Jewelry holds a special place in our hearts. Whether it’s a family heirloom passed down for generations or a gift from a loved one, each piece has its own sentimental value. That’s why when these treasured pieces get damaged, it can be heartbreaking.

Thankfully, with the help of jewelry repair experts, most damage can be repaired, restoring your beloved accessories to their former glory. If you have fine jewelry pieces in need of repair or restoration, here’s why choosing a reputable professional jewelry repair store matters.

The Importance of Jewelry Repair & Maintenance

Fine jewelry is typically made of delicate materials such as precious metals and gemstones, making it susceptible to damage over time. Daily wear, exposure to chemicals, and accidental damage can all cause visible wear and tear to your pieces. The more you wear your jewelry, the more vulnerable it becomes to issues like scratches, loose gemstones, or damaged clasps.

Unfortunately, neglecting simple repairs for small issues like these will typically lead to more significant — and more expensive — damage down the line. If you want to prolong the lifespan of your jewelry and preserve its value, regular jewelry repair and maintenance is essential. Not only does it prevent further damage but it also keeps your pieces looking their best. Properly maintained and repaired jewelry can be passed down through generations as heirlooms, preserving their sentimental and monetary worth.

Tools & Materials Needed

Repairing jewelry requires specialized tools and materials to ensure that the repairs are done correctly. Since most fine jewelry is comprised of small, fragile, and valuable elements, investing in specialized jewelry repair equipment is imperative for a high-quality repair that will preserve and enhance the value of your pieces.

The three key things most needed for jewelry repair are a jeweler’s toolkit, appropriate cleaning solutions, and replacement parts. Your toolkit should include precise repair tools like pliers, tweezers, and a magnifying glass. A gentle yet effective cleaning solution is also necessary to restore your jewelry’s shine, and multiple solutions may be necessary for different metals and gems. Finally, spare parts may be needed to replace any damaged or missing pieces. For example, you may need to solder a new prong onto a ring setting or replace a missing stone.

How To Repair Common Jewelry Issues

Every piece of jewelry is unique, and, therefore, the repair process will vary depending on the type of jewelry and the damage incurred. However, there are a few general steps that can be followed across the board.

First, it’s important to thoroughly assess the damage and identify the exact issue with your jewelry piece. Then, gather the necessary tools and materials to complete the repair. This can include pliers, glue, replacement clasps, or new stones. Before attempting the repair, clean the jewelry thoroughly to improve visibility and eliminate any dirt or debris that could make the repair more difficult. Then, execute the necessary repair, taking your time and focusing on attention to detail as you deal with the delicate elements of the valuable piece. Finally, assess your repair and ensure that all aspects of the jewelry piece work and are set properly. You can polish the jewelry at the end of your repair process for a final touch.

Why You Need a Professional Jewelry Repair Store

While it may be tempting to try and repair your jewelry at home to save money, this can often cost you more in the long run. Seeking a jewelry repair professional is always the best option, as they have the expertise to handle your pieces with care and precision, repairing them correctly the first time.

A professional jewelry repair store will use high-quality materials in their repairs to ensure that your pieces are durable, beautiful, and high-value. They also have access to materials that may not be readily available to the average person, such as precious metal alloys and loose gemstones.

They’ll also be able to offer insurance and guarantee the quality of their repairs, giving you greater peace of mind. When you attempt jewelry repair yourself, you may do more harm than good to your jewelry, and there’s no fallback if you cause further damage or ruin the piece entirely. With a professional jewelry repair store, not only do you have the reassurance of their years of specialized experience, but they’ll be fully insured to guarantee your financial security in case anything goes wrong.

If you’re searching for the best jewelry repair store in Orange County, Watch & Wares is the premier choice. Our decades of experience make us the jeweler that other jewelers turn to when they need help. Our master jeweler boasts over 40 years of experience in the field of jewelry repair, and we use state-of-the-art tools to repair and restore jewelry pieces to their original state.

To experience the Watch & Wares difference for yourself, give us a call at 714-633-2030 or fill out our online contact form today and get started with a free repair estimate. You can also stop by our jewelry repair store in Orange, CA, Tuesday through Saturday from 10 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. We look forward to working with you!

If you have any estate jewelry sitting around your home and collecting dust, selling it can be a quick and easy way to make some extra money. Maybe you’ve inherited some antique 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 estate 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’re looking for the best place to sell gold jewelry for cash in Orange County, here are a few tips to make selling your estate jewelry a positive and memorable experience.

Make Sure You’re Ready to Sell

Before you jump into the process of selling your estate jewelry, it’s important to ask yourself if you’re truly ready to part ways with your pieces. Many estate jewelry pieces can hold sentimental value and may have been passed down through generations, making it a difficult decision to let them go. Take some time to think about your reasons for selling and make sure you are emotionally prepared to let go.

Additionally, you should have a clear understanding of the purpose of selling your estate jewelry. Are you looking to make some extra cash, or are you interested in investing in new pieces? Knowing your goal will help you determine the best approach and timeline for selling your jewelry. Keep in mind that selling estate jewelry may not be a quick process, so be patient and prepared for a potential waiting period.

Know the Value of Your Jewelry

One of the most crucial aspects of selling your estate jewelry is knowing its true value. The more you know about the jewelry piece and its value, the more confident you’ll be that you’re receiving a fair deal.

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 estate jewelry appraised at a reputable jewelry repair store, often for no cost.

Set Realistic Expectations

Knowing the retail and secondhand price of your estate jewelry is crucial for a fair transaction you can be confident in, but it’s important to also have realistic expectations. It’s unlikely that you will get the full retail or even secondhand resale price for your pieces. Keep in mind that the jeweler or buyer needs to make a profit as well if you aren’t selling directly to a private party.

Have a realistic price range in mind for your estate jewelry, and be open to negotiation. You should also be realistic about the condition of your specific piece, as this can affect its value compared to other, similar jewelry pieces you’ve seen on the market. The value of your jewelry can also vary depending on the market demand and current trends, so be prepared for some fluctuations in price.

Clean Your Jewelry Properly

Before selling your estate jewelry, it can be beneficial to clean and prepare it properly for potential buyers. Not only does this help to showcase its true beauty and increase its secondhand value, but it also shows that you have taken good care of your pieces.

However, cleaning your jewelry improperly can do more harm than good, so it’s essential to use the right techniques and materials. Always avoid using harsh chemicals or abrasive materials on your jewelry, as this can damage the stones and metals, and instead opt for a soft cloth and gentle jewelry cleaner. If you’re unsure about DIY cleaning methods, it’s always best to seek professional help from a jewelry repair expert who specializes in antique and estate jewelry.

Get Multiple Expert Appraisals

When it comes time to sell your estate jewelry, you’ll want to get an appraisal before you commit to selling. To ensure you’re receiving the fairest value possible, it’s always beneficial to get multiple appraisals from different experts. 

Collecting multiple appraisals to compare will give you a better understanding of the true value of your pieces and help you determine the best place to sell. Ultimately, the more information and knowledge you have, the better equipped you will be to make an informed decision on the best place to sell gold jewelry for cash near you.

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 for cash 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.

There can be many reasons why you might be looking for a good place to sell gold jewelry for cash. Maybe you’ve encountered financial hardship and need quick cash to get you to your next paycheck, or maybe you’ve inherited jewelry that isn’t to your taste. 

Whatever your reason for selling your gold jewelry, you may have hesitation about it being the right time to sell. If you’re not sure when to sell your gold jewelry for cash, here are a few tips for determining the best time to part with it.

Keep an Eye on the Current Spot Price

If you don’t need the money immediately and would rather ensure that you get the best value for your gold jewelry possible, keep an eye on the current spot price of 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. Ideally, you’ll want to buy gold jewelry when the spot price is low and sell it when the spot price is high. 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. 

Sell It When You Need Cash

One of the most common reasons for selling gold jewelry is the need for immediate cash. Whether it’s to cover unexpected expenses or hold you over until your next paycheck, selling your gold jewelry can provide you with the necessary funds. Although it’s always ideal to wait for the market to be conducive to selling, at the end of the day, the best time to sell gold jewelry is when you need the money most.

Keep in mind that 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.

Work Toward Your Goals

In addition to providing emergency funds, selling gold jewelry can also provide you with the necessary funds to achieve your long-term financial goals. Whether it’s to save for a down payment on a house, start a new business venture, or fund your retirement, selling your gold jewelry at the right time can help you reach those larger aspirations.

If your goals aren’t acutely time-dependent, you can wait to monitor the spot price of gold and sell when the value is highest. However, this can take several years, and a high return on investment isn’t guaranteed, so it’s sometimes better to liquidate your physical assets like jewelry and invest the cash instead.

Get Rid of Clutter

Many of us have a tendency to hold onto things for sentimental reasons, even if we no longer wear or use them. This is especially true when it comes to jewelry, which can often hold emotional value and memories. However, keeping unused or unwanted gold jewelry can not only take up space in your home but also prevent you from making a profit from it.

Selling your gold jewelry not only helps you declutter your collection, but it also provides you with the opportunity to turn it into cash. 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 30 years, and we’ve established ourselves as the local experts. Orange County 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 the area, 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.

Jewelry holds a special place in our hearts. Whether it’s a family heirloom passed down for generations or a gift from a loved one, each piece has its own sentimental value. That’s why when these treasured pieces get damaged, it can be heartbreaking.

Thankfully, with the help of jewelry repair experts, most damage can be repaired, restoring your beloved accessories to their former glory. Here are four of the most common jewelry repair services and how they can bring your treasured pieces back to life.

Ring Resizing Services

One of the most common reasons for seeking jewelry repair is ring resizing. Whether it’s because the ring is too tight or too loose, resizing can make all the difference in the comfort and wearability of your ring.

At Watch & Wares, we understand that each ring is unique, and resizing requires careful attention to preserve its design and structure. Our team of experienced jewelers uses specialized tools and techniques to resize your ring without compromising its quality.

They begin by determining the correct size of the ring. This can be done by measuring your finger or referencing an existing ring that fits comfortably. Our jewelers will then carefully cut the ring’s shank and add or remove the necessary metal to achieve the desired size. The ring is then soldered back together, and any visible seams are smoothed out to ensure the ring looks seamless. Before returning the ring to you, our jewelers will polish and clean it to restore its shine and ensure it looks better than ever.

Cracked Band Repair

Another common issue with rings is a cracked band. This can be caused by daily wear and tear, such as working out or swimming, or it can be caused by one-time accidental damage. Regardless of the cause, however, a cracked band is essential to repair. Even if it isn’t cracked all the way through, a small crack will weaken your ring’s structure, making it more susceptible to further damage.

If you bring your cracked band to our jewelry repair store, our team will begin by carefully reshaping the ring back to a perfect circle. They will then solder the two parts of the ring back together, much like the ring resizing process. In some cases, the affected area may need to be cut out and replaced with new metal. In this instance, our team will work meticulously to ensure the new band matches the rest of the ring, leaving no visible signs of jewelry repair.

Prong Repair

Prongs are small, metal claw-like structures that hold gemstones securely in place in jewelry. Over time, they can become worn out or bent, causing the gemstone to loosen or even fall out. If you notice a loose gemstone in your ring, earring, or necklace, it’s important to visit a jewelry repair store immediately to avoid losing the stone.

If your prongs are simply bent out of place, we may be able to fix the issue by simply bending them back to their correct position. However, if the prongs are too worn out or damaged, they may need to be rebuilt. In this case, we will either replace the entire head of your piece or repair the individual prongs by soldering more metal to them. Regardless of the method, you can rest assured that your gemstones will be held securely in place after your jewelry repair.

Loose Gemstone Repair

Loose gemstones are one of the most stressful types of jewelry damage, as gemstones are often the most expensive and most valued part of your accessory. If you notice a loose gemstone, or if your gemstone falls out of your jewelry entirely, store it safely until you can get to a jewelry repair store.

At Watch & Wares, we will inspect the jewelry to determine whether the cause is a misshapen or missing prong, a prong with a missing tip, or damage to the gemstone itself. Whatever the cause, Watch & Wares has master jewelers and expert gemologists on staff who can repair your gemstone and ensure it is securely set in place once again.

If you’re searching for the best jewelry repair store in Orange County, Watch & Wares is the premier choice. Our decades of experience make us the jeweler that other jewelers turn to when they need help. Our master jeweler boasts over 40 years of experience in the field of jewelry repair, and we use state-of-the-art tools to repair and restore jewelry pieces to their original state.

To experience the Watch & Wares difference for yourself, give us a call at 714-633-2030 or fill out our online contact form today and get started with a free repair estimate. You can also stop by our jewelry repair store in Orange, CA, Tuesday through Saturday from 10 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. We look forward to working with you!

If you’re seeking to sell luxury items, whether to make extra cash or simply declutter your jewelry box, it’s important to have a basic understanding of essential jewelry terms. Knowing the terminology surrounding your accessories can help you present them accurately to potential buyers and know the fair value of your luxury items. If you’re ready to sell luxury items but want to ensure you get the best price possible, make sure you know these essential jewelry terms.

Important Ring Terminology

Whether you’re shopping for an engagement ring or want to sell an inherited piece, there are a few key terms you should know before buying or selling. Of course, most people are familiar with the stone — most commonly a diamond — but fewer are aware of the setting and the band. The setting is where the diamond or other gemstone is mounted. There are several different types of settings to choose from, including a prong setting, a bezel setting, and a pave setting.

The other major aspect of any ring is the band. The band is the circular part of the ring that goes around the finger. The simplest rings, such as wedding rings, contain only the band and no setting or stone. Bands can be made of various metals, including gold, platinum, silver, and titanium.

Must-Know Rolex Watch Terminology

Since watches are one of the most technical and mechanical pieces of jewelry available, there is a wide array of terminology involved in buying or selling a designer timepiece. Many people dedicate their entire lives to collecting and learning about watches, but for those who are just starting to delve into this realm, there are a few key terms that can help.

Firstly, there is terminology that specifically refers to the watch’s movement, or how the timepiece is powered and keeps time. Quartz watches are battery-operated and require no winding, while mechanical watches rely on the winding of a spring to keep time. Within mechanical watches, there are two types of movements: automatic and manual. Automatic mechanical watches are powered by the natural movement of your wrist, while manual mechanical watches need to be wound by hand.

Beyond keeping time, many watches also have additional features that can range from a simple date display to more advanced functions such as a moon phase indicator, world time display, or chronograph (a form of extremely accurate stopwatch). There are even watches with both analog and digital displays, known as ani-digi watches.

How to Talk About Diamonds

When it comes to diamonds, the most important terms to know are the four C’s. These are cut, color, clarity, and carat. 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.

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.

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).

Finally, 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.

What To Know About Gold

When selling gold jewelry near you, there are two main terms you’ll need to know: karats and color. Whereas diamond carats refer to the weight or the size of the stone, gold karats refer to the metal’s purity. 24-karat gold is the purest form of gold and, as a result, the most expensive. However, since it’s the most malleable, it isn’t used as frequently to create jewelry pieces. As the number of karats gets lower, this indicates a lower purity level and a lower price. By knowing the purity of your gold jewelry, you can calculate its raw value based on the current gold spot price.

Another important set of terms to know is the various colors of gold. Of course, there is traditional gold. However, since most gold contains other metals, gold jewelry can come in a range of hues. White gold, for example, is typically gold mixed with nickel. This type of gold appears silver, making it a popular choice for contemporary styles. Gold mixed with copper creates rose gold, which has a distinct pinkish hue that has gained rapid popularity over the past few years.

Whether you have a diamond ring or a gold Rolex watch, knowing the terminology surrounding your unique piece will help ensure you get the best price possible when you sell luxury items. If you’d like to determine the value of your fine jewelry or sell luxury items in Orange County, trust the experts at Watch & Wares. We have curated a team of expert jewelry appraisers and gemologists with decades of experience working with some of the biggest names in the luxury accessories industry. 

With over 30 years of business under our belts, Watch & Wares is a name you can trust for jewelry and Rolex watch appraisals. To find out more about what makes us the best jewelry and loan store in Orange County, or to receive a free appraisal, give us a call at 714-633-2030 or fill out our online contact form today. We look forward to working with you!