Watch and Wares Featured in Orange Coast Magazine

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Orange Coast Magazine Features Us This Month

Watch and Wares Estate Jewelry is proud to have been included in Orange Coast Magazine’s Best of 2018 feature! Being mentioned in the July issue really makes us feel honored to be recognized as one of the best watch and jewelry shops of 2018. And this is why the article (link above) really highlights what we do best and why we have been in business as long as we have.

Orange Coast Magazine Said This

“The selection of used Rolex, Omega, Jaeger-LeCoultre and prestige brands at Watches and Wares rivals other dealers in Orange County.”

-This is true, our selection rivals those of much bigger names. We have been buying and selling fine luxury watches for almost 30 years! We have curated and carefully purchased our vast selection over the years. This gives you one of the best selections in California!

“[The] Owner William Houchin and his staff know their timepieces and can help guide you toward owning your grail.”

-Watch & Wares has many years of experience running an upstanding business in our community. This has come from knowledge that we earned through dedication to our craft. Knowledge that allows us to be aware of all the ins-and-outs of the industry we work in. That’s why we have hundreds of satisfied customers, and our Google and Yelp reviews speak for themselves. In conclusion, we think that’s why Orange Coast Magazine decided to feature us!

“Most pieces include a two-year warranty and service by an in-house expert watchmaker, removing much of the risk of buying pre-owned.”

-This is one of the biggest reasons for our success! Watch and Wares was one of the first in the industry to standardize the offering of warranties with all our pre-owned watches! First, our in-house watchmaker works very hard to make sure our timepieces are cleaned and overhauled back to manufacturer specifications. Due to this, we can offer a warranty and eliminate the worry of buying a pre-owned watch, either online or in-person. In addition, we have our jeweler remove scratches and imperfections on our watches. In conclusion, this means the watch you buy usually looks good as new (In contrast to the vintage pieces of course, you don’t always want those to look new)!

But Wait, There’s More

Orange COast Magazine, Watch and Wares, Estate Jewelry, Vintage Jewelry

Not only do we have a mind-boggling watch collection, our selection of jewelry is second to none! To begin with, we have amazing jewelry from all the great art periods.  Edwardian, Art-Deco, and Mid-Century pieces are all here. Finally, we have an extensive collection of signed pieces,  including Cartier, Tiffany & Co, Van Cleef & Arpels, and much more! We even have a whole store full of handbags! Louis Vuitton, Hermes, Chanel, and much more! Stop by and say hello today!

The Lap of Luxury

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Another Luxury Day, Another Luxury Dollar


Working in The luxury goods industry certainly has its advantages. First off, we get to buy awesome watches,  handbags, and fine estate jewelry all day long. We also are greatly privileged to have many customers come in with such great estate pieces to sell to us. After all, We are always happy to find new homes for these amazing sundries.

When you do as much buying and selling of estate items for as long as we have, you gain a sense of the value of things just by looking at them. That’s why so many of the fine folks who visit us rely on Watch and Wares for high-quality, concrete information on their luxury items. The owner, William, is always happy to answer questions or provide guidance. What should you do with estate pieces that may need a new home? Watch and Wares can usually help. In fact, many other estate jewelry buyers and store owners come to us for our expertise. After all, we have been around for over 28 years!


luxury goods, estate jewelryDefining Luxury

But what defines a luxury item? Webster’s dictionary offers several helpful definitions:

1: a condition of abundance or great ease and comfort : sumptuous environment

 

  • lived in luxury

 

2a : something adding to pleasure or comfort but not absolutely necessary

 

  • one of life’s luxuries

 

: an indulgence in something that provides pleasure, satisfaction, or ease

-And isn’t that just a perfect description? After all, wearing a stupendously sparkly engagement ring does provide “pleasure” and “comfort” while still not being “absolutely necessary”. In other words, these items are pieces that exist for their own sake. They are art that you can use for the pleasure and enjoyment of it. After all, we don’t need diamonds or gold. We want them, because they make us happy and content. Luxury items like estate jewelry and fine watches are food for the soul.

Used Rolex Guide For Watch Enthusiasts

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Used Rolex Guide for Watch Lovers

Retail Isn’t Everything

Used Rolex watches are kind of like cars. You can spend almost any amount on them, and some cars either appreciate or depreciate based on their rarity and popularity. People who buy lots of cars rarely buy brand new. After all, we have heard many stories of someone buying a luxury car brand new, only to lose ten thousand dollars in value just driving it off the lot. Smart car buyers know to buy cars at market value. The same goes for a used Rolex.

Sticker Shock

sticker shock, surprise, used rolex sticker shockIt can be somewhat shocking to go to a retail jewelry store and see the prices on a new Rolex. Not to mention the intimidation factor can be quite real when dealing with pushy sales people, practically shoving past each other to try to earn their commission. That commission also makes it difficult to negotiate for a better price. After all, there are plenty of people willing to pay full price, so why should they discount it for you?

Start With Reputable Companies

gmt, gmt master, submariner, 50th anniversary, used rolex

Make sure you purchase from reputable sellers.

It used to be so easy to tell the difference between a fake Rolex and an authentic one.  However, as manufacturing  becomes ever more precise and automation more prevalent, more and more excellent fakes are flooding the market. While there are many websites dedicated to spotting fakes, the only true protection you can have is to buy your watches from a reputable merchant. Do your research. Check their Yelp reviews, you can guarantee if someone sold a fake, chances are that person will write a 1-star and explain why! You can also seek out a business’s reputation in other ways. Are they a member of the Better Business Bureau? Does this merchant have an eBay store? What is their rating on eBay? How long have they been in business?  Do they offer a warranty? These are important questions, and ones that can arm you properly against being swindled when searching for your used Rolex.

 

 

How to Spot a Fake Used Rolex

loupe, used rolex, rolex box

Use a loupe to inspect your potential watch

While fakes are indeed getting better, here are a few tips to help you avoid  a replica used Rolex:

  • The Price: First off, you should always keep the old adage in mind: If it seems too good to be true, it probably is. If someone is offering a six thousand dollar watch for six hundred, the alarm bells should be ringing in your head. While it is possible that a private seller may not know what they have in terms of value, in the information age we live in, that is highly unlikely. It is even less likely that a dealer doesn’t know what they have.
  • The Ticking: Rolex watches typically don’t “tick” in the conventional sense. As they utilize high quality mechanical movements, Rolex automatic watches tend to “sweep” or look like smooth motion unless you look up real close. If you see a Rolex “ticking” like a quartz watch, chances are it isn’t real.
  • Weight: Many fakes can look really close to an authentic piece, but in many cases, as they use cheap metals and other materials, the weight will be way off. Pay attention to how dense it feels in the hand.
  • Serial Numbers: In many cases, fake watches may have serial numbers on them, but the quality of the engraving is usually quite shoddy. If a watch has serial and reference numbers that look, well, off, it can be an easy tell. Many a used Rolex  can include the original box and papers. This provides a point of comparison to allow you to look up the numbers and authenticate the piece.
  • The Dial: The watch dial should be essentially flawless. The spacing between the markers should be perfect, the color should be even with no marks or lines. You can use a loupe to check up close. Your dealer or store should have them available for the asking. Learn how to use a loupe here

We Hope This Helps You Find a Used Rolex

used rolex, turnograph, datejustAt Watch & Wares, we have sold authentic used Rolex watches for over 26 years. We have painstakingly built a reputation of quality and excellence in customer service.  Our Yelp, Google, and eBay reviews speak for themselves. If you are in the market for a used Rolex, Watch & Wares would be happy to help you find your new dream watch! We offer fair pricing on all our watches, along with a 2 year warranty (parts and labor) so you can rest assured that you are buying a high-quality timepiece. Check Out Watch and Wares

How to Find the Best Jewelry Buyer in Orange County

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How to Find the Best Jewelry Buyer in Orange County & Surrounding Areas

If you live in Orange County and you’re anything like us, you’ve got a passion for jewelry. It’s also possible that you’re quite attached to the jewelry you own. Because jewelry can hold such a significant sentimental value, we often wear it more for ourselves, rather than for others. It’s also extremely hard to part with certain significant pieces, and it’s not always due to their monetary value. Because of this, when it comes time to part with your beloved piece, it’s important to find the best jewelry buyer in Orange County.

Finding the best place to sell your jewelry in OC can be a daunting task. Due to the sentiment that certain items hold, you want to find an experienced jewelry store that pays top value. Furthermore, you want to ensure that the entire experience is safe, discrete and painless. Let’s explore how to find the best jewelry buyer in Orange County and how to get top value for your items.

Find a Trustworthy Jewelry Buyer in Orange County

We meet with hundreds of people who want to sell jewelry in Orange County each month. Initially, they weren’t looking forward to selling jewelry they loved. Whether selling a diamond engagement ring or a Swiss watch, each piece holds sentimental value. It probably took some time and a lot of thought to acquire your jewelry. We understand this. That’s why it’s important to find a trustworthy jewelry buyer in Orange County.

What makes a jewelry buyer trustworthy? For starters, they’re someone you feel comfortable selling your jewelry to. Furthermore, you want them to be respectful, understanding and honest. Finding an honest jewelry store that buys jewelry in OC isn’t as easy as it sounds. You’re going to want to start with doing some sleuthing. Start by searching for jewelry stores that buy jewelry in your area.

To begin, jump onto Google and try some different searches. For instance, you can search Best Place to Sell My Jewelry,  or try searching Where to Sell Jewelry in Orange County. Try a few different searches and make a list of the top jewelry stores to sell your jewelry to. Once you’ve got the list, head over to Yelp or other review sites. You can start reading reviews from other people who have sold to a jewelry buyer in Orange County.

Find a Jewelry Buyer in Orange County that Pays Top Dollar for Your Items

Searching reviews will give you a good handle on the way others view them and if the jewelry store has a good relationship with their clients. Remember to look for actual jewelry store reviews and not ones that seem over-the-top, purchased or fake. Also keep in mind that happy customers usually mean they got a great value when selling their pieces.

Perhaps for some, this is the most important factor. People want to sell jewelry for top dollar in Orange County. This isn’t a new or far-fetched idea; we get it. There’s a fine line for most jewelry buyers in Orange County because most aren’t buying your jewelry simply in order to collect it. In fact, most Orange County jewelry buyers are more concerned with how much they can make when they sell your jewelry.

Again, we come back to the trust factor here, because all jewelry stores that buy are in effect, businesses. That is, they need to make a profit in order to stay in business. That said, you’re going to want to find the best value when shopping for the best place to sell your jewelry in OC. This will come with some effort, but with the proper research and understanding the process, you’ll get it right.

What is the Process of Selling to a Jewelry Buyer in Orange County?

When selling your jewelry it’s important to remember a few vital things after the sale is complete. The jewelry buyer in Orange County will usually have to spend money and time after initial transaction as well.

  • The jewelry buyers will usually have to polish and clean the piece
  • If there are repairs to be made, a jeweler will have to return it to original specs
  • If the jewelry is engraved, it may have to be filled & removed
  •  The pieces takes space in the store, effectively making it one more item they’ll need to sell
  • It will also need to be graded/tested and physically entered into inventory
  • This includes initial research from more than one team member
  • Time for photography – pics for inventory, social media and online stores/channels

While this may seem mundane, it’s important to understand the process of what a jewelry buyer in Orange County must do after the sale.

Hopefully it also helps shed a little light on the time and money spent after you’ve sold your jewelry and left. Furthermore, it’s important to keep in mind that each jewelry buyer in Orange County has a budget. If they buy jewelry in Orange County regularly, they probably set aside a specific budget for purchases. It’s always smart to call and ask if they’ll give you a free estimate for your jewelry. Now would be the time to provide details including whether the piece is certified as well as carat weight, etc.

Why Watch & Wares is the Best Jewelry Buyer in Orange County

Watch & Wares has been collecting jewelry for over 35 years. It started with one man’s passion for all things luxury and grew from there. Watch & Wares has a reputation as the jewelry buyer in Orange County with the biggest buying power. We sell a lot of estate and pre-owned jewelry and thus need an incoming inventory every month. Because we have spent the last three decades as the best place to sell jewelry, we’ve acquired quite a collection. We’ve also helped thousands of OC & Los Angeles natives buy a piece that would have otherwise been shelved long ago. We think that’s special and that fine jewelry and how it makes people feel — that sentiment — should live on.

As the biggest jewelry buyer in Orange County, we’re also able to offer customers top-value for their items. We know that not every customer wants to sell their jewelry, and therefore we treat each case like anything but a transaction. Your comfort and security are paramount to us, and so we work hard, quickly and with integrity.

Items we Buy as the Premier Jewelry Buyer in Orange County

  • Swiss Watches, including Rolex, Patek Philippe, Panerai, Jaeger-LeCoultre, Omega, Breitling & More!
  • Diamond Engagement Rings
  • Loose Diamonds
  • Colored Gemstones
  • Gold Rings
  • Platinum Rings
  • Vintage Engagement Rings
  • Antique Engagement Rings
  • Estate Jewelry
  • Diamond Earrings
  • Sapphire Jewelry
  • Necklaces & Pendants
  • Men’s Diamond Rings
  • Wedding Rings & Wedding Bands
  • Pins & Brooches
  • Designer Jewelry
  • Cartier, Bvlgari and Tiffany & Co.
  • Precious Metals – Gold, Silver, Platinum
  • Antique Jewelry / Vintage Jewelry
  • Art Deco, Edwardian, Georgian, Art Noveau, Mid-Century Moderne
  • Jewelry Collections
  • Contemporary Jewelry

Check out other items we buy on our site!

Call the Top Jewelry Buyer in Orange County & Get a Free Estimate Today!

Our experienced jewelry buyers will answer your questions and take time to learn about your piece. If you need help identifying the jewelry you’d like to sell, we can help! While it’s best to bring your jewelry into our Orange County jewelry store, we can also give you a free estimate.

If you’re looking for a safe and trustworthy jewelry buyer in Orange County, you’ve found us. We’ve been the best jewelry buyer in Orange County for over 35 years and it’s not by chance. Check out our 5-Star Yelp reviews or our 100% Feedback in our eBay & Etsy stores. We’ve got three locations to serve you, including our Tustin location where we buy jewelry from people throughout Southern California.

Call us at 714-633-2030 today or fill our contact form and a jewelry buyer will call you to set an appointment and answer all of your questions!

#1 OC Estate Buyer – Sell Your Estate in Orange County – Cash Estimate

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Orange County Estate Buyer with Over 30 Years Experience Buying & Liquidating Estate Assets

Watch & Wares has been a brick & mortar business in California for over 30 years. Throughout this time, we’ve bought and sold more estates, jewelry, fine watches, diamonds, fine art and collectibles than many competitors combined. Due to our long-lasting relationship with most of our clients, we are also a well-known Orange County estate buyer, working with families in their time of need from all over Southern California.

Our Owner, William Houchin has spent the last 3 decades of his life collecting the finest vintage, antique, designer and estate jewelry & fine watches in Orange County & surrounding areas. Because of this, when people ask the experts where to sell their family estate or liquidate assets in Orange County, most in-the-know refer William at Watch & Wares.

We pride ourselves in doing business securely and discreetly with all of our clients. We’ve served as the Orange County estate buyer for some of SoCal’s wealthiest patrons. Because our number one goal is integrity, we work hard to ensure customer satisfaction with each estate we purchase. We offer personalized attention to detail, whether we’re dealing with the family of a recently deceased loved one, or working with their attorney or another agency.

We understand that selling your family’s estate and prized assets isn’t easy. Due to the nature of most estate liquidations in Orange County, we understand you may be dealing with a lot and are under a lot of pressure. During this trying time, our experienced Orange County estate buyer will visit with you personally and present you with a cash estimate for your estate and valuables. Because collecting is our passion, we’re able to work fast and provide you with values you can trust.

What Types of Items will our Orange County Estate Buyer Buy?

William is one of Orange County’s most well-known buyers of precious metals, estate jewelry, loose gemstones, diamonds, fine watches, collectibles and fine art. From valuable classic cars to high-end diamond collections, Picasso paintings and antiques from several eras — we buy it all! Furthermore, we leave no stone unturned — we’ll help you identify & price your loved ones valuables quickly.

Because it may difficult to know if you have a valuable piece within your collection, simply give us a call and let us help you identify your assets.

Some of the items our Orange County estate buyer purchases include:

  • Edwardian Jewelry & Engagement Rings
  • Art Deco Jewelry & Engagement Rings
  • Victorian Era Estate Jewelry
  • Art Nouveau Jewelry
  • Mid-Century Retro Moderne Jewelry
  • Contemporary & Designer Jewelry
  • Engagement Rings & Diamond Rings
  • Wedding Bands and Antique Jewelry
  • Signed Pieces such as Tiffany & Co.
  • Cartier Jewelry, Accessories & Collections
  • Bvlgari Jewelry, Watches & Engagement Rings
  • Hermes Fine Handbags / Birken Bags and Louis Vuitton Luggage
  • Fine Watches & Swiss Timepieces, including Rolex, Cartier, Patek Philippe & More!
  • Antique & Vintage Watches & Pocket Watches
  • Designer & Antique Silverware — Silver & Gold Plated Flatware
  • Fine Art from a Variety of International, Domestic & Local Artists
  • Antique Lamps, Vintage Signs & Rare/Historic Items
  • Rare Coin Collections, as well as Autographs & Memorabilia + More!

Questions About Selling Your Estate in Orange County? Call Us and We’ll Help!

Because we know that time is of the essence, give us a call and we’ll walk you through our simple process. Our Orange County estate buyer will help you walk through your estate assets. We can set a convenient time to meet, either in our safe & discreet store located in the Orange Circle (Plaza), or we can come to you! Due to the demand for William’s work as an Orange County estate buyer, we work quickly & diligently to ensure our we offer top values for luxury assets.

Furthermore, if you’d like more info about the types of items we buy, or whether your estate would qualify for purchase, simply give us a call or send us a message using the handy contact form on this webpage!

Call Watch & Wares at 714-633-2030 & Get a Free Estimate Today!

In Addition to Buying Estates in Orange County, We also Buy the Following Brands of Fine Swiss Watches & Watch Collections:

  • Rolex
  • Breitling
  • Cartier
  • Patek Philippe
  • Tag-Heuer
  • Hamilton
  • Ulysse Nardin
  • Audemars Piguet
  • A Lange & Sohne
  • Omega
  • Panerai
  • Jaeger-LeCoultre
  • Vacheron Constantin
  • IWC Watches
  • Tudor ….and more!

Finally, click here for a link to some of the other luxury items we buy in Orange County!

You can also read what others are saying about us, due to our sterling service & reputation on Yelp!

 

Where to Purchase Affordable Engagement Rings in Orange County

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How to Shop for the Best Affordable Engagement Rings & Get the Most Value for Your Money

If you’re like most people that are getting ready to pop the question, you are probably a little curious about how much you want to spend on a diamond engagement ring. While some people are set on buying a brand new ring, others opt for antique & vintage engagement rings. Regardless of where you fall in that spectrum, budget is usually a top priority. As such, most searches usually start with looking for affordable engagement rings in your area.

When shopping for affordable engagement rings, the most important thing to remember is you don’t skimp on quality. Whether your budget allows for a $350 ring or a $35,000 engagement ring, you’ll want to get your money’s worth. Another thing to remember is dealing with a reputable engagement ring store. One that has a history of treating their customers with respect and ensuring they’re happy long after their purchase.

Let’s explore some important factors to shopping for affordable engagement rings in Orange County. Together we’ll look at why Watch & Wares has been the best place to buy affordable engagement rings for over 35 years.

The Difference Between Affordable Engagement Rings & Cheap Engagement Rings

Now that you have a budget in mind, let’s talk about what makes an engagement ring affordable. Affordable engagement rings doesn’t necessarily mean the ring you choose has to be cheap. For instance, some engagement ring stores in Orange County and surrounding areas will allow you to make payments. Furthermore, other jewelry stores will let you put a diamond engagement ring on layaway. This method is great, because you’re dodging those pesky finance charges.

In the 1930’s America saw some lean years. In fact, we were in the middle of The Great Depression. At this time, there was a De Beers Diamond campaign that proposed people should spend one month’s salary on an engagement ring. In the 1980’s they upped it to two month’s salary, asking the question, “how else can you make 2 month’s salary last forever?”

Today, things have changed. With so many options when it comes to affordable engagement rings, you shouldn’t limit your thinking in terms of salary. Pick a budget for your diamond ring and stick with it. Do some online research and find the best place to find affordable engagement rings in your area. Once you’ve got a handful of places to check out, visit the stores and see how they stack up against one another.

Why Watch & Wares is the Best Place to Buy Affordable Engagement Rings in Orange County

Watch & Wares has sold more affordable engagement rings than anyone in Orange County for the last 35 years. With a stellar selection of affordable diamond rings and jewelry, we’ve been a part of more SoCal weddings than any other jewelry store in OC.

Just remember, affordable engagement rings will vary from person to person. What might be a fortune to spend for one buyer, may be just right for another. Weigh your options, find the engagement ring store with the best terms and merchandise and choose with confidence. The right engagement ring store will make your purchase stress-free, letting you know you’ve made the right choice.

Our Engagement Ring Selection & Reputation Speaks for Itself

Watch & Wares has 3 brick & mortar stores and has been selling online since the 1990’s. On eBay, our feedback is 100% and we’re a jewelry lover’s favorite on Etsy, where our customers rave about our affordable collections. Our flagship engagement ring store in the Orange Circle has a 5-star rating on Yelp. Customers love our attention to detail, mom & pop’s service and discreet/safe purchase process.

Affordable Engagement Rings for Every Budget

When you’ve been collecting as long as we have, you tend to have an enormous selection of affordable engagement rings. Multi-colored gemstones, colored diamonds, to platinum, white gold and antique settings — we’ve got it all! If you’re looking for an affordable diamond ring to present to the love of your life, call us first!

You can sit down with one of our engagement ring experts and walk through the following in detail:

  • Your Budget
  • Our Full Selection
  • Choice of Stones & Settings
  • Whether You Want White Gold, Platinum or Other Options
  • Antique Diamond Rings
  • Vintage Wedding Rings

Watch & Wares also has an In-House Jeweler, known for his expert jewelry repair & custom engagement rings. We can create a ring for you from scratch or recreate a cherished heirloom from a photograph. When it comes to vintage and antique engagement rings, we’re the experts. We’re the engagement ring store other Orange County jewelers bring their customers’ diamond rings to, to have them fixed or set properly!

Take Advantage of Our Layaway for to Make Your Purchase Even More Affordable

Want to space your payments out over 12 months? No problem! Watch & Wares offers layaway on all our affordable engagement rings, with 0% interest. Simply leave a 20% deposit, then make monthly payments. Pick up your diamond engagement ring once it’s paid off, with no fees or interest!

Call Watch & Wares & Let Us Help You Find an Affordable Engagement Ring She’ll Love!

Our Owner and Engagement Ring Experts are here Tues-Sat from 10am to 5pm. Walk-ins are always welcome, or you can give us a call at 714-633-2030 to set a one-on-one engagement ring consultation! If you’re in the market for affordable engagement rings and live close to Orange County, we’d love to serve you!

Our reputation speaks for itself and we’re eager to prove why we’re the best place to buy affordable engagement rings in Southern California. If you have any questions or concerns, you can also send us message using the handy contact form on this page! We look forward to serving you and helping you find the engagement ring of your dreams soon!

The Best Place to Buy Antique Engagement Rings in Orange County & Surrounding Areas

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Antique Engagement Rings – Why Are Vintage Diamond Rings So Special?

Everyone has their own taste, and lovers of antique & estate jewelry are no exception. If you’re thinking of taking the plunge and searching for antique engagement rings for your bride-to-be, you’re not alone. Antique engagement rings are back in vogue — you’ve seen them on your favorite celebrities’ fingers and in major fashion magazines.

But why purchase an antique engagement ring? At Watch & Wares, we like to ask, why not purchase one? Vintage and antique engagement rings are nod to historic style and values, but also incredibly chic and unique. With each vintage engagement ring comes it’s own history and a connection to the past… a time where bonds between lovers were not only sacred, but tough to break. From the Great Depression to the Roar & Bustle of Big Band, Classic Hollywood Stars & Cinema, and who can forget Prohibition? The 1920’s and 1930’s saw a lot of ups-and-downs, but there was a solidarity within the country as well.

As such, there’s been a huge upswing in all things vintage & throwback, antique engagement rings included. We’ve also seen a rise in custom wedding bands made to emulate vintage wedding rings and estate jewelry from the days where radio and newspaper ruled over social media and online videos.

How Much Should I Budget for Antique Engagement Rings in Orange County?

Shop the Largest Selection of Antique Engagement Rings in Southern California at Watch & Wares

Antique Engagement Rings at Watch & Wares. Photo c/o @isaiahvaldez.official via Instagram

While many people have caught the vintage engagement ring bug, there aren’t too many guidelines out there to help you shop for an antique engagement ring. Orange County and Southern California are both havens for estate jewelry and vintage wedding rings come in all shapes, sizes, precious metals and colors.

Some antique wedding bands and vintage engagement rings may look the similar on the surface. The truth is, while most antique engagement rings may have similar qualities, there’s a few things you should look out for. But before we go any further, you’ll want to figure out your budget for the engagement ring. Finding out what you want to spend on a vintage diamond ring is paramount to the process. It provides a guideline for qualifying different pieces and picking your favorite rings.

Budgeting your purchase properly also gives the antique engagement ring store or jeweler insight as to where to start. Since we’re talking about diamonds and precious metals, prices will vary. The great news is that vintage engagement rings can be extremely affordable or on the other end of the spectrum, lavish & expensive. Once you’ve got the budget out of the way, we can now begin shopping for the perfect antique engagement rings that fit your taste & bankbook.

What Should I Look for When Shopping for Vintage & Antique Engagement Rings?

antique engagement ring, vintage engagement ring, antique, vintageWhile some antique engagement rings feature a diamond as the main stone, others may incorporate sapphires or other precious gems. It’s important to buy from a reputable antique engagement ring store in your area. Go to a place you trust, or one that has great online reviews. Furthermore, look for a jewelry store that specializes in antique engagement rings. If you’re ever in doubt, simply ask.

If the jewelry store carries vintage or estate jewelry, ask them about their antique engagement rings. Find out about their selection and vetting process. Ask the vintage jewelry store if they have anyone on staff that inspects or certifies the diamonds. Look into whether or not they restore their antique jewelry and engagement rings. Finally, you’ll want to know about the vintage engagement ring’s appraisal process.

Some other important things to ask when shopping for antique engagement rings includes:

  • What era is the vintage diamond engagement ring from?
  • What is the diamond’s clarity, size and color rating?
  • Is the precious metal rated at 10k, 14k, 24k etc.
  • Where was the antique ring acquired?
  • Did the vintage diamond ring undergo any restoration?
  • Do you have a GIA gemologist on staff?
  • Will I receive an appraisal & certificate with my purchase?

If You’re Shopping for Vintage or Antique Engagement Rings in Orange County, Check Watch & Wares First!

antique engagament ring, vintage engagement ring, pear shaped diamondAt Watch & Wares, we hate tooting our own horn, but we practically wrote the book on vintage, estate and antique jewelry. Our history dates back 35 years with over a century of vintage jewelry experience between our entire staff. Our Owner, William Houchin, is a collector of fine jewelry and vintage & estate engagement rings and has been honing his skills for over 3 decades. We started as collectors and that’s why we only offer the best.

Our customers know us as the premier destination for vintage, designer and antique engagement rings in Southern California. Our selection of vintage diamonds and wedding bands is staggering, and we’re proud of that. We’ve earned a reputation as the best place to buy antique engagement rings for many reasons, but our commitment to our customers is our favorite.

We’ve sold thousands of pieces on eBay, where we hold 100% Feedback since the early 90’s. We cross-sell items on Etsy and have an immaculate 5-star rating on Yelp through all of our 3 locations. Our flagship jewelry store in the Orange Circle features hundreds of antique engagement rings and vintage settings. If you’re looking for a custom engagement ring or would like to replace a cherished heirloom that was lost, we can do that too!

Watch & Wares Has the Best Selection of Estate & Antique Diamond Engagement Rings in SoCal

Best vintage rings, vintage rings, vintage and antique ringsWatch & Wares has a GIA gemologist on staff and every vintage piece of jewelry we acquire undergoes a well-practiced restoration process. Not only is every antique engagement ring and vintage wedding band appraised properly, most look brand new.

We’ve served hundreds of beautiful couples that have tied the knot in Southern California. We’re proud to be a part of a legacy and tradition that keeps these beautiful antique engagement rings alive. We know that every customer is unique in terms of taste, budget and needs. We offer a 12-month layaway with no interest on all of our vintage wedding bands and diamond engagement rings.

Give us a call at 714-633-2030 or come by the store today! Speak with one of our Engagement Ring Concierges and let them walk you through some of our pieces. Ask us questions — we love answering them. In the end, we want happy & satisfied lovers making educated decisions. We want you to love the jewelry you wear and nothing is more cherished than an engagement ring.

Make the gift you give her on this special occasion one she’ll remember and covet forever.

 

*for more information about precious gems & diamonds used in antique engagement rings, visit the GIA Gem Encyclopedia.

*if you’d like to sell us antique engagement rings or other jewelry, you can come by or stop by our Tustin, CA location!

Used Watches: How to Shop for a Pre-Owned Watch in Orange County & Surrounding Areas

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Shopping for Used Watches or a Pre-Owned Luxury Watch in Orange County

Shopping for used watches can feel like a daunting task at first. With so many variables, knowing what to look for when searching for the perfect pre-owned watch can be tricky at first. But if executed properly, there are many benefits to buying used watches.

With over 35 years buying, selling and trading used watches in Southern California, we’ve been able to put together a list of do’s & don’ts to help you with your search. Let’s explore how to find the best used watches and watch stores in Orange County & surrounding areas.

How Does the Watch Store Acquire their Used Watches?

luxury used watches at Watch & Wares

Come shop the largest selection of used watches in Orange County

Most savvy watch buyers are elated to find a watch store that sells pre-owned watches. For many, buying a used watch is like buying a used car. Some pre-owned watches have been cared for so well you can’t tell they’re not new.

A good place to start is by finding out how the used watch store acquires their timepieces. Find out if they’ve got a long lasting reputation in the industry and community, and whether the watches come from reputable sources. The last thing you want is to buy a used watch and to find out it wasn’t taken care of.

Does the Watch Store Service & Restore their Used Watches?

pre owned rolex, pre-owned rolex, used rolex

Make sure your shop restores their timepieces the RIGHT way.

Because there are so many watch dealers in Orange County, you’ve got to make sure you’re doing your homework. Find out if the used watch store has an in-house watchmaker. Furthermore, find out if they service the used watches they sell. If you want to buy a vintage watch, find out their watchmaker restored it to OEM specs. Of course, some people don’t want them to get rid of the coveted patina or character, you simply want to make sure the movement is properly-tuned.

A good used watch store should have an in-house master watchmaker who knows the ins-and-outs of watch movement. Therefore, the watch store should service the used watches they sell and restore vintage watches to their manufacturer’s specs.

Does the Watch Store Offer a Warranty on Used Watches?

warranty, pre-owned watch, watch bench, watch repair

Make sure your pre-owned watch is backed by a warranty.

Find out if the watch store offers a warranty on their pre-owned watches. When buying a new watch, the manufacturer will usually provide the service warranty. Unfortunately, on some used watches, the manufacturer’s warranty may not still be active.

A warranty on your used watch will also ensure that the pre-owned watch store stands behind their product. Many used watch stores in Orange County don’t offer warranties or offer limited warranties on used watches. Therefore, a good rule of thumb is to ask about the pre-owned watch warranty before even trying a watch on.

Research Before Buying Used Watches: What is the Pre-Owned Watch Store’s Reputation?

In today’s world of online reviews and customer feedback, it goes without saying you should do your research before buying a used watch in Orange County. Websites like Yelp and search engines like Google offer a place where customers can leave reviews for businesses. Before buying a pre-owned watch from a watch store or jeweler, check out their online reviews.

Find out if the pre-owned watch dealer has a good reputation and upholds its promise to their customers. It’s important to read a few reviews before your used watch purchase because every watch store will have a different return policy. Furthermore, you’ll feel better about buying a used watch from a reputable watch store. Finally, ask a lot of questions. Find out if the store’s used watches come with a box & papers, certificate/card, original tools, etc.

Watch & Wares is the Best Place to Buy Used Watches in Orange County

Watch & Wares has been buying selling and trading used watches in Orange County for over 35 years. Because of our experience, we’ve been able to take the headache out of buying a used watch in Orange County. We’ve got a reputation as the best place to buy a pre-owned watch in Southern California for many reasons:

 

  • 2 year warranty on all contemporary used watches / 1 year on all vintage watches
  • Pre-Owned Watches are serviced & restored to OEM specs by an in-house master watchmaker
  • Our Master Watchmaker was a former Rolex Technician and knows his movements
  • We acquire our pre-owned watches from reputable sources and most are like-new
  • We provide a box & papers for most of our used watches for sale
  • Our reviews don’t lie – 5 stars on Yelp and 100% Feedback on eBay since the early 90’s
  • We have the largest selection of used watches in Southern California
  • Take advantage of our 12 month layaway – make monthly interest-free payments

Watch & Wares Carries All Major Brands of Used Watches & Pre-Owned Watches

Because we believe any used watch store worth their salt should have a large inventory, we’ve invested decades into collecting only the best used watches in Southern California. Our pre-owned watch collection spans many decades, and we work hard to ensure a great customer experience.

Our owner, William Houchin has spent his life collecting, buying and selling the finest pre-owned timepieces from all major watch brands. Watch & Wares has it all: from pre-owned Rolex watches to vintage Patek Philippe. Furthermore, every used watch we sell is secured with a warranty and pre-purchase service.

We carry pre-owned watches in Orange County from the following brands:

  • Rolex
  • Breitling
  • Cartier
  • Panerai
  • Omega
  • Tag Heuer
  • Patek Philippe
  • Bell & Ross
  • Audemars Piguet
  • Franc Vila
  • Ulysse Nardin
  • IWC
  • Roger Dubuis
  • Jaeger-LeCoultre
  • Breguet
  • Glashutte
  • Longines
  • Tudor
  • Corum
  • Hamilton and more!

Come see us at our new location in the Orange Circle and try on Southern California’s largest collection of used watches. Call us at 714-633-2030 or stop in and try on some watches today! Of course, if you’d like to send us a message, simply reach out using our handy contact form!

If you’d like to sell your used watch in Orange County, you can also visit our Tustin Location!

 *Watch & Wares is not affiliated with any of the watch brands or manufacturers mentioned in this article