Top 4 Benefits of Using Your Jewelry as Loan Collateral

If you’ve recently been laid off or have run into some unexpected bills that you can’t afford to cover without assistance, collateral loans can be a saving grace. Their structure allows you to get the cash you need quickly without a lengthy vetting process or having to part with items you treasure. Jewelry collateral loans give you the best of both worlds — keep your luxury goods and still get the money you need — which is why they’re a popular choice for residents throughout Orange County. If you need a loan, here are a few key reasons why using your jewelry as collateral may be the best choice.

1. No effect on credit history

The number one concern for most people in need of financial assistance is the negative effect it will have on their credit score. With a collateral loan, there’s no effect on your credit whatsoever, regardless of whether you pay back the loan or not. If you fail to pay back your loan within the time allotted, we merely keep your jewelry collateral as repayment for the loan. This means no longstanding debt, continuing interest, or harmful credit effects. 

2. No financial information is required

Similarly, good credit isn’t required to qualify for a collateral loan. When you apply for a traditional loan through your bank or other financial institution, there will likely be a lengthy vetting process that requires you to submit several financial documents showing that you’re in good financial standing. Not only is this inconvenient and time-consuming, but you’re also at risk of being rejected for the loan you need if you have bad credit or no credit. With a jewelry collateral loan from Watch & Wares, no financial information is required. We don’t run a credit check, and your credit history doesn’t matter. If you have fine jewelry, then you automatically qualify for a collateral loan equaling the appraised amount of your luxury goods.

3. Lower interest rates

One of the most significant benefits of a jewelry collateral loan is the low-interest rates compared to traditional lending. Since collateral loans are less risky than unsecured loans, they often have a much lower APR. This can drastically reduce the total amount owed, making it easier for you to pay off the full loan amount within the designated time frame. At Watch & Wares, all of our collateral loan interest rates are state-regulated so you don’t have to worry about unfair or inflated rates. 

4. Generous loan terms

Watch & Wares is proud to offer generous collateral loan terms that maximize your chances of repaying your loan successfully and redeeming your gold or diamond jewelry. All of our loans are four-month terms with a ten-day grace period. If you need more than the provided four months to repay your loan, you can renew the collateral loan by paying back the full interest owed. If you fail to pay back your loan in full or renew it in the time given, we will keep your collateral as repayment. Our loan terms were created to help you repay the loan and keep your valuable jewelry, but collateral loans are the ideal option even in the worst-case scenario of failing to repay.

If you have valuable gold or diamond jewelry and you need some extra cash, visit Watch & Wares in Tustin. Our jewelry collateral loans are secured and trustworthy, with state-regulated interest rates and consistently 5-star customer service. We’ve been Orange County’s most trusted gold and jewelry buyers for more than 30 years. To schedule a jewelry collateral loan appointment and receive a free appraisal, give us a call today at (714) 731-9600.

Understanding the Six C’s of Diamond Buying

Diamonds are one of the most sought-after materials in the world. As their value continues to rise, more and more people are choosing to buy and sell their fine diamond jewelry to get in on the action. But, how do you know what your diamond is really worth? Whether you’re buying diamond jewelry as a gift or seeking a collateral diamond loan for cash, understanding the six C’s of diamond buying will help you make sure you’re getting the fairest value possible.

1. Cut

The cut of the diamond refers to its shape. More specifically, it refers to the way that the stone reflects the light. Examples of common cuts are round, oval, princess, and pear. The cut plays a part in determining the value of the stone because some cuts are rarer and more desirable than others. The most popular cut is the round brilliant since its 360-degree symmetry maximizes light refraction and offers unparalleled sparkle.

2. Color

Another factor in a diamond’s value is its color — or lack thereof. The less color that a diamond has, the more valuable it is. The GIA grading scale from D to G evaluates the amount of color that a diamond possesses, with D representing colorless diamonds and G representing yellow, brown, and other uniquely colored diamonds. Color is the second biggest determination of a stone’s value, after its cut.

3. Clarity

The clarity of a diamond refers to the diamond’s lack of imperfections or inclusions. Inclusions are created when crystals fall into the stone while it’s being formed, affecting the structure of the diamond. The fewer imperfections or inclusions a diamond has, the more valuable it is. Diamond clarity is graded on a 6-point scale ranging from Flawless (FL) to Included (I).

4. Carat

One of the most common terms associated with diamonds is the carat. This refers to the weight of the diamond (and often, as a result, the size of the diamond). The more a diamond weighs, the more expensive it is. When added to all the other ‘C’ factors, carat is an important part of determining a stone’s approximate value.

5. Certificate

This less-common ‘C’ refers to a GIA Certificate. This is the most recognized and respected diamond grading certificate in the jewelry industry, and it’s a necessary part of any jewelry purchase. Before you buy or sell diamond jewelry, make sure it’s graded by a GIA gemologist and obtain a certificate that verifies the quality and value of your diamond. If your jeweler won’t provide you with a certificate before you purchase, find another diamond seller that will.

6. Collateral Loan

When purchasing diamond jewelry, it’s wise to think past its cut and color and also consider how it can work for you for years to come. If you’re ever in need of fast cash — whether for medical bills, rent, or just some extra spending money — you can commoditize your diamond jewelry and use it for a collateral loan. 

At Watch & Wares, we provide collateral loans on diamonds, offering some of the highest loan values in the Orange County area. Our expert appraisers will use the traditional 4 C’s to appraise the value of your piece, and a GIA certificate could help further increase the loan value you receive. If you are looking for the best place to sell jewelry in Orange County or have your diamond jewelry appraised, give us a call at (714) 633-2030 or stop by at one of our locations today.

Reasons to Sell Your Gold Jewelry

Since ancient times, and even up until the last few decades, gold has been seen as a symbol of status and wealth. Selling gold jewelry meant your family had fallen on hard times, and there was a certain stigma of shame surrounding it. Today, however, gold jewelry is extremely common and owned by virtually everyone at some point in their lives. With this, selling jewelry has become similarly common, offering a way for you to exchange that outdated family brooch for same-day cash you can put to beneficial use. If you have gold jewelry at home collecting dust, here are just a few reasons why you should start Googling “where to sell jewelry near me”.

Get cash when you need it

There’s no shame in needing cash. Whether you have unforeseen home repairs to pay for or sky-high medical expenses your insurance won’t cover, you can get quick cash for whatever you need it for by selling your gold and diamond jewelry. Don’t take out a loan with staggering interest rates or get buried in crippling credit card debt. Selling your gold jewelry for cash gives you the money you need without becoming beholden to anyone or going even further into debt. 

Get rid of clutter

Have you discovered a pile of unused jewelry during your spring cleaning? We’re all guilty of allowing our jewelry to collect dust, especially as the professional landscape has changed over the past year. If you have gold jewelry you no longer wear, it can be put to better use by selling them to a gold and jewelry buyer such as Watch & Wares. You can enjoy a clean, organized closet once again and have cash in your pocket for something you’ll wear more. Additionally, your sold jewelry will get a second life, as it’s available to be purchased by someone who will appreciate it to its fullest and wear it more frequently. Get rid of excess clutter and get cash fast by making the decision to sell jewelry at Watch & Wares.

Take advantage of precious metal price increases

The price of gold has increased exponentially within the past two decades alone. In 2001, the value of gold was around $279 per troy ounce. Today, it’s worth more than $1,800. This increased value is also true for other precious metals such as palladium and silver. If you have gold jewelry sitting around at home, you could be missing out on hundreds or thousands of dollars. Jewelry you or a loved one purchased in the 20th century has likely increased in value tenfold, so you can secure a great return on investment by choosing to sell your gold jewelry today.

Quick & easy selling process

One of the historic challenges of selling jewelry is finding places to sell gold jewelry that are reputable and trustworthy. Luckily, there are many more options for selling jewelry today than ever before, and you no longer need to visit a sketchy pawn shop or untrustworthy individual to complete a transaction. If you’re wondering where to sell jewelry in your area, Watch & Wares is a perfect choice. We make the selling process comfortable and hassle-free with our boutiques in Orange and Tustin, staffed by experienced professionals with years of knowledge in the gold jewelry industry. We always have a GIA gemologist on staff for appraisals, and we regularly offer higher values than any other store in the area.

If you want to sell your gold jewelry for cash, Watch & Wares is Orange County’s premier choice. We’ve maintained a 5-star rating over our 30 years in business because we always prioritize integrity and transparency. Our top priority is always ensuring a comfortable appraisal experience for our customers, so they are ensured to be happy with their decision to sell. To schedule an appointment for an appraisal or to find out more about Watch & Wares, give us a call today at (714) 633-2030.

A Brief History of Gold Jewelry

Gold goes back almost as far as civilization itself. It has been held as a symbol of luxury for thousands of years, transformed into jewelry, armor, coins, and countless other objects. Its enduring place in history is what ensures that gold jewelry never goes out of style and remains a fairly consistent investment that can be resold for some amount of value no matter how old it is or what form it’s been made into. If you’re looking to sell jewelry in Orange County, Watch & Wares offers some of the best value in the area for your gold jewelry pieces. However, before getting your jewelry appraised by anyone, it’s always best to know its true value for yourself.

The Origin of Gold Jewelry

Throughout history, gold jewelry has been revered for its rarity and beauty. The first signs of gold jewelry emerged more than 6,000 years ago among ancient cultures such as Meso-America, Mesopotamia, Ancient China, Ancient Egypt, Ancient India, and Ancient Greece and Rome. In all of these cultures, gold jewelry was worn by the noble, the royal, or the rich. It was a nearly-universal status of importance and wealth, making it coveted and beloved for millennia. 

The Modern Gold Jewelry Industry

This symbol of luxury has endured until today, even after gold jewelry has become much more widely accessible to the public. Today, the vast majority of people own at least one piece of gold jewelry. One of the reasons that modern gold jewelry has become less rarified is because it is now mixed with other elements. While ancient civilizations utilized gold in its pure form, resulting in exclusively yellow gold jewelry, today’s jewelers mix gold with other metals and alloys to create more diverse and unique results. White gold, for example, is gold with the absence of copper. Rose gold, by contrast, is created by increasing the amount of copper present. Modern gold jewelry has varying amounts of true gold in it, resulting in the creation of the Karat.

The Meaning of Karat

If you take your estate jewelry to a jewelry & pawn shop to sell it, one of the first things they’ll do is assess the Karat. Karat is the measurement of the purity of gold, with 24 Karat being 100 percent pure gold. Very little jewelry is now made with 24 Karat gold since pure gold is too soft to hold its shape, so you’re more likely to find 18, 14, or 10 Karat gold. Each Karat represents 1/24 of the whole, so if your gold estate jewelry is 18/24 metal, then it is 18 Karat gold. Generally, the higher the Karat, the more valuable the jewelry. 

If you’re looking to sell jewelry near you but don’t know where to start, the friendly team at Watch & Wares is here to help. We offer convenient and transparent appraisals, during which we’ll also assess the market value of your item. Our offers are consistently some of the highest in Orange County, but we never pressure you to sell. If you are looking for the best place to sell gold jewelry in Orange County, contact Watch & Wares today. We are one of the top-rated gold and jewelry buyers in the area, and we have been for decades. 

Tips for Packing and Shipping Your Fine Jewelry

Maybe you have the experience of mailing packages to people in the past, but shipping your fine jewelry in the mail is a completely different experience. Sending an item of value in the mail can sometimes be a stressful experience due to fear of the package being damaged or lost in transit. In order to best protect your fine jewelry, follow these easy tips for securely packing and shipping your precious jewelry pieces.

1. Pack it tightly and in layers

You want your diamond jewelry to get at its destination unscathed, so take extra care when packaging up the valuable pieces you’re sending. Use multiple layers to protect the piece in case of damage in transit. Place the jewelry inside of a box or envelope that is then placed inside of a larger box or envelope. Since the outer box can sometimes become ripped or otherwise damaged while it’s with the courier, an extra box will help ensure that the jewelry itself is never exposed, lost, or damaged. Be sure to wrap the jewelry tightly and securely so it can’t move around in transit. Use bubble wrap, tissue paper, or other void fill to keep the jewelry from moving around inside its box or envelope. This will help prevent tangling as well as possible damage.

2. Disguise your package

Clearly signaling that your package contains jewelry will instantly make it a target for thieves. Don’t give any indication of the valuables inside, but rather send it in an unmarked brown box with no contents listed on the exterior anywhere. If you make it obvious that there are valuable items within your package, it may go missing before it reaches its destination.

3. Insure your package

Insuring your jewelry is one of the most important things you should do when shipping valuables. In case anything does go wrong during transit, the insurance company will reimburse you for the value of the pieces lost. Most shipping insurance services protect senders against lost, stolen, or damaged packages. 

4. Don’t use a drop box

When mailing something as valuable as jewelry, don’t merely drop your package into a drop box. Not only will this damage the items from the fall, but it also will not provide you a receipt to prove you have mailed the item in case it’s lost in transit. Always hand your package directly to the courier or USPS agent and ask for a receipt with a tracking number to confirm dropoff. 

5. Request a signature on delivery

One of the ways that you can make sure your jewelry was delivered to the right person is by requesting a delivery signature. For a small additional fee, the courier will require a signature upon delivery, or they won’t leave the package. This can help avoid porch pirates as well as miscommunications. If the package does end up in the wrong hands, you’ll have proof that it wasn’t signed for by the recipient, and you’ll be reimbursed for the value of your package if your package is fully insured.

If you’re looking to sell jewelry for cash, there’s no better choice than Watch & Wares. We’re located in the heart of Orange County, California, so you can visit us in-store to have your items appraised in a fast and convenient manner. Our free and convenient estimates for jewelry and other luxury items are always performed by industry experts, and we even have a GIA gemologist on staff who ensures the fair value of all diamond jewelry. To schedule a jewelry appraisal with the experts at Watch & Wares, give us a call at (714) 633-2030 today.

Tips for Selling Antique or Estate Jewelry

When it comes to selling antique or estate jewelry, many people have questions about what the first steps are. 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 antique 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 where to start, follow these tips for a hassle-free selling experience that will earn you the most money for your items.

Gather Relevant Information

Once you’ve made the decision that now is the right time to sell your antique jewelry, you’ll need to decide where you want to sell it and how to have it appraised. When taking your item to get appraised, see if you can find the original receipt or any sales papers that accompany the piece. Any original packaging would also be helpful and may increase the final price, especially in the case of fine jewelry with a brand name such as Tiffany & Co. or Cartier. 

Look for Qualified Gemologists

Almost anyone can claim to be an appraiser since there are no state or federal licensing requirements to appraise jewelry. To ensure that your pieces are being thoroughly and properly assessed for a fair price, make sure that you’re trusting your piece of fine jewelry to a buyer with qualified gemologists on staff. Verify that they’re accredited by organizations such as the Gemological Institute of America, the Accredited Gemologists Association, or the American Gem Society. At Watch & Wares, we have a GIA gemologist on our staff at all times to ensure that every piece we handle is assessed properly and assigned a fair value.

Find Reliable Gold and Jewelry Buyers

Research the best places to sell gold jewelry near you, and pay attention to third-party reviews online to ensure that you’re visiting a reputable gold and jewelry buyer. At Watch & Wares, our team has maintained a reliable 5-star rating during our years in business by providing a luxury buying and selling experience to all of our clients. We treat every transaction with the utmost discretion, and we consistently offer some of the highest prices in the area for gold and diamond jewelry.

Whether you’re parting with a beloved family heirloom during hard times or simply selling an inherited collection that isn’t your taste, we’ll ensure that your jewelry selling experience is a pleasant and hassle-free one. Watch & Wares prides itself on providing all visitors with a comfortable in-store experience that will leave you confident in your decision to buy or sell. If you’re ready to sell your antique jewelry today, give us a call at (714) 633-2030 and we’d be happy to schedule an appraisal for you at your earliest convenience.

Choosing the Right Time to Sell Antique or Estate Jewelry

If you’ve inherited antique or estate jewelry from a loved one, you may be battling whether to hold onto the piece for sentimentality or sell it for extra cash. You may also want to hold onto it 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 fine jewelry pieces and why they chose Watch & Wares. If you have antique or estate jewelry in your collection that you’re thinking about parting with, here is a guide to help you decide when to sell your antique or estate jewelry.

Inherited Jewelry

One of the most common reasons why we get customers coming into our shop is that they’ve inherited jewelry from a deceased relative. Inherited jewelry is some of the trickiest timing for our customers to navigate since the pieces are associated with a loved one, and many people feel the timing needs to be right in order to avoid any social faux pas or guilty feelings. We often get clients who feel guilty for parting with estate jewelry, even if they have no memories attached to it, but it’s a very common occurrence and nothing to feel bad about. If you’ve inherited fine jewelry that isn’t to your taste and you truly have no use for your estate jewelry, bring it into Watch & Wares for an appraisal. Our quotes are always no-obligation, so you’re under no pressure to sell if you decide it isn’t the right time yet. We strive to provide a comfortable experience above all else.

Differing Styles

As times change, so do styles, and the jewelry that our grandparents wore isn’t always to our taste now. If you’ve inherited estate jewelry that you have no sentimental attachment to, you can look for the best place to sell gold jewelry near you and bring it in for an appraisal. Watch & Wares accepts jewelry from all time periods, including the Victorian, Edwardian, Art Nouveau, Art Deco, mid-century retro modern, and contemporary periods. No matter how old your antique jewelry is, we accept all styles of fine jewelry that you’re looking to part with.

Financial Hardship 

Another common reason for clients to sell their antique jewelry is if they’ve fallen on financial hardship. Sometimes the need for extra cash outweighs any sentimental value you may have with a piece, and you may need to sell jewelry to make ends meet. Whether you’re short on rent this month or simply want some extra spending money, you can sell diamond jewelry for top dollar at Watch & Wares. If you need money but your antique jewelry piece holds great sentimental value to you, we also offer collateral loan services. Give us a call today to inquire about our appraisal and loan processes.

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. If you’re ready to sell your jewelry to a reliable and transparent jewelry buyer near you, contact Watch & Wares today. Give us a call at (714) 633-2030, and we’ll be happy to schedule an appointment at your earliest convenience.

The Difference Between Estate, Antique, and Vintage Jewelry

If you have a family heirloom or pre-owned piece of jewelry, you’ve likely called it vintage, antique, or even estate jewelry. It’s a very common misconception that these three terms are interchangeable, but the truth is that they each have a distinct meaning that, in some cases, makes them mutually exclusive. If you’re looking to sell jewelry from your precious collection, it’s important to know the accurate terminology for your pieces so that you can earn the most money for them and ensure you’re receiving fair market value.

Estate Jewelry

Estate jewelry is jewelry that has had a previous owner. In other words, it was previously part of someone’s estate. While terms like “estate sale” can cause people to believe that estate jewelry is associated with a previous owner who’s passed away, this isn’t always the case. Estate jewelry is still estate jewelry even if the previous owner is alive. It also doesn’t need to have any indication of the age of the jewelry. Unlike the other two terms discussed later, there’s no age minimum for something to qualify as estate jewelry. If it’s been previously owned, it’s estate jewelry.

Antique Jewelry

The most common confusion we see is between the terms antique and vintage. Both indicate the age of a piece, but the phrases never overlap. A piece of jewelry is considered antique if it is more than 100 years old. Antique jewelry is usually prized for its superior craftsmanship compared to modern jewelry, but the age of the piece makes it difficult to be practically worn. Oftentimes, antique jewelry will need to be simply displayed, or perhaps worn only on special occasions, due to its high value and fragility.

Vintage Jewelry

Vintage jewelry predates antique jewelry; it is jewelry that is 50 to 100 years old. Since it is not as fragile or as valuable as antique jewelry, it can be worn on a day-to-day basis with relative ease. Vintage jewelry is often easy to style, as previous decades’ fashion trends come back into modern popularity. If you want to add a unique flair to a modern trend, try pairing your outfit with a vintage jewelry piece from Watch & Wares.

Vintage, antique, and estate jewelry are all uniquely beautiful pieces that add interest and value to anyone’s collection. In addition to monetary value, pieces with this age and history can have priceless sentimental value that makes them difficult to sell. If you need cash but don’t want to permanently part with your beloved estate, antique, or vintage jewelry, opt for a collateral loan through Watch & Wares. You can use your luxury items as collateral, and we’ll watch after them until you repay the full value of the loan. All Watch & Wares collateral loans have four-month terms with a generous 10-day grace period, and you can always extend the loan as needed by paying off the interest owed. If you’re looking to buy, sell, or loan your estate jewelry or other luxury goods, contact Watch & Wares today at (714) 633-2030 to schedule an appointment. A friendly and knowledgeable member of our staff would be happy to provide you with a free appraisal.

The 5 Best Diamond Cuts to Buy or Sell

If you’ve ever purchased diamond jewelry, you’ve likely heard of “the four Cs”. These four Cs—carat, clarity, cut, and color—are the biggest factors in a diamond’s value. While shopping for diamond jewelry, you’ll likely choose a piece based solely on your personal tastes and what catches your eye rather than thinking about technical specifications. However, if you’re trying to buy diamond jewelry for somebody else or sell diamond jewelry you already own, it’s valuable to know as much information as possible about the different diamond cuts and shapes.

1. Round Cut Diamond

Round diamonds are one of the most sought-after shapes on the market, especially for engagement rings. The 360-degree symmetry of a round diamond maximizes light refraction and offers unparalleled brilliance that attracts customers with every budget. If you’re seeking a timeless shape guaranteed to stun any recipient, the round cut is a classic that never goes out of style.

2. Princess Cut Diamond

The princess cut was originally introduced in 1971—then called the Barion cut—and has since skyrocketed in popularity. With 90-degree corners that create a square or rectangular silhouette, the princess cut is a modern style beloved by contemporary brides and those with an edgier style. Princess cuts offer similar brilliance to the timeless round cut, but they often come with a much lower price tag thanks to the efficient manufacturing process. 

3. Cushion-Cut Diamond

The cushion-cut diamond, also referred to as the pillow-cut diamond, has a similar appearance to the square princess cut, but with more rounded edges. The softened corners of this style make it a preferred choice for those seeking a more antique feel. In fact, the cushion cut has been around for more than 200 years, so antique rings of this style are fairly commonplace. The cushion-cut diamond has less brilliance than the round or princess cut, but the posh and timeless appearance helps it remain a highly sought-after style. 

4. Oval Diamond

The oval diamond is a combination of the round cut diamond and marquise diamond. The elongated shape helps the stone to look substantially larger than other shapes with the same carat weight, increasing the perceived value without breaking the bank. It also helps the wearer appear as if they have longer fingers, adding elegance and grace. Oval-shaped diamonds are also ideal for those with active lifestyles, as there are no pointed edges to worry about snagging or chipping. 

5. Emerald-Cut Diamond

Emerald-cut diamonds are perfect for those seeking the utmost in glitz and glamour. The contemporary, rectangular shape is further enhanced with step-like, parallel facets which leave an open table in the center that shows off the stone’s color and clarity. Similar to the oval diamond, the emerald cut’s elongated shape helps it appear larger than other gemstones with the same carat weight. If you want an Art Deco style that ties together old Hollywood glamour with contemporary style, the emerald-cut diamond is a perfect choice.

If you need money to buy your loved one the perfect diamond ring, or if you have diamond jewelry that you can’t stand to sell, Watch & Wares offers a collateral loan program that allows you to use your gold and diamond jewelry as collateral. With a collateral loan, you never need a credit check, and your credit won’t be affected if you fail to repay the loan. It’s a quick, easy, and secure way to get the cash you need fast without having to permanently part with your beloved diamond jewelry. To find out more about buying, selling, or loaning your luxury items, give Watch & Wares a call today at (714) 633-2030. 

How to Get the Best Price for Your Rolex Watch

There are many reasons why someone may want to sell or loan their Rolex watch. Maybe you want to make room in your collection for your holy grail watch, or maybe you want to upgrade the model. Maybe you’re in need of emergency cash, and your Rolex is a high-value asset. Whatever the reason, whether selling or loaning, there’s one thing that’s certain: you want to get the most money you can out of your Rolex. If you’re looking to get a Rolex loan and need to maximize the value of your item, here are a few tips for getting the best price possible.

Clean it thoroughly

The quickest and easiest way to increase the value of your Rolex when getting a collateral loan is to clean it. Bringing in a worn, dirty Rolex will instantly decrease its appraisal value, even if it’s in good working condition. When it comes to luxury items, it’s about more than just its functionality. Appearances are crucial to perceived value, which is why cleaning your Rolex will make it look newer and, therefore, higher in value. It will also show the buyer that you have cared for it well over its lifetime, so it’s likely to be in good operating condition. If you’re visiting a pawn shop for a watch or jewelry estimate, cleaning the item is a crucial step you need to take prior to your appointment.

Replace the band

If you’ve owned your Rolex for a long time and the band has begun to show signs of wear, it may be worthwhile to replace the band altogether before having it appraised. The band can degrade over time due to constant contact with your skin, so replacing the band can increase the value of the watch. This may not be possible if you’re looking for a Rolex loan and are in need of cash, but those seeking to sell luxury items are well-advised to take this extra step if necessary.

Find all original packaging

Of course, the bulk of a Rolex’s value lies in the Rolex watch itself. However, the packaging and fanfare that accompany it are parts of the luxury value as well. Having any original packaging such as the box or paperwork will increase the value of your item since the pawn shop will be able to prove to the next buyer that the item is authentic. You’ll still be able to sell the watch or receive a collateral loan without these items, but you likely won’t receive as high of an offer as a comparable item with its original packaging and proof of authenticity.

Do your research

There are many disreputable pawn shops that will offer you a value significantly under the true worth of your item. The best way to ensure that you receive a fair market value is to do thorough research beforehand. Look up the current retail price of your Rolex model, if it’s still being sold, and find how much secondhand models are being sold for. Having a ballpark idea of what you’re going to be offered will help you to avoid extremely low offers that are attempting to rip you off. It’s also a good idea to do research on the pawn shop that you’re planning to visit for your collateral loan appraisal. Look into their history and third-party reviews to verify that they’re a trustworthy and reputable source.

Watch & Wares has proudly served Orange County residents for more than 30 years, with consistently 5-star reviews to reflect our outstanding customer service and our commitment to excellence. If you’d like to sell luxury items or take out a collateral loan, we’re the premier choice in Southern California. Give us a call at (714) 731-9600 to inquire about a collateral loan appraisal or a jewelry estimate today. Our Tustin location can help you get the cash you need fast with some of the most competitive offers in the area.