4 Tips for Choosing the Best Jewelry Repair Store

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Do you have a ring that’s too tight? A necklace with a broken clasp? Maybe the strap has broken on your Rolex watch. Whatever the case, jewelry repair is an inevitable part of life, so it’s best to have an expert jewelry repair store that you can trust with all your valuable pieces.

Jewelry and watches are often more than just monetarily valuable; they hold great sentimental value that makes them devastating to break or lose. When it comes to such beloved items, you need and deserve a jewelry repair store that you can unwaveringly trust with high-quality and speedy repairs. Here are four tips for choosing the best jewelry repair store for your luxury goods.

1. Get a Free and Detailed Appraisal

Any trustworthy jewelry repair store will provide a free, no-obligation estimate for all repairs. You should never pay for a jewelry repair estimate, so if your local jeweler won’t offer you an appraisal for free, cross them off the list.

In addition to the estimate being free, it should also be detailed. More than just the final price, your free estimate should include a list of all the repairs they intend to make. This will allow you to envision the final result and ensure it’s the same as what you have in mind. 

You should feel completely comfortable throughout the estimate process, and any trustworthy jewelry repair store should aid this in every way possible.

2. Don’t Just Choose the Lowest Price

It’s always worth getting more than one estimate on jewelry repair to compare and ensure that you’re receiving the best combination of value and quality. While you want to remain within your budget and get a fair price for the repair work, you also don’t want to simply choose the cheapest price.

Dirt cheap estimates are often so much cheaper for a reason — the quality of the work is sub-par. When it comes to sentimental pieces like estate jewelry or valuable pieces like a Rolex watch, you want peace of mind that your goods are being repaired properly and will hold up over time. When you choose cheap estimates, you run the risk of choosing a jewelry repair store that’s cutting corners, potentially costing you more in the long run.

Choose an estimate that is a fair value, but make sure that the price also reflects the quality of the work you’re receiving. Choose a jewelry repair store with expert knowledge, state-of-the-art tools, and verified 5-star customer service.

3. Ensure a Reasonable Timeframe

When collecting estimates, you should receive an estimated timeframe for the repairs as well. Ensure that the work will be completed promptly and choose the jewelry repair store offering a reasonable timeframe and fair value.

Some repairs can be done on the spot as you wait, while others can take several weeks. There are very few, if any, repairs that take months, so be wary of any estimates that have an extremely long repair time. Collecting more than one estimate can also be beneficial for comparing timeframes and assessing what the average expected completion time should be for your item.

4. Don’t Allow Items to Be Shipped Back

There are many online jewelry repair companies that ask you to ship your valuables to them for repair. They then ship the item back to you once the repair has been completed. While this can be convenient, the risk isn’t worth the reward. 

Shipping any item, especially valuable jewelry, puts it at risk for damage or loss in transit. Only choose jewelry repair stores that will hand-deliver all repairs in-store. You should be able to pick up your gold jewelry and assess the repairs in person to ensure that they’re up to your standards.

If you want the best jewelry repair that Orange County has to offer, 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 35 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. Some of our customers have said that once we’re finished, their jewelry looks even better than new. 

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 Orange, CA location Tuesday through Saturday from 10 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. We look forward to working with you!

Is Now a Good Time To Sell Your Gold Jewelry for Cash?

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Selling your neglected luxury goods is a great way to make some extra money from items you’re no longer getting daily use from. With so much uncertainty in today’s world, being proactive and ensuring you have more cash than you need is always a good idea.

Whether you’re seeking extra spending money for a vacation or you want some cash stored away with the economy in flux, many Orange, CA residents are now looking to sell gold jewelry for cash. But, how do you know whether now’s the right time to sell?

Selling vs. Pawning Gold Jewelry

The best jewelry and loan stores in your area will offer both gold buying and collateral loan options. If you’re unsure whether now is the best time to sell your valuables but need the cash urgently, using your gold jewelry as collateral for a loan can be a win-win.

If you have an emotional attachment to the piece or simply don’t think it’s the right time to let it go permanently, find a cash jewelry & loan store that offers transparent and fair collateral loan terms. If you don’t want to take on any debt or if you want to declutter the item from your home, selling for cash will be your best option. 

Regardless of which option you choose, however, you’ll want to have an idea of the value of your gold jewelry to ensure you receive a fair price. This starts with knowing the price of gold and what the market looks like. It’s always best to sell at a high point, if possible, to get the best value.

Gold Prices Right Now

As of June 2022, gold prices are hovering at approximately $1,800 per ounce. The price of gold has increased steadily over the past 20 years, up from $430 per ounce in April 2001. 

However, the World Bank predicts that the price of gold will steadily decrease over the next decade. Indeed, the current gold price is $200 per ounce less than it was this time two years ago.

Based on these estimates, the best time to sell your gold is now. The sooner you sell, the more you’re likely to get for your gold jewelry and other gold valuables. While you should never sell until you’re fully ready, if you hold onto your gold jewelry for too long, you could receive hundreds of dollars less for your valuable items.

The Gold Jewelry Selling Process

If you’re ready to sell your gold jewelry, the first step is to find a trusted gold jewelry buyer. Don’t just Google “jewelry and gold buyers near me” and pick the first result; make sure you’re choosing a buyer with a long reputation for premier customer service and satisfactory transactions. Verify third-party reviews and ask people around you for references.

Once you’ve chosen your jewelry buyer, the selling process should be straightforward and hassle-free. At Watch & Wares, we offer no-obligation appraisals on gold jewelry, either through appointment or same-day walk-ins. One of our highly trained and experienced team members will evaluate your item considering its condition, age and brand, as well as the current market price of gold.

Once we’ve assessed your piece, we’ll offer a fair market value for your item. We consistently provide some of the most competitive rates in the area, so you can trust that you’re getting the best deal possible when you choose Watch & Wares. If you accept the sale price, we’ll provide you with cash same-day for your gold jewelry.

If you’re ready to sell gold jewelry for cash and looking for a good place to sell gold, look no further than Watch & Wares. For the past 30 years, we’ve been Orange County’s premier destination for cash jewelry & loan services.

We offer a 5-star experience that prioritizes your comfort and confidence in the transaction. We’re fully transparent throughout the process, offering no-obligation estimates on all your gold jewelry and luxury goods. We have a trained gemologist on staff, and our team has decades of experience at some of the biggest names in fine jewelry.

If you’re sick of Googling “jewelry and gold buyers near me” and simply want the best and most trustworthy experience possible, give Watch & Wares a call at (714) 633-2030 or fill out our online contact form today. You can also stop by our Orange, CA location Tuesday through Saturday from 10 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. We look forward to working with you!

How Do We Determine the Worth of Your Estate Jewelry Engagement Ring

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Whether you have estate jewelry for sale or want to buy estate jewelry engagement rings, the price of the item is undeniably the biggest factor for our clients. Appraisal value and being confident that the value is fair are crucial for a confident transaction, so we always strive to be transparent in our appraisal process. Whether you want to be confident in your sale price or set a budget for buying an engagement ring, here is how we determine the value of estate jewelry engagement rings.

1. Cut

Before you start looking up where to sell gold jewelry for cash, you’ll need to familiarize yourself with the cut of your ring’s precious stone. The cut of your diamond is one of the most significant determining factors of your estate jewelry engagement ring’s value. The cut refers to the shape of the stone — round, oval, princess, pear and more.

The cut is such an important factor because it affects other aspects of the ring’s appearance, such as brilliance and symmetry. Shapes such as round brilliant are highly valuable because of their flawless 360º appearance. Cuts are graded as excellent, very good, good, fair or poor, with the grading reflecting directly on the sale price.

2. Color

The stone’s color, or lack thereof, is another crucial factor in pricing your estate jewelry engagement ring. Diamonds can be graded as brown, yellow or colorless, with less color correlating to higher prices.

Diamonds are graded with a letter ranging from D to Z, with the most valuable — and colorless — diamonds receiving a D. Since people want the clearest, most brilliant stones possible, less tinted diamonds receive the highest valuations.

 

3. Clarity

Similarly, the clarity of your diamond affects its appraisal value. Even the most translucent diamonds can include imperfections that make them less valuable.

Imperfections or inclusions are created when crystals fall into the stone while it’s being formed, affecting the structure of the diamond. Diamond clarity is graded on a 6-point scale ranging from Flawless (FL) to Included (I), with the former being the most valuable.

4. Carat

Carat is one of the most recognizable terms related to diamond pricing. However, many people think that the carat refers to the size of the diamond, when in fact, it refers to the weight of the stone.

Two diamonds of the same carat can appear to be different sizes based on how they’re cut, so it’s important to take this into consideration when browsing estate jewelry engagement rings. It’s also why weight and cut must both be taken into careful consideration during an appraisal.

Here 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 diamond jewelry industry. With over 30 years of business under our belts, Watch & Wares is a name you can trust for estate jewelry engagement ring appraisals.

 

To find out more about our diamond and jewelry buying services or to receive a free estate jewelry engagement ring estimate, give us a call at (714) 633-2030 or fill out our online contact form today. You can also stop by our Orange, CA location Tuesday through Saturday from 10 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. We look forward to working with you!

4 Reasons Selling Your Luxury Items In Person Is Better Than Craigslist

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Spring cleaning season is in full swing, and many of us have items lying around our homes that aren’t getting the use and love they once did. If you’re looking to sell these items and pass them on to a new home, then the first place that many people think of is Craiglist.

While Craiglist can be an excellent tool for quickly getting rid of unwanted items, they’re not always the safest or the best place to sell gold jewelry or other luxury goods. Here are just a few reasons why selling in-person to nearby gold buyers is better than selling on Craiglist.

1.Safety & Security

One of the biggest drawbacks of using Craiglist when you sell jewelry for cash is the potential lack of safety. Anyone can come across your listing and contact you to meet, even if they have no intention of pursuing an honest and fair transaction.

Craiglist holds the potential risk to your personal safety as well as the safety of your item. When you sell gold jewelry for cash in person at a pawn shop or gold buyer, you can be sure that the transaction is fair, secure and completely safe.

2. Instant Gratification

If you need cash same-day or as soon as possible for your luxury goods, there’s a good chance you won’t get it using Craiglist. In addition to the time required to write the ad, take photos and post the ad, you also need to wait for an interested buyer to message you, message them back, negotiate a price and coordinate a date and time to meet.

When you sell jewelry to a nearby gold buyer in person, you can walk in same-day and receive a free appraisal for your luxury item. If you accept the store’s offer, you can walk away with cash the same day. Even if you don’t need the cash right away, selling in-store is still a much easier and more convenient process that leaves you with more time and money to spend.

 

3. Convenience

Speaking of convenience, it’s also an important factor when deciding on the best place to sell gold jewelry. When you choose to sell to a nearby gold buyer, you can enjoy greater flexibility in the selling process. 

You can receive a free appraisal for your item, choose between a permanent sale or a temporary loan, and even search for other items to buy. You can experience everything in person, from watching the gemologists appraise your valuables to trying on other luxury goods available in the store.

4. Collateral Loan Option

That greater flexibility includes the option for a collateral loan. When you use Craiglist, all sales are permanent, and there’s little to no chance of getting your item back if you have any regrets.

When you choose pawn shop loans from a trusted gold buyer, you can choose to sell your item outright for cash or loan it for a months-long period. If you choose a collateral loan, you can receive your item back once the loan is repaid in full, so you get the best of both worlds — the cash you need and the item you love.

Watch & Wares offers safe, secure, and trustworthy collateral loans on gold jewelry and a wide range of luxury goods. Our generous loan terms include a four-month loan time with a 10-day grace period, as well as state-regulated taxes. If needed, you can even renew the loan by paying off the interest owed.

 

Here at Watch & Wares, we care about you and your luxury items. We pride ourselves on providing a premier customer experience that leaves you comfortable and confident in your buying, selling or loaning decision. We have a curated team of expert jewelry appraisers and gemologists with decades of experience, and with over 30 years of business under our belts, Watch & Wares has proven itself to be the best place to sell gold and jewelry in Orange, CA. 

To find out more about our diamond and jewelry buying services or to receive a free estimate, give us a call at (714) 633-2030 or fill out our online contact form today. You can also stop by our Orange, CA location Tuesday through Saturday from 10 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. We look forward to working with you!

4 Reasons Why Gold & Jewelry Buyers Are Better Than Selling Online

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In this day and age, it’s generally believed that it’s most convenient to do things online. Whether purchasing something, selling something, or communicating with someone, doing all things via the Internet provides a level of ease and convenience never experienced before. However, this isn’t true for everything. 

If you want to sell jewelry you’ve inherited or simply don’t use anymore, your first instinct may be to find online gold and jewelry buyers. However, selling such valuable items online comes with a host of issues that can be easily avoided if you instead use local gold and jewelry buyers in Orange, CA. Here are just a few reasons why using a local cash jewelry and loan service is better than selling your diamond jewelry online.

1. It’s More Convenient

Since you don’t need to leave your home to sell things online, digital platforms have gained a reputation for being more convenient. However, this often isn’t the truth. 

In reality, managing your own online sale is more hassle than it’s worth — you need to create the listing, take photos, communicate back and forth with potential buyers, and organize the shipment of the item. You’ll also have to haggle with everyone who messages you and can even get stood up at the last second. Not to mention, there are scammers everywhere online with sophisticated methods for conning you out of your items.

If you want a secure and convenient solution, take your diamond jewelry to your local gold and jewelry buyer. You simply walk in with your item, wait 10-20 minutes for an appraisal, and leave same-day with cash.

2. It’s Faster

If you want to get your diamond jewelry sold sooner rather than later, finding the best places to sell gold jewelry near you is the way to go. When you try to sell online, you’ll wait days or weeks to get your money. You have to wait for a buyer to find your listing, you’ll need to negotiate the price, and some buyers may even stand you up. Even if you sell online to a gold and jewelry buyer, you’ll have to wait for the item to reach them in the mail before you can receive your payment.

Instead of following lead after lead and waiting an excruciating few weeks for a payoff, use local gold and jewelry buyers. You’ll receive cash the same day you sell your item, so you can enjoy an instant turnaround and spend less time worrying about when you’ll finally see your money.

 

3. You Receive a Higher Value

One of the biggest reasons people sell their diamond jewelry online is that they believe they’ll receive more money than if they visit a local cash jewelry & loan shop. However, this is rarely the case.

Although there is the potential to earn more money from a private sale, you’d have to spend weeks finding the perfect buyer, and most people won’t see the full value of your item. You would also then have to consider any listing fees, processing fees, and shipping costs.

At Watch & Wares, you’ll receive a competitive value that’s often the highest in the Orange, CA area. We have a team of in-house experts who will appraise your item for free and can discern the fairest price possible for gold jewelry — no fees attached.

4. You Have More Options

Once you sell your valuable items online, they’re gone forever. No matter how sentimental or rare your gold jewelry is, the chances of getting it back if you have any regrets are close to zero. 

By working with a cash jewelry & loan shop like Watch & Wares, you have more options for receiving the cash you need without sacrificing your valuable goods. You can use your diamond and gold jewelry or other luxury items as collateral for a four-month loan with no credit check required. 

If you repay the loan in time, you’ll receive your gold and jewelry back. If not, we’ll keep your item as repayment, with no effect on your credit score. If you’re having trouble paying back the loan on time but don’t want to lose your item, you can renew the loan for another four months by repaying the interest owed.

 

Here 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 gold and jewelry industry. With over 30 years of business under our belts, Watch & Wares has proven to be one of the best places to sell gold and jewelry in Orange, CA. To find out more about our diamond and jewelry buying services or to receive a free estimate, give us a call at (714) 633-2030 or fill out our online contact form today. You can also stop by our Orange, CA location Tuesday through Saturday from 10 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. We look forward to working with you!

How To Properly Keep Your Pre-Owned Designer Handbags Clean

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Designer handbags are more than just beautiful pieces; they’re meant to be loved and used daily. However, given their substantial cost, you obviously want to keep them in the best condition possible. 

Whether you want to sell your pre-owned designer handbags in Orange, CA or keep them forever and pass them down, you should still take care to properly store and clean your pre-owned luxury bags so they’ll last as long as possible. Here are a few easy ways to keep your pre-owned designer handbags pristine for years to come.

Use a Bag Organizer

Bag organizers are one of the best tools for keeping your pre-owned designer handbags in good condition. These organizers are made to fit the dimensions of many different brands, models, and sizes of handbags, so you can find one that perfectly suits your purse. They also come in a range of colors, so your organizer can blend with the bag’s interior lining or add a fun pop of color.

These interior covers serve as a protective layer between your leather bag and the items you store inside. With an organizer, you can rest assured that any open pens, leaking makeup, or spilled drinks won’t stain the fabric or leather lining of your valuable bag.

They’re also a great way to maintain the shape of a more slouchy or hobo-style bag. Whereas highly structured bags will keep their shape over time, more slouchy styles can become misshapen over the years, damaging the leather and decreasing the bag’s resale value. The rigid sides of a bag organizer will support the soft leather, helping the bag maintain its original shape.

 

Use a Cosmetic Pouch

If you have a smaller bag or prefer not to use an organizer, a cosmetic pouch is also a great solution for preventing dirt and stains inside your bag. 

These small pouches come in an array of sizes that are ideal for storing makeup, pens, hand sanitizer and other items which may be at risk of leaking or otherwise damaging the interior of your bag. Brands also make key pouches specifically designed to hold your house or car keys, eliminating the risk that these sharp items will scratch the soft leather of your bag.

While these cosmetic pouches will be at risk for damage due to the nature of their contents, they’re far more inexpensive and much easier to replace than a valuable and potentially hard-to-find designer handbag.

 

Store Them Properly

Preserving your pre-owned designer handbag’s condition isn’t just about how you use it; it’s also about how you store it when it’s not in use. It’s recommended that you store your handbags on a shelf where they can maintain their shape. Ensure that your bags aren’t touching one another, as this can cause color transfer and potential damage.

Whenever your handbags aren’t in use, it’s recommended that you store them in the breathable dust bags that they came with. If you don’t have a dust bag for your pre-owned designer handbag, store it out on a shelf, but be sure to dust it periodically. Never store your handbags in plastic or boxes for prolonged periods, as this can result in mold, mildew or odor from the leather being unable to breathe.

You should also keep them in a room protected from excessive heat and humidity. Humidity can also cause the leather to form mold or mildew. If you live in a dry climate, periodically apply a leather conditioner to your bags to keep the leather hydrated and prevent cracking.

 

Have Them Professionally Cleaned or Restored

If your bag is showing noticeable signs of wear such as discoloration, cracking, odor or loose stitches, you should bring your pre-owned designer handbag in for professional bag restoration as soon as possible.

If you plan to keep the bag, bringing it in for professional cleaning or repair periodically will help your pre-owned designer handbag stay in the best condition possible for as long as possible. Going too long without having it repaired can cause your bag to deteriorate even more drastically, making repairs more difficult or even impossible once you finally bring it in.

If you’re ready to sell your pre-owned designer handbag, before you Google “Where can I sell my designer handbag for cash?” make sure that you have it restored to its best condition to earn the most money possible. How much you can sell your bag for depends largely on its current condition and how noticeable any wear is, so the better it looks, the more you’ll make.

 

Watch & Wares Couture’s handbag spa has been restoring pre-owned designer handbags to like-new condition since 1999. We offer a free estimate for all services, and we accept a wide range of premier luxury brands. We offer professional handbag cleaning, handbag moisturization, stain protection treatment, edgewear restoration, color touch-up services, odor and mold removal, and more.

For more than 30 years, Watch & Wares has been known as one of the best places to sell gold and jewelry, but it’s also the best place to buy and sell pre-owned designer handbags in Orange, CA. Watch & Wares Couture specializes in appraising, buying, selling and repairing all of the premier designer brands, including Chanel, Hermès, Louis Vuitton and more. To find out more about our handbag spa services or schedule an appraisal for your pre-owned designer handbag, 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.

How To Get the Best Price for Your Diamonds

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Whether you want to sell jewelry with embedded diamonds or you have loose diamonds you want to make money from, you’re sure to want the highest price possible for your items. Diamonds can be an excellent investment for Orange, CA residents, and many people expect to sell their stones for a profit — and, more often than not, you can. 

 

However, to get the best price possible for your diamonds, you should know these four basic tips, including the best places to sell jewelry for cash.

1. Know What Your Diamond is Worth

If you want to get the best price for your diamonds, you should know what your diamonds are worth before you speak to a diamond buyer. After all, loose diamonds have a general market value, so you can estimate their worth with some accuracy on your own. 

 

Do some independent research online and back this up with an appraisal from an objective third party. Some diamond jewelry buyers may try to offer you a much lower value than your diamonds are truly worth. If you receive an appraisal from a third-party expert appraiser, you can be more confident that you’re receiving a fair value from your gold and diamond jewelry buyer when the time comes.

2. Understand the Four C’s

The value of a diamond is determined by four C’s: cut, color, carat and clarity. If you know these four things about your diamond, you can much more accurately assess its worth. 

 

The cut refers to the shape of the diamond: round, radiant, princess, marquise, heart, oval, pear, cushion or emerald. Certain shapes are worth more than others, so the cut can affect the price of your diamond. 

 

Color is another factor; the less color a diamond has, the more valuable it is. The GIA grading scale from D to G evaluates the amount of color a diamond possesses, with D representing colorless diamonds and G representing yellow, brown, and other uniquely colored diamonds.

 

Carat 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.

 

Clarity 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. 

 

Knowing these things about your diamond, or having your diamond buyer walk you through these areas during their appraisal, will help you feel confident that you are receiving the best price possible for your diamonds.

3. Bring Documentation

High-quality loose diamonds are almost always sold with a certification card from the GIA (Gem Institute of America) or similar organizations. This certificate should include information about your diamond, including the four C’s. 

 

If you have this certificate, bring it with you when selling or appraising your diamond. It will help the appraiser assess the value of your gems more fairly and accurately.

4. Research Your Diamond Buyer

Of course, you should always research your diamond buyer before committing to a sale. This means more than Googling “jewelry and gold buyers near me.” This can be a starting point, but verify that any diamond buyer you consider has a verifiable history in Orange, CA or your local area and has numerous 5-star online reviews from third-party websites. 

 

Search for reviews on Yelp or Google, check their rating with the Better Business Bureau, and ensure that they are licensed and insured. A good diamond buyer will also have certified gemologists on staff to appraise diamonds and other gems.

Here 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 diamond jewelry industry. With over 30 years of business under our belts, Watch & Wares is a name you can trust. To find out more about our diamond and jewelry buying services or to receive a free diamond jewelry estimate, give us a call at (714) 633-2030 or fill out our online contact form today. You can also stop by our Orange, CA location Tuesday through Saturday from 10 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. We look forward to working with you!

Want To Sell Your Gold Jewelry? Make Sure It’s Real First

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If you’re ready to part with valuable gold jewelry, your first instinct may be to search for the best places to sell jewelry in Orange, CA. However, your first step should be to make sure that your gold jewelry is real. You may not believe that your grandma passed down fake gold or that the watch you bought secondhand is fake, but we see individuals every day that are surprised to learn that their valuable gold jewelry isn’t as valuable as they thought it was. 

 

Before you start Googling “places to sell gold jewelry near me,” try one or more of these tactics to verify the authenticity of your gold jewelry.

1. Check for Discoloration

The most obvious sign that your gold isn’t real is discoloration. Gold does not rust or change colors whatsoever, so any signs of this are an obvious giveaway that your jewelry piece is made of an alloy or other metal. 

 

Inspect the ring for any silver, green, or other discoloration, and note if the jewelry changes your skin color when you wear it. If any of these occur, you can be almost certain that your jewelry is not authentic gold.

2. Try the Magnet Test

Another quick way to determine if your gold is real is to try the magnet test. Gold, unlike most other metals, is not magnetic. Although it is technically very slightly magnetic, holding it to a magnet will not likely result in any reaction.

If you hold your ring or other gold jewelry near a magnet and it is immediately attracted to it, the probability is that your jewelry is not real gold and is actually made of some other metal.

3. Look for a Hallmark

Have you ever noticed small etchings or stamps on the inside of gold jewelry? Those are hallmarks, and most authentic gold jewelry will have a hallmark somewhere on it.

This small stamp tells you the karat, verifying that it is real gold. However, this isn’t a failsafe test since people who want to create convincing fakes can create a fake hallmark on the jewelry.

Likewise, not all authentic gold jewelry is 100 percent guaranteed to have a hallmark. It’s a fairly reliable method, but should always be verified by a professional.

4. Have It Professionally Appraised

Although the above methods can help you rule out some obvious fakes, the only true way to verify real gold is by having it authenticated by a professional. At Watch & Wares, we have a staff of industry experts, including certified gemologists, that can appraise your gold jewelry and assess its market value.

Our scales are certified by the Orange County Field of Weight & Measure to ensure that all measurements are accurate to the industry standard. Additionally, we take the entire jewelry item’s desirability into account, giving you more competitive appraisals than other gold buyers who merely offer you the raw gold’s market price.

Whether your gold is real or fake, we’ll give you a professional, accurate and discreet appraisal that you can trust.

Watch & Wares has been one of Orange, CA’s premier places to sell jewelry for cash for more than 30 years. In addition to gold and diamond jewelry, we also purchase designer watches, used luxury handbags, rare coins, art and other valuable goods. 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. We look forward to working with you.

How Do Jewelry and Loan Stores Price Your Items?

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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.

5 Things to Know Before You Sell Luxury Items

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If you have any estate jewelry, antique art, rare coins, designer handbags, or Rolex watches that are sitting around your Orange, CA, home and collecting dust, selling them can be a quick and easy way to make some extra money. Maybe you’ve inherited some antique items from a loved one, or perhaps you’ve purchased luxury goods that haven’t been worn in a few years. Either way, you can find a good place to sell gold jewelry near you and cash in the same day. However, to get the most for your valuable goods, you should know these five important things.

1. Have as Much Documentation as Possible

Before you go in for your jewelry estimate, make sure you collect any and all paperwork associated with the item. Any receipts, manuals, authenticity cards, or other documentation will not only better inform your appraiser but will also increase the value of your luxury goods. Look for any paperwork that shows how old the item is, specifies who produced it, or verifies its authenticity. While these aren’t always necessary to receive an estimate, they will help in the process and can boost your final appraisal price.

2. Don’t Clean the Item

Many people have the urge to clean their antique items to present them in the best condition possible. The association between cleanliness and higher value is understandable, but improperly cleaning a valuable antique can actually lower its value. Depending on the type of antique, cleaning it in any shape or form can instantly depreciate its value. In other cases, cleaning can be beneficial, but cleaning with improper tools or techniques can damage the jewelry or decrease its value. Any good place to sell gold jewelry will thoroughly clean and restore luxury items as appropriate before they resell them. As such, it’s best to bring the item to your appraiser in its current, unaltered condition. The expert appraiser will know how to clean it and its worth once cleaned, if it is necessary.

3. Be Honest About Its Flaws

You should always be aware of any damage or flaws the item has before your appraisal — but never try to conceal them. This deception not only creates distrust and the potential for a lower offer, but it’s usually a futile effort. It’s almost certain that an expert appraiser will be able to detect and uncover the disguised problem before the end of the appraisal, resulting in wasted time and effort for both parties. Being upfront and honest about any flaws will help you secure the fairest value possible, and it creates a better working relationship for any future transactions.

4. Have Realistic Pricing Expectations

One of the most common experiences during the appraisal process is unrealistically high expectations on the seller’s part. Before going to a pawn and loan shop, take the time to research your item’s secondhand value and understand that any value offered by a jewelry buyer and seller will be lower than that of a private collector. By accepting a slightly lower value than that of a private sale, you are essentially paying for the convenience and service of having the store sell your item for you. We always recommend collecting appraisals from the best jewelry and loan shops near you before selling luxury items to discern the best value for your goods.

5. Find a Good Place to Sell Gold Jewelry

Choosing the right jewelry buyer is crucial for a successful and stress-free jewelry selling experience. To find a good place to sell gold and diamond jewelry, you’ll need to do more than Google “where to sell jewelry near me.” While this can be a good starting point, you’ll need to verify that the establishment buys the type of antiques you have to sell. You should also check their online reputation and any certifications to ensure that they’re a trustworthy and reputable jewelry buyer.

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 our cash jewelry and loan services or to receive a free jewelry estimate, give us a call at (714) 633-2030 or fill out our online contact form today.