If you’re ready to part with some of your luxury items and want to find a good place to sell gold, you may just begin Googling phrases like “where to sell jewelry near me” or “places to sell gold jewelry near me.” While this is a common starting point in the selling and loan journey, resist the temptation to simply choose the first Orange, CA, pawnshop you come across. Instead, you should educate yourself on how jewelry and loan stores price their items so you can collect appraisals, determine whether your offers are a fair value, and make the best decision for you.

1. Condition

When you sell luxury items — whether it’s a Rolex watch, fine jewelry, designer handbag, or antique art — one of the most significant influencing factors in your appraised value will be the item’s condition. Any scratches, flaws, damage, and wear will be taken into consideration and will almost certainly lower the value. When looking to purchase, buyers understandably want an item in the best condition possible. If the condition of the item is fair or poor, this will be reflected in the lower price. In some cases, even the best jewelry and loan store may not extend an offer to purchase at all.

2. Market Value

When making a jewelry estimate, the appraiser will consult the current market rate for the jewelry’s materials. Any luxury items that include gold, silver, or other precious metals will have some value, although that may only be the value of the raw materials themselves. The same can be said for stones such as diamonds, rubies, sapphires, or emeralds. Condition, brand, age, and rarity can also all have an effect on the price — for better or for worse — but you can be confident that any jewelry with precious metals or stones will at least be worth its current market value. Before receiving your jewelry estimate, look up the current market price of gold or whichever metal your jewelry contains to form an idea of what you’ll be offered.

3. Interest & Relevance

Timing is everything, and how desirable your gold jewelry is will affect your jewelry estimate. If your item is in demand and extremely rare, you can expect to receive more for it — potentially even more than you originally paid for it. However, if the item will likely be difficult to sell, then your offer can be lower than you’re hoping for. The jewelry and loan store will need to consider how quickly it will sell and how long it will take up real estate in their shop. For example, if you’re trying to sell snow boots in Orange, CA, you’ll likely receive less than if you tried to sell them in Minnesota. Without adequate demand, prices will inevitably be lower.

4. Resale Price

Not only will the store consider how long the item will take to sell, but they’ll also estimate how much the item will sell for. Any jewelry and loan store will have to offer you an amount less than they think they can sell it for. Ultimately, they are a business and have to leave room for profit to cover their operating costs. However, some jewelry and loan stores will take a bigger profit margin than others. This is why you should always receive a jewelry estimate from several stores and compare them to discern the best value.

At Watch & Wares, we’re proud to offer some of the most competitive rates in Orange, CA, and all of Orange County. We have a staff of expert appraisers and certified gemologists to ensure that you’re receiving the fairest value possible for your luxury goods every time. We also offer collateral loans that come with generous four-month loan terms and state-regulated interest rates. Whether you want to sell luxury items or loan on diamond jewelry, we’re Orange County’s most trusted source. To schedule an appraisal appointment and receive a jewelry estimate, give us a call at (714) 633-2030 or fill out our online contact form today.

It’s inevitable that your watch will need repairs at some point in its life, and many people find it tempting to try and perform the repairs themselves to reduce costs. However, choosing the DIY route when you don’t have professional watch repair experience will most likely just cost you more in the long run than bringing it into a professional. If you need more convincing, here are just a few of the reasons why you shouldn’t DIY your watch repair and should start Googling “professional watch repair near me” instead.

1. You Need Specialized Equipment

The interior of any watch — but especially luxury timepieces such as a Rolex watch — is incredibly intricate and made of small, delicate pieces that are put together with remarkable precision. As such, they can’t be repaired using traditional tools that you have lying around at home. You’ll need a secure stand to hold the watch steady, magnifying glasses to help you clearly see each tiny part, and many other specialized tools that are precise enough to accurately take apart and fix the pieces of your Rolex watch. To properly repair your timepiece, you’ll need to make a significant financial investment to purchase these items; in almost all cases, it’s cheaper to bring your watch to a watch repair specialist such as Watch & Wares.

2. You May Damage Parts

Even if you have all of the proper equipment to perform the watch repair, there’s still ample room for human error. If you clean or take apart your watch components incorrectly, you risk damaging the parts and either reducing the watch’s lifespan or destroying it entirely. Even if the damage isn’t immediately evident, improper cleaning can lead to increased friction, which over time will gradually lead the parts to become worn out. When you take your watch to a watch repair specialist near you, you can rest assured that no parts will be damaged and all components will be thoroughly cleaned.

3. It May Need to Be Serviced More Frequently

Even if you don’t outright break the components of your watch, it’s improbable that you’ll clean them thoroughly and to the degree that an experienced professional would. As a result, your watch will likely need to be serviced more frequently. This could result in pieces eventually breaking if you continue to DIY your watch repair, or it could cost you more money versus taking it to a professional from the get-go. Watch & Wares watch repair technicians have ultrasonic bathing equipment, proper lubricants, OEM parts, and more to ensure that your watch repair is completed to the highest standard and your Rolex is as clean as possible.

4. It Could Cost You More in the Long Run

As mentioned above, performing watch repair yourself when you’re inexperienced could result in more frequent servicing, broken parts, or an entirely broken watch. No matter the degree of the problem, all of these avoidable issues will end up costing you more in the long run than taking your watch to a service repair professional near you. Although the initial repair cost may be higher than you’re hoping to pay, it will be worth it for the peace of mind that your watch will be repaired safely and accurately. 

Whether you need a simple battery replacement or extensive watch repair services, Watch & Wares can handle it all. We’ve serviced and repaired thousands of watches over the last 30 years in business, and we’ve become a trusted source of Rolex watch repair for the local community. Our watch repair services include battery replacement, polishing & detailing, full cleaning, new gaskets, water testing, and more. To schedule a professional Rolex watch repair appointment, give us a call at (714) 633-2030 or fill out our online contact form today.

It’s quite common for Orange County residents to find themselves having inherited gold or diamond estate jewelry from a loved one. However, these pieces aren’t always something we need or want to keep around, and you may find yourself preferring to sell them for cash if you don’t plan on wearing the jewelry. If you’re searching for the best place to sell gold and jewelry but don’t know where to start, consider these four important points that will help you ensure a hassle-free estate jewelry selling experience.

1. Know if You’re Ready to Sell

Paring with estate jewelry can be especially tricky because of the sentimental value they may have attached to them. Before you begin the selling process, take time to consider whether or not you’re truly ready to part with the pieces. 

You may have little emotional attachment to the jewelry, so it’s an easy decision; some people, however, need time to separate their love for the person from their ownership of the jewelry. You may not be able to get the piece back if you have regrets, so make sure that you’re completely confident in your decision to sell before proceeding.

2. Have Your Estate Jewelry Appraised

Once you’re sure that you’re ready to sell, you’ll need to verify whether the jewelry is worth anything. In some cases, the material value of the item may turn out to be less than its emotional value to you, so the appraisal process can also play a valuable part in the decision to sell. 

Regardless, an appraisal is crucial in the estate jewelry selling process. An expert can determine the quality and authenticity of any precious metals or gems in the jewelry and the piece’s overall condition and desirability.

3. Know Your Gold Jewelry’s Worth

When selling anything, it’s a good idea to do your 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. 

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 resale value.

4. Find the Best Place to Sell Gold and Jewelry

Once you know that you’re ready to sell 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 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 estate jewelry.

At Watch & Wares, we consistently offer five-star customer service 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.

When you invest in a luxury watch, you want it to last a lifetime. After all, you’re paying for more than just the name; you’re paying for the highest quality craftsmanship and lifetime guarantee. When your Rolex watch stops working, it can be anxiety-inducing. Luckily, Watch & Wares offers expert Rolex watch repair that will get your precious timepiece back in perfect working order in no time. Although everyone wants their Rolex to function perfectly forever, you’ll inevitably incur a problem or two during its lifespan. Here are some of the most common Rolex watch repairs we see here at Watch & Wares.

Watch Strap Replacement

One of the most common places for wear and tear to appear on Rolex watches is the strap. Regardless of whether your watch’s strap is leather, silicone, or metal, years of wear will inevitably cause tattering, tarnishing, or other damage that negatively affects your watch’s look. Luckily, a Rolex watch repair expert can quickly repair or replace the strap of your Rolex watch in no time. We can source original and replacement Rolex straps to suit a variety of watch models from all eras.

Gasket Replacement

Your Rolex’s gaskets are vital to keeping dust, water, perfume, oils, dirt, and other residues from entering exposed components. If your watch has endured excessive dirt, water, or other elements and has now stopped functioning correctly, it may need new gaskets. With Watch & Wares’ gasket and water testing services, we examine the casework of your timepiece to preserve the delicate watch movements from moisture or dirt. Our gasket testing services are also a great preventive measure, so you can detect issues early and avoid the need for costly Rolex watch repair later down the line.

Bezel Replacement

The watch bezel is the ring that surrounds the crystal face and holds it in place. The bezel may be smooth, fluted, rotatable, or even set with gems or diamonds, depending on your Rolex’s model. Most bezels will suffer from some form of wear and tear, most commonly scuffing or scratching. However, they can become severely damaged or fall off entirely if something happens to your watch. Gem-set bezels may also need repair if one or more of the gems falls out of the setting. Luckily, a Rolex watch repair expert such as Watch & Wares can repair or replace your Rolex bezel regardless of the level of wear and tear.

Glass or Crystal Replacement

The exposed and somewhat delicate glass covering the face of your watch can be easily chipped or broken over the years. Whether it’s been dropped and stepped on or merely bumped into a counter, accidents happen that can often result in a damaged crystal face. In this case, you’ll need a Rolex watch repair expert to install a new crystal face on your Rolex watch. Minor dings and scratches may be polished out, while more severe chips and cracks may warrant complete face replacement. A trusted watch repair expert can advise you on what method is most cost-effective for your unique timepiece.

No matter how high-end your luxury watch is, it’s unavoidable that it will need professional watch repair at some point in its life. Whether you need a simple battery replacement or extensive watch repair services, Watch & Wares can handle it all. We’ve serviced and repaired thousands of watches over the last 30 years in business, and we’ve become a trusted source of Rolex watch repair for the local community. Our watch repair services include battery replacement, polishing & detailing, full cleaning, new gaskets, and water testing. To schedule a Rolex watch repair appointment, give us a call at (714) 633-2030 or fill out our online contact form today.

A luxury handbag is an investment, a piece that you want to own for decades and even pass down to your children. But for that to happen, you need to protect your bags and keep them in the best condition possible. Those familiar with designer handbags will likely know that humidity, heat, and sunlight can adversely affect leather bags, resulting in discoloration, loss of structure, or even mold. But did you know that the cold temperatures associated with fall and winter have the potential to damage your handbags too? If you have pre-owned designer handbags in your closet, make sure that you take these precautions this fall and winter to protect them from excessive wear and tear.

Avoid Extreme Cold

The heat and humidity of sweltering summers can leave many luxury handbag owners on edge. Dehumidifiers and AC are crucial for preventing mold and other issues. Because of this, you may breathe a big sigh of relief when fall approaches and the temperature cools down. However, no extreme is good for your handbag. While the drier air of winter is generally safer for protecting your bag’s condition, extreme cold temperatures can dry out the leather of your bag and cause it to crack or lose its suppleness. Avoid leaving your bag outside for long periods, and don’t place them directly in front of an air conditioning vent. Storage in a climate-controlled area such as a house with central heating is ideal and will help preserve pre-owned designer handbags for as long as possible. 

Shield Your Pre-Owned Designer Handbag from Rain or Snow

Most handbag owners know this, but you should always avoid getting your leather bag wet. Although some types of leather such as grained leather or Saffiano leather are more resistant than something like smooth lambskin, all leather bags can become damaged or marked if they’re exposed to rain or snow. Lighter colors and more fragile leathers like Louis Vuitton’s famous Vachetta leather easily stain and retain any watermarks, so it’s imperative that you protect them from the rain using your coat, an umbrella, or even a water-resistant covering. Some extremely high-end bags like the Hermès Birkin even come with a raincoat to protect them from the elements.

Moisturize the Leather

Even after it’s processed, leather is a natural skin, and like all natural skins, it requires moisturizing to retain its softness. The dry weather that comes with fall and winter can have adverse effects on your bag’s leather, so cleaning it with a safe leather polish or moisturizer will help prevent drying and cracking to keep your handbag in peak condition for years to come. If you’re unsure of which leather moisturizers are safe for your handbag, Watch & Wares offers professional handbag moisturization services as part of our handbag spa.

Despite your best efforts at protecting your handbag, sometimes things happen. Whether you’re caught in a rainstorm without an umbrella or your little one gets to your handbag before it’s in its dustbag, wear and tear is a natural part of any long-term investment. Luckily, Watch & Wares offers comprehensive handbag spa services that can restore and rejuvenate your luxury handbags and make them look as good as new ones. We offer professional handbag cleaning, handbag moisturization, stain protection treatment, edgewear restoration, color touch-up services, mold and odor removal, and more. To schedule a handbag spa appointment or to learn more about our services, give us a call at (714) 633-2030 or fill out our online contact form today.