A Seller’s Guide to All Things Estate Jewelry

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When it comes to selling antique or estate jewelry, many people don’t know where to start. Whether you’re selling something with a deep emotional attachment or merely getting rid of a costume piece that you don’t find occasion to wear anymore, parting with a piece of estate jewelry can be a complex process for some, especially those who are selling their jewelry for the first time. If you’ve decided to part with your fine antique or estate jewelry but don’t know what to expect, keep reading to learn everything you need to know about selling estate jewelry.

Understanding the Value of Your Estate Jewelry

Before listing your estate jewelry for sale, it’s important to understand its value. Estate jewelry often holds sentimental value, but always remember that the monetary value of your estate jewelry may be much different. To avoid disappointment and ensure you’re receiving a fair offer for your fine jewelry, make sure you have a full and clear understanding of your estate jewelry’s value before selling.

The best way to quickly learn the value of your estate jewelry is to have it appraised by an expert. A reputable estate jewelry buyer will determine the quality and authenticity of any precious metals or gems in the estate jewelry as well as the piece’s overall condition and desirability. Speak to your appraiser about what your estate jewelry could be worth in specific markets and circumstances. You can even collect appraisals from two or three trusted sources and compare them for an even more comprehensive view of your estate jewelry’s potential value.

How To Find a Trusted Estate Jewelry Buyer

Once you know that you’re ready to sell your estate jewelry and what you’re prepared to sell it for, you’ll need to find the best place to sell gold and jewelry in your area. However, you shouldn’t just Google “buy and sell gold jewelry near me” and choose the first result. 

Do your due diligence when finding an estate jewelry buyer and seller. Check out sites like Yelp and Google to read honest reviews from past customers. Since these third-party sites aren’t controlled by the jewelry store itself, the reviews you find there will be objective and unfiltered. 

Once you’ve found a jewelry repair store with favorable reviews, your next step should be to ensure that they’re knowledgeable, reputable and fair. Consider factors such as how long they’ve been in business, what certifications or licenses they have, and how transparent their appraisal process is. Any honest and trustworthy cash jewelry and loan shop will offer you a free, no-obligation appraisal for your vintage estate jewelry. They should also have a CIA-certified gemologist on staff to accurately appraise any precious stones.

Ensuring a Smooth Transaction When Selling Estate Jewelry

Taking the time to research and find a reputable estate jewelry buyer will go a long way in ensuring that your selling transaction goes smoothly. However, there are additional steps you can take to make sure that the entire process is a quick and pleasant one for all parties involved.

Firstly, it’s important to document your jewelry before selling and organize all relevant documentation. Take detailed photos of all the jewelry pieces you plan to sell and create a detailed inventory list in case anything happens to any of the pieces before the transaction is finalized. You should also include the original receipt, authentication certificates, or other documentation in the sale, if possible. Any original packaging would also be helpful and may increase the final price, especially in the case of fine jewelry with a brand name like Tiffany & Co. or Cartier.

You should also never be afraid to negotiate. Having collected multiple appraisals, you should be confident in your estate jewelry’s value. While you need to be reasonable in your expectations and understand that the jewelry buyer needs to make a profit, don’t be afraid to provide counter offers — but be sure you can explain the reasoning behind those figures.

Lastly, make sure you keep detailed records of all communications, offers, and agreements with the buyer. Records of the transaction will help protect you in case of any disputes after the transaction is in process or completed.

Whether you’re parting with a beloved family heirloom during hard times or simply selling an inherited collection that isn’t your taste, Watch & Wares will ensure that your estate jewelry selling experience is a pleasant and hassle-free one. 

At Watch & Wares, we consistently offer five-star customer service, as reflected in our reputation online and in the local Orange County community. As a family-run business with 30 years of experience, we place transparency, integrity and honesty at the forefront of everything we do. We want to ensure that every visit to Watch & Wares leaves you happy and confident in your selling decision. To find out more about our vintage estate jewelry buying and selling services or receive a free jewelry appraisal, call us at 714-633-2030 or fill out our online contact form today.

Luxury Handbag Authentication: Ensuring Your Pre-Owned Designer Handbag Is Genuine

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Purchasing a pre-owned designer handbag is a great way to save money on your dream designer bag. After all, used designer handbags tend to sell for far less than their retail value, and they often have very minimal signs of wear. Even with brands whose secondhand value is greater than retail, like Hermès or Chanel, the accessibility that the secondhand market offers makes it a much better option than purchasing directly from a boutique. 

However, knockoff handbags run rampant throughout the U.S., and the possibility of buying a fake is one of the top reasons why shoppers are hesitant to purchase pre-owned luxury handbags. However, if you have the knowledge to differentiate between an authentic designer handbag and a knockoff, you can have a more comfortable secondhand buying experience and save significant money on your dream designer handbag. When purchasing a pre-owned luxury handbag from any source, here are four important things to keep in mind to ensure your purse is authentic.

Inspect the Quality

Designer handbags come with a premium price tag not only because of the brand name but also because they use the highest-quality materials and techniques available. Where knockoffs are typically manufactured in factories and have no quality control process, designer handbags are handmade by artisans and go through a rigorous quality inspection before it’s shipped to the boutique.

Inspect your pre-owned designer bag for any obvious signs of manufacturing defects, such as crooked stitching, misaligned seams, uneven patterns or irregularities in the hardware. Low-quality leather or fake leather are also immediate red flags that a bag is fake, as an authentic designer handbag will use high-quality materials such as Nappa leather, box leather, or Saffiano leather. While authentic pre-owned designer handbags may have wear and tear from the previous owner, issues with the construction of the bag are often an indicator that it’s inauthentic.

Check Zippers and Buttons

Zippers, clasps, and buttons are crucial elements of a handbag, and they can often give away the authenticity of a designer bag. Most high-end brands use high-quality zippers made of real metal that have the brand name engraved or embossed on them. If the zippers and clasps don’t have any branding, or if it feels cheap, it may be a sign that the bag is fake.

If the zippers and clasps do have branding on them, make sure to analyze the specific placement of the logo. If you notice that the logo is off-center, crooked, or the font is incorrect, it’s typically an indication that the bag is inauthentic.

Look Closely at the Logo

One of the most obvious indicators of a fake pre-owned designer handbag is the brand’s logo. Every brand uses a very specific typography and color palette across all of their designs, so if the logo is even slightly different from the original, it’s likely a fake product.

Counterfeit designer bags tend to have misspellings, smudged letters, different fonts, thinner or bolder lettering, or incorrect colors. This is true not only of any prominent logos on the bag’s exterior but also of the branding on the interior of the bag. Most designer handbags will have a label on the inside of the bag that states the brand’s name and the country of manufacture. If your bag is missing this, or if the logo is in the wrong font, it may indicate an inauthentic pre-owned designer handbag.

Have It Professionally Authenticated

Counterfeit handbags are becoming more and more realistic, giving rise to the “superfake” industry. If you’re not confident in your ability to determine the authenticity of a pre-owned designer handbag — or even if you are — it’s always best to bring it to a trained handbag authentication professional. 

Pre-owned designer handbag experts have extensive knowledge and experience in authenticating designer handbags and can spot even the smallest details that may indicate a fake bag. When you have your bag professionally authenticated, you can have full peace of mind that your pre-owned luxury handbag is real. You can also then provide this authentication information to future buyers if you ever decide to sell the piece, increasing the asking price and putting wary potential buyers at ease.

At Watch & Wares, our team of experts authenticates all pre-owned luxury handbags that we purchase so you can shop with peace of mind. All of the bags that we have available are guaranteed to be authentic and have been personally verified in-house. We also offer handbag spa services so you can rejuvenate your secondhand purchase and bring it back to its full glory before bringing it home.

Whether you’re searching for an Hermès Birkin or a Chanel classic flap, we have some of the most sought-after pre-owned luxury handbags on the market. Give Watch & Wares Couture a call at 714-633-2030 or fill out our online contact form to inquire about a specific bag or schedule a free appraisal appointment today.

Why Is Jewelry Appraisal Important When Selling Your Luxury Items?

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Whether you want to sell estate jewelry or find out how much it’s worth for insurance purposes, appraisals play an important role in owning luxury items. The Internet has made it far easier for people to estimate the value of their luxury goods, but each piece is unique, making it necessary to receive an appraisal if you want to know the true value of your jewelry.

Whenever you sell luxury items, it’s important to understand the value of your pieces for several reasons. Here are just a few of the ways in which appraisals are important when selling your gold jewelry.

Verify Authenticity

Appraisals can help you verify that your jewelry is authentic. Whether you want to confirm this for your own peace of mind or need to verify it for somebody else, appraisals are an easy way to have an expert verify the authenticity of the vintage estate jewelry.

An expert appraiser can assess whether it’s an authentic name brand piece (such as a true Tiffany & Co. design) or whether the individual components (such as the metals used and gemstones included) are authentic. These are crucial factors in pricing estate jewelry to sell as well as estimating its value for insurance purposes, legal separation of assets during a divorce, or writing off a donation.

Assess the Value of Your Estate Jewelry

The most obvious and most common use for a jewelry appraisal is to provide an estimate of the value of your gold jewelry. An expert appraiser will assess your jewelry — including its brand name, condition, materials, and desirability — in order to offer a current market value.

Knowing the value of your estate jewelry is crucial when it comes time to sell the pieces, as you always want to ensure that you’re receiving a fair value for your luxury items. Having an independent third party appraise your jewelry will give you an idea of what to expect so you don’t get scammed by an untrustworthy jewelry buyer. Collecting two or three appraisals from various reputable estate jewelry stores will also help you get a better idea of a fair price range for the item and eliminate the chance of one appraiser under or overvaluing the estate jewelry.

Identify Any Damage

Jewelry appraisal can be beneficial even if you have no intention of parting with your luxury item. An appraisal can help identify any wear and tear or damage to the jewelry, which gives you an opportunity to repair it before it gets worse. Jewelers can also identify any loose stones or loose settings, so you can have them tightened by a jewelry repair professional before you lose a precious gem.

Identifying damage can also help give you an idea of what to expect when pricing an item to sell. If your vintage estate jewelry is excessively worn, broken, or otherwise damaged, it will fetch a lower price at auction or when selling jewelry versus an equivalent piece in good condition.

If you’re ready to sell your vintage estate jewelry and are looking for the best place to sell gold jewelry for cash, look no further than Watch & Wares. At Watch & Wares, we consistently offer five-star customer service, which is reflected in our reputation online and in the local Orange County community. 

As a family-run business with 30 years of experience, we place transparency, integrity and honesty at the forefront of everything we do. We want to ensure that every visit to Watch & Wares leaves you happy and confident in your selling decision. To find out more about our estate jewelry buying and selling services or receive a free jewelry appraisal, call us at 714-633-2030 or fill out our online contact form today.

Read This To Ensure the Best Experience When Selling Your Vintage Gold Jewelry

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If you have any gold, diamond or estate jewelry sitting around your Orange, CA, home and collecting dust, selling it can be a quick and easy way to make some extra money. Maybe you’ve inherited some estate jewelry from a loved one, or perhaps you want to sell luxury items that haven’t been worn in a few years. 

Either way, you want to have a good experience when you sell gold jewelry that once held meaning in your life. However, selling jewelry can be a complex process with its fair share of headaches and scams if you aren’t careful about doing your due diligence. If you have antique or estate jewelry in your collection that you’re thinking about parting with, here is a guide to help you ensure you have the best experience possible when selling your vintage estate jewelry.

Make Sure You’re Ready to Sell

There are many reasons that you may finally decide now is the time to part with a piece of antique or estate jewelry. Whether you’ve inherited something that isn’t to your taste or you’re just in need of extra money at the moment, there’s no wrong time to search for gold and jewelry buyers.

However, once you sell an estate jewelry piece, you generally can’t get it back, so take extra time to consider whether you’re 100 percent ready to sell. Make sure that you don’t have any lingering sentimentality attached to the item, and make sure that you have the patience and time to dedicate to the jewelry-selling experience.

Do Research About Your Estate Jewelry

When selling anything, it’s a good idea to do your own research into what the average value for an item similar to yours would be. Having realistic price expectations will help you avoid disappointment, and it can also help you avoid getting scammed and accepting an unfairly low offer. 

Untrustworthy gold buyers, of which there are plenty, will try to offer you far below a fair value in order to maximize their profits. Knowing the market value of your item and a fair resale estimate beforehand will keep you from falling prey to opportunistic gold buyers like these.

You can do online research to assess your piece’s value, considering factors such as precious metals, precious gems, brand name, age, condition, and demand. If you can’t find any comparable pieces online, you can have your jewelry appraised at a reputable jewelry repair store, often for no cost.

Be Realistic

Many people hear the retail price of their jewelry piece and expect to get at least this much when they approach a trusted gold buyer with their item. However, it’s important to be realistic about the condition of your specific piece as well as the nature of selling to a gold and jewelry buyer.

If you’re selling your vintage estate jewelry to a gold buyer rather than a private party, they will always offer you less than the market value since they are taking on the time and expense of reselling the item to a private buyer. However, they should still offer you a fair value for your item that isn’t too far from the market resale value.

Have your item appraised by several gold buyers in order to establish a clear idea of what a fair price range for your estate jewelry would be. Speak to your appraisers about what your vintage estate jewelry could be worth in specific markets and circumstances. Collect appraisals from two or three trusted sources and compare them for a comprehensive view of your estate jewelry’s potential resale value.

Find Trustworthy Places to Sell Gold Jewelry

Once you know that you’re ready to sell your estate jewelry and what you’re prepared to sell it for, you’ll need to find the best places to sell gold jewelry in your area. However, you shouldn’t just Google “where to sell jewelry near me” and choose the first result. 

Do your due diligence when finding an estate jewelry buyer and seller — check online reviews, verify their licenses and accreditation, ask if they have a gemologist on staff, and request a free appraisal. Any honest and trustworthy cash jewelry and loan shop will offer you a free, no-obligation appraisal for your gold jewelry.

At Watch & Wares, we consistently offer five-star customer service. This commitment to your satisfaction is reflected in our reputation online and in the local Orange County community. As a family-run business with 30 years of experience, we place transparency, integrity, and honesty at the forefront of everything we do. We want to ensure that every visit to Watch & Wares leaves you happy and confident in your selling decision. To find out more about why we’re one of the best places to sell gold jewelry in Orange County or to receive a free estate jewelry appraisal, give us a call at 714-633-2030 or fill out our online contact form today.

If You Want To Sell Your Diamond Jewelry, Here’s What You Should Do When You Buy Them

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Diamond jewelry is a timeless investment, and one that thousands of people make every year. From engagement rings to “treat yourself” earrings, there are many occasions on which one might invest in diamond jewelry, and sometimes you want to have peace of mind that you can sell diamond jewelry and recoup your money if necessary. You may even invest in diamond jewelry with the sole intention of selling it for profit in the future.

Whatever your reason for buying diamond jewelry, it’s important to take the appropriate precautions to ensure that your valuable pieces are authentic, valuable, and will last a lifetime. Before buying any diamond jewelry, take these four steps to ensure that you can secure the maximum return on investment when the time comes to sell it.

Do Your Research

When purchasing any high-ticket item, it’s important to understand the value and basic characteristics of what you’re buying. If you don’t have a general idea of what to look for or what the diamond jewelry should cost, you risk being scammed and buying jewelry for much higher than its true value.

There are a few basic things you should understand about diamond jewelry before you make any purchase: diamond valuation and the value of other precious metals and gems. The value of a diamond is assessed through the four Cs: carat, cut, color, and clarity. These four factors determine how rare and how valuable a diamond is, so taking the time to research each of these Cs and how they affect the stone’s value is important to receiving a fair price.

Since you’re buying diamond jewelry and not loose diamonds, it’s also important to understand the precious metals and gemstones that will likely accompany the diamond. For example, most jewelry will be made of gold, silver, rhodium, or platinum, so it’s important to know the difference between these metals and their relative value. If your desired jewelry piece also includes other gemstones, do research into the value of these stones as well, as they’ll factor into the cost you can expect to pay — as well as the value you can expect to receive when you sell them one day.

Ask For Certifications

When spending so much money on a valuable item like diamond jewelry, you obviously want to ensure its authenticity. If your diamond jewelry is fake or counterfeit, its secondhand value will be next to nothing, and any reputable jewelry buyer will likely refuse to purchase it altogether, or, at best, offer you pennies on the dollar

Before purchasing your diamond jewelry, ask for certifications such as the GIA grading report and any certificates of authenticity. This will help prove its value and prevent you from buying fake, worthless jewelry for hundreds or thousands of dollars.

Prioritize Your Safety

Buying fake diamonds are just one risk when seeking diamond jewelry. Purchasing any high-priced item can increase safety risks, so it’s important to be extra cautious when buying or selling diamond jewelry.

Make sure that you only buy from trusted, verified jewelers. Online scams are rampant, as are in-person scams that can put you in harm’s way. When in doubt, always prioritize your physical and financial safety rather than worry about offending someone or not following through on a deal to purchase.

Use a Reputable Diamond Jewelry Seller

One surefire way to protect your safety, guarantee authenticity, and get the best value possible is by purchasing from a reputable diamond jewelry store. Find the best places to sell gold and jewelry near you, and verify their trustworthiness through third-party reviews, licensing and certification, and whether they have brick-and-mortar locations. All of these factors can help you avoid scammers and ensure that you’re investing in diamond jewelry that will stand the test of time.

Whether you want to strike while the iron’s hot or take advantage of growing inflation, you can buy and sell diamond jewelry for incredible value at Watch & Wares. For more than 30 years, Watch & Wares has been known as the best place to sell gold jewelry for cash in Orange County, offering some of the most competitive rates in the area for all of your valuable luxury accessories. To find out more about our jewelry buying and selling services or to schedule a free jewelry appraisal, give us a call at 714-633-2030 or fill out our online contact form today. We look forward to assisting you in any way we can.

Invest in These Valuable Pieces if You Plan To Sell Your Jewelry in the Future

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Fine jewelry is a significant investment for many Orange County residents. While this investment may be worth it for the sentimental value or meaning to a loved one (e.g. engagement rings), there are many instances in which you want the peace of mind that the jewelry you bought can be resold for a significant portion of its original retail price.

Investing in jewelry can be a great way to store your wealth and get a return on it when you decide to sell the jewelry pieces. However, when doing this, it’s important to consider what types of jewelry will give you the best resale value in the future, or you risk losing your entire investment. If you want to strategically buy jewelry for the best potential return on investment later, here are the three best pieces to consider.      

Natural Pearls

Natural saltwater pearls are a timeless classic, making them the perfect jewelry investment. The iconic nature of pearls makes them a great choice for those looking to purchase jewelry with the intention to resell it in the future, as pearls retain their value whether they’re one or 100 years old.

Pearls have historically been shown to increase in value over time, and they’re often considered an heirloom item. True saltwater pearls are also extremely rare, with their rarity — and, therefore, value — only expected to increase as the years go on. The value of a pearl depends on a variety of factors including size, color, and luster, but they can generally cost anywhere from $300 to $5,000+. If you have the money to spare, a high-quality strand of pearls can make an excellent long-term investment and can retain its value even if it’s worn frequently.

Yellow Gold Earrings

Gold is an enduringly popular material that has been treasured for centuries. It never goes out of style, and as such, the value of gold jewelry only continues to increase over time. Investing in gold earrings is a great choice if you’re looking for a classic design that can be worn across any time period and can easily be resold when needed. From simple studs to classic hoops, gold earrings come in a variety of styles that remain enduringly classic over the decades.

To ensure that you maximize your chance for a return on investment, choose a timeless design that isn’t at all trendy, and make sure the piece has quality craftsmanship. Choosing a legacy brand such as Cartier or Tiffany & Co. can also help ensure a higher resale price. It can also help to monitor the spot price of gold. Buying when prices are low and selling when prices are high will help guarantee that you get the most value possible from your gold earring investment.

Red Spinels

Red spinels are a rare gemstone known for their fiery red color and gorgeous sparkle. While this gemstone is not as widely available as other gemstones, such as diamonds, it has become increasingly popular in recent years. However, the spinel’s relative rarity and high desirability are part of what contributes to their high value and even higher resale price.

Since red spinels have become more popular over the years, their prices have skyrocketed. In the 1970s, spinels were sold for just $200 per carat. Today, the price is closer to $2,000 per carat and more closely aligns with high-grade diamonds. Due to spinels’ consistent increase in price over the years as well its increasing rarity, red spinels are a great investment for anyone looking to buy jewelry with the intention of selling it for a profit.

If you’re looking to sell jewelry and want the highest return on investment possible, stop Googling “best places to sell gold jewelry” and choosing the first result you see. Instead, take the time to thoroughly research the best places to sell gold and jewelry and make sure you get the most money possible for your valuable fine jewelry. 

At Watch & Wares in Orange, we offer some of the most competitive rates in the area. If you’re looking for a good place to sell diamond jewelry and get top dollar, allow our expert appraisers and gemologists to look over your item. There’s never any pressure or obligation to sell, and we always strive to provide a welcoming and comfortable selling experience. To schedule an appointment for a free appraisal at one of our Orange County locations, give us a call today at 714-633-2030 or contact us online.

Not Sure When Is the Right Time To Sell Your Jewelry for Cash? We’re Here To Help!

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Whether you’re in need of quick cash or want to let go of old clutter, there are many reasons you may want to sell your gold jewelry. No matter the reason, however, you likely want to make sure you sell at the right time to ensure you receive the best value possible for your pieces.

Customers visit us at Watch & Wares every day to sell jewelry, each with their own story of why they decided now was the right time to sell their gold jewelry pieces. If you have gold antique or estate jewelry in your collection that you’re considering parting with, here is a guide to help you decide the best time to sell your gold jewelry for cash.

Study the Value of Gold

Firstly, in order to know the true value of gold, it’s important to study the material’s history and value. Throughout history, gold jewelry has been revered for its rarity and beauty, and this symbol of luxury has endured until modern times. Today, the vast majority of people own at least one piece of gold jewelry.

Although more accessible, gold is still highly valued today because of its relative rarity and historical value. It’s also practical — it’s stable, does not rush, and can be easily molded into jewelry, coins, and other valuable items.

Follow the Spot Price

If you’re considering selling gold jewelry, you’ll need to be familiar with the spot price for gold. The spot price is the current market price for gold; it’s how much an ounce of gold can be bought or sold for at any given moment. 

You can track the spot price online over time and monitor when the price of gold peaks and drops. By learning the patterns of gold’s spot price and following its fluctuations over time, you can make sure to sell when the value is high and earn more for your pieces than they may be worth in a few weeks, months, or years.

Consider Your Finances

It’s also important to consider your own personal finances when deciding on the right time to sell. All financial decisions are different depending on your income or expenses. 

While it’s always nice to get the highest value possible for your items, sometimes debt payments and owed interest may be more than the difference in value you’d get by waiting for a higher spot price. Ultimately, the best time to sell your gold jewelry is when you need the money most.

Consult Top Gold Buyers Near You

If you’re still unsure of the best time to sell your gold jewelry, you can always ask trusted gold buyers near you. Top gold buyers have the expertise and industry experience to be able to give you accurate appraisals so you know how much you can realistically get for your jewelry.

However, don’t just Google “best place to sell gold jewelry near me” and visit the first result you see. It’s important to find reputable gold buyers who are trustworthy and will offer you fair and accurate values. All appraisals should also be free and with no obligation to sell.

Whatever your reason or timing, make sure that when you decide to sell, you choose the best place to sell gold jewelry in Orange County. Watch & Wares has been buying and selling gold for more than 30 years, and we’ve established ourselves as the local experts. Orange residents know that when they visit Watch & Wares, they’re receiving a fair and competitive appraisal offer that directly reflects market prices. In fact, our offers are consistently some of the highest in Orange County, thanks to our team of experienced jewelry repair experts and certified gemologists. If you are looking for the best place to sell gold jewelry near you, contact Watch & Wares online or give us a call at 714-633-2030 today.

How To Properly Care for Your Diamond Jewelry Before You Sell Your Luxury Items

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If you own any fine jewelry, Rolex watches or other high-ticket items, then you likely know that the better you take care of an item, the more money you’ll recuperate when you decide to sell it. Taking proper care of your diamond jewelry not only increases the overall resale value of the piece, but it also saves you money in the long run on repairs and allows you to extend the lifespan of your jewelry if you want to keep it for your own use.

Before you start Googling “best places to sell jewelry for cash near me,” make sure you’re following these tips for how to properly care for your diamond jewelry before you sell your luxury items.

Clean It Regularly

One of the most important and easiest ways to preserve your diamond jewelry’s value is to make sure you keep your jewelry clean. Exposure to dirt and oils can dull the shine of any diamond, so it’s important that you clean your diamond jewelry regularly and clear it of any dirt.

This can be done simply by soaking your ring or jewelry item in a mixture of warm water and mild dish soap. After soaking it in the solution for several minutes, use a toothbrush with extra soft bristles (we recommend using one made for babies) to gently scrub the stone. Rinse it thoroughly and pat dry with a gentle cloth.

Take It Off When It’s Not Practical

It’s easy to become attached to a diamond ring, especially if it has sentimental value, and never want to take it off. However, wearing your ring in unpractical conditions can lead to excessive wear and tear, dragging down the item’s value.

Generally, you should never wear a diamond ring when at the gym or at the beach. It’s also best to take it off when showering, washing dishes, or otherwise exposing it to water and harsh soaps for prolonged periods. If you’re ever in doubt, it’s always safest to take your ring off and store it safely so you don’t have to worry about losing a diamond or dulling its shine.

Avoid Contact with Hard Surfaces

As durable as diamonds are, they can still scratch, chip or fall out entirely if they regularly come into contact with hard or sharp surfaces. Bumping your jewelry against hard surfaces can also cause loose prongs, faulty links, damaged settings, and other problems that will devalue your jewelry.

If you want to wear your ring but are concerned about sharp corners, turn your diamond ring around so the diamond is on the inside of your palm rather than your outside knuckle. This will help protect the precious stone from any potential damage from bumps and bangs. If you do damage the stone or its setting, take it to a jewelry repair professional right away to avoid further damaging the jewelry or losing the valuable stone.

Have It Regularly Checked by a Professional

Even if you don’t notice any obvious damage, it’s still a good idea to have your diamond jewelry assessed by a professional every six months to a year. Even when the prongs and settings are secure and undamaged, the diamond can become loose over time and potentially fall out. 

A jewelry professional will be able to check your jewelry and ensure that all diamonds and other stones are securely in place and not at risk of becoming loose. Proactive cleaning and maintenance will also help reduce repair costs for your diamond jewelry and preserve the piece’s value if you ever decide to sell.

If you’re looking for the best place to sell gold jewelry, contact Watch & Wares today. We’re one of the best places to sell jewelry for cash in Orange County, and we consistently offer some of the highest values in the area. With over 30 years as a family-run business, we’re proud to have hundreds of 5-star reviews from residents of Orange, CA and across Southern California. We’re also a cash jewelry & loan shop, so you can get a four-month collateral loan on diamond jewelry — no credit check necessary. Contact us today at 714-633-2030 or fill out our online contact form to request an appraisal or schedule an in-store appointment.

How to Care for Antique Jewelry Before Selling Your Luxury Items

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If you’ve collected antique jewelry throughout your life or you’ve recently inherited a few estate jewelry pieces, you may be considering selling these luxury items to earn some extra money. Before you list your antique jewelry for sale, however, it’s essential that you take the time to properly care for them.

Properly caring for your antique jewelry is crucial for protecting its value and ensuring you get the best possible price when selling your jewelry. Here are a few steps you can take to care for your estate jewelry and maximize its value.

Regularly Clean Your Antique Jewelry

One of the most important steps in taking care of your antique or estate jewelry is to regularly clean it. Even if your antique pieces may appear to be in great condition, they can dull or begin to tarnish over time if they aren’t cleaned on a regular basis.

To clean your jewelry, use a gentle soap and water solution and carefully rub the jewelry with a soft cloth. You can also use a soft-bristled baby toothbrush dipped in the soap solution to get into any nooks and crannies. However, always use a new toothbrush, not a used one, as any leftover toothpaste can scratch your luxury items. Make sure to clean the sides and back of the jewelry as well as the front of it since dust and debris can accumulate in those areas as well.

A polishing cloth is also beneficial for removing any dirt, fingerprints, or grime from your antique piece regularly. Polishing cloths are best for sterling silver as well as pearl or other strung necklaces.

Store Your Antique Jewelry Properly

Proper storage is also important for preserving your estate jewelry once it’s been cleaned. It’s understandable if you typically clean your antique jewelry in a jewelry box or drawer. However, this isn’t the best place for your antique values, as they can jostle against one another and potentially become scratched or damaged.

Instead, keep your antique jewelry in individual compartments to keep them safe. If you don’t have individual drawers or boxes, storing them inside individual dust bags can also help prevent scratches in your jewelry box.

It’s also important that wherever you store them is a location with low humidity and no direct sunlight. Heat, sunlight and humidity can all warp antique jewelry and cause them to degrade more quickly, so keeping them in a cool, dark place such as a closet or cupboard will help keep them looking their best for as long as possible.

Visit a Jewelry Repair Professional

If your antique jewelry has loose stones, deeply wedged dirt, scratches, dings or any other issues, it’s always best to take it to a jewelry repair professional. Attempting to rectify these issues through DIY solutions often leave jewelry in worse condition than before, and any amateur repairs will be noticed during an appraisal when you decide to sell your luxury goods.

Research the best places to sell gold jewelry near you, and make sure that they have a good reputation in jewelry repair and cleaning. While there are steps you can take at home to preserve and clean your jewelry, there’s no substitute for a thorough cleaning, polishing, or repair job from a trustworthy jewelry repair professional.

At Watch & Wares, our team of trained professionals has been performing watch, estate jewelry, and handbag repair services for decades. We understand luxury, and we always strive to provide the best service in the Orange, CA, area. Our master jeweler has over 40 years of industry experience and is the jeweler that other local jewelers go to for answers. 

We’re also known as the best place to sell luxury items in Orange County. Since 1992, we’ve been the premier source for estate jewelry buying, selling and collateral loans. We’re confident you won’t find anyone better to restore your luxury goods, especially at our competitive price point. To receive a free estimate on one of our luxury repair services, give us a call at 714-633-2030 or contact us via our online form today.

Ask the Experts: When Is the Best Time To Sell Gold Jewelry?

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If you’ve inherited estate jewelry from a loved one or have unused pieces in your collection, you may be battling whether to hold onto them for sentimentality or sell them for extra cash. You may want to hold onto your gold jewelry for your child to have someday, or you may feel uneasy getting rid of something gifted to you, even if it isn’t your style. 

Customers visit us at Watch & Wares every day to sell jewelry, each with their own story of why they decided now was the right time to sell their gold jewelry pieces. If you have gold antique or estate jewelry in your collection that you’re considering parting with, here is a guide to help you decide the best time to sell your gold jewelry for cash.

When the Spot Price is High

If you’re considering selling gold jewelry, you’ll need to be familiar with the spot price for gold. The spot price is the current market price for gold; it’s how much an ounce of gold can be bought or sold for at any given moment.

Ideally, you’ll want to buy gold jewelry when the spot price is low and sell it when the spot price is high. This is essentially how gold traders and investors make their money. The gold market is fairly volatile, so prices will rise and fall several times in the course of a week. To make the most money, it’s always ideal to hold onto gold for a period of years, but checking the spot price each day or week when you’re in the market to sell will allow you to earn the most cash possible for your gold jewelry.

When You Need Cash

Although it’s always ideal to wait for market prices to rise, sometimes circumstances necessitate selling your gold jewelry right away. At the end of the day, the best time to sell gold jewelry is whenever you need the cash most.

Whether you have debts to pay off or unexpected expenses arise, selling gold jewelry is a quick way to secure extra funds to keep you afloat. Although the gold market can shift rapidly, the short-term changes are minimal, and prices won’t rise significantly in the course of a single year. If you need cash, sell right away rather than waiting for the market to change — it may just decrease and leave you with less cash than you would’ve gotten immediately.

When You Want Something Specific

If you’re looking to purchase something new, selling off your gold jewelry can be an excellent way to generate the funds needed. Whether a big-ticket item like a car, a smaller purchase like a new handbag, or a much-needed vacation, freeing up funds by selling unused items is a quick and easy way to feel more confident about your next purchase.

Some people hold onto jewelry with the idea of building wealth and selling it when the spot price rises. However, the gold market’s volatility can often cost you money in the long run, so it’s generally a better idea to hold onto your gold until you have a better investment opportunity, such as real estate.

When You Don’t Use It

One of the most common reasons why we get customers coming into our store is that they’ve inherited jewelry from a loved one. As times change, so do styles, and the jewelry your parents or grandparents thought was fashionable may not be to your taste now. You may also have older pieces of your own that you no longer wear as trends have changed.

Whether you inherited jewelry that isn’t to your taste or have older pieces you no longer wear, clearing out your jewelry box of items that are collecting dust will help you secure some extra cash while freeing up space in your home. It’ll also allow the jewelry to be passed on to someone who will wear it, appreciate it, and continue its unique story. Even if the market isn’t at its highest, clearing out your home and removing unnecessary clutter can sometimes be more valuable than holding onto something you don’t need to wait for spot prices to rise a few cents.

Whatever your reason or timing, make sure that when you do decide to sell, you choose the best place to sell gold jewelry in Orange County. Watch & Wares has been buying and selling gold for more than twenty years, and we’ve established ourselves as the local experts. Orange residents know that when they visit Watch & Wares, they’re receiving a fair and competitive appraisal offer that directly reflects market prices. In fact, our offers are consistently some of the highest in Orange County, thanks to our team of experienced jewelry experts and certified gemologists. If you are looking for the best place to sell gold jewelry near you, contact Watch & Wares online or give us a call at 714-633-2030 today.