The commission rate depends on the value of the jewelry and the type of seller. Average conditions are as follows:

• for jewelry valued at up to $1,500 – the seller receives 55–60% of the final price
• for items from $1,500 and above – the rate increases to 70%
• for select brands (Tiffany & Co., Cartier) or repeat sellers – terms may be individual

According to The RealReal website, prices for designer jewelry typically start at $250–300, and pieces with precious stones are sold in the range of $800 to $3,000+, depending on the brand, condition, and materials.

These approximate figures help assess the platform’s potential and determine whether its model is a good fit for your sales format.

Conclusion

The RealReal is a platform that opens access for Ukrainian jewelers to a valuable international audience. To take advantage of this opportunity, it is important not only to create a high-quality piece but also to properly organize its presentation and delivery.

GlobalPost helps make this process simple and safe – from the moment the piece is ready for shipment to its arrival at The RealReal warehouse in the U.S. We wish you a confident entry into new markets, grateful clients, and successful sales!

In the next publication, we will look at the Cash for Gold USA platform – a service with a completely different approach: not consignment sales, but direct jewelry buyout. Stay tuned for updates on our website.