Luxury handbags are highly coveted items for many fashion enthusiasts, and none are more sought after or difficult to find than Hermès bags. With a notorious quota system and the infamous “Hermès game,” it can be virtually impossible to buy an Hermès bag brand new from the boutique, driving many to purchase them secondhand, despite the increased price point.

The value of a used Hermès bag is actually much higher than the retail value of an Hermès bag purchased directly from the store due to their rarity. Used Hermès Birkins and Kellys — the brand’s most popular styles — can be double or even triple the recommended retail price, costing tens of thousands of dollars (or even hundreds of thousands, in the case of exotic materials). Therefore, when buying a pre-owned Hermès handbag, it’s crucial that you make sure you’re purchasing a 100 percent authentic purse. Although nothing beats professional authentication, here are four key ways you can verify your pre-owned Hermès handbag for authenticity.

Check the Size and Shape

One of the first things to consider when authenticating a used Hermès handbag is its size and shape. Hermès Birkins and Kellys are known for their distinct shape and structure, so ensure the proportions are accurate before purchasing. 

Hermès Birkin and Kelly bags are named according to their base length. For example, the Birkin 25 should measure 25 centimeters across and the Kelly 35 should measure 35 centimeters across. Birkins come in only six sizes: the Birkin 25, 30, 35, 40, 42, and 50. The Kelly comes in eight sizes: the Kelly 15, 20 (also known as the Mini Kelly), 25, 28, 32, 35, 40, and 50. If your bag doesn’t measure to one of these exact sizes, it can be safely assumed to be a counterfeit.

Examine the Stitching

Hermès bags are handmade by artisans in France, and there are strict quality control standards before the bags are released to be sold. As such, every authentic Hermès bag will have incredibly precise, even stitching. If you notice uneven, askew, or popped stitching, the bag may be a counterfeit Hermès.

Hermès also employs a type of stitching called “saddle stitching.” In this method, two needles create double rows of stitches in a single row of holes, creating a durable yet clean final look. If you only notice one row of stitching, this could be another sign that your Hermès bag is fake.

Inspect the Logo

The Hermès logo is another critical element to check for when authenticating a pre-owned luxury handbag. Hermès bags, especially Birkins and Kellys, have a heat stamp on the bags that read “Hermès Paris Made in France.” This stamp should have a perfectly consistent, centered, and evenly-spaced font with all words spelled correctly. “Made in France” should be printed in slightly smaller lettering than “Hermès Paris.”

If the stamp contains typos, is off-center, is pressed deeply into the leather, or otherwise looks irregular, it’s possible the bag may be fake. It can also help to look up examples of the heat stamp online to ensure that the font is the same, even if it appears centered and even.

Verify the Date Stamp

Another important stamp to inspect is the date stamp. Also called the blind stamp, these date stamps are a serial number that indicates the date of production and artisan’s mark. The location of the stamp will vary depending on the bag’s style, but it is typically found under the top flap or inside the interior pocket.

In a counterfeit Hermès bag, the date stamp will either be incorrectly formatted or missing entirely. You can search for the Hermès date stamp handbook online, which will show you how your Hermès date stamp should be formatted according to the bag style and the year manufactured.

Counterfeit handbags are becoming more and more realistic, giving rise to the “superfake” industry. If you’re not confident in your ability to determine the authenticity of a pre-owned designer handbag — or even if you are — it’s always best to bring it to a trained handbag authentication professional. At Watch & Wares, our team of experts authenticates all pre-owned luxury handbags that we purchase so you can shop with peace of mind. All of the bags that we have available are guaranteed to be authentic and have been personally verified in-house. We also offer handbag spa services so you can rejuvenate your secondhand Hermès and restore it to its full glory before bringing it home. 

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

Do you need a gasket replacement? Has the glass or crystal chipped on your Rolex? Maybe the strap has broken on your antique timepiece. Whatever the case, watch repair is an inevitable part of life, so it’s important to have a reputable watch repair service provider that you can trust with all your valuable pieces.

Luxury 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 watch repair store that you can unwaveringly trust with high-quality and speedy repairs. Here are four tips for choosing the best watch repair service for your luxury timepieces.

Do Your Due Diligence

The first step in finding a superior-quality watch repair service is to do your due diligence. This means taking the time to research and evaluate the different options in your area. 

Asking friends and family for recommendations is a great place to start. Firsthand testimonials from people you trust will help immediately narrow your options to trustworthy and vetted service providers. If your social circle doesn’t have any recommendations, do a Google search for watch repairs near you and verify the business’s quality through online reviews.

Check Their Online Reputation

In today’s digital age, a company’s online reputation is crucial. Before deciding on a watch repair service, take time to research their online presence and verify their quality through online reviews.

Check the company’s website, social media accounts, and any other platforms they may be active on. Any reputable watch repair specialist should have easily accessible details about their services, qualifications, pricing and previous work.

You should also read through their reviews on third-party review platforms like Google and Yelp. These are great resources, as a high number of positive reviews and a high overall rating are good indicators of a trustworthy and high-quality watch repair service. Just be sure to watch out for businesses with only a few reviews, as they may not have enough experience and feedback for you to safely determine the quality of their work.

Know Their Watch Repair Specialization

One crucial factor that can make or break your experience with a watch repair service is their specialization. A watch repair shop that specializes in repairing certain types of watches is typically a good sign as it indicates that they’re experts in their field and have worked with your type of watch before.

If you own a Rolex watch, for example, it’s important to find a watch repair professional who specializes in repairing high-end timepieces like these. Inexperienced watch repair providers may use incorrect parts or techniques that can ultimately compromise the value of your luxury accessory.

Verify They Have 5-Star Customer Service

High-quality repair work is just one aspect of a high-quality watch repair specialist; just as important is their customer service. A reputable watch repair store should prioritize its customers and provide them with a positive and hassle-free experience from start to finish.

To ensure that your chosen watch repair specialist has five-star customer service, ask them for a free appraisal for your watch repair. Any reputable watch repair service with good customer service will happily provide a free estimate and patiently answer any questions you may have about your Rolex watch and the repair process. Make sure they reply to all inquiries promptly and in a kind manner, and ask them about their repair warranty before committing to any work.

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.

If you’re a fan of luxury handbags, you may know that some handbag styles hold their value well enough to be called “investment bags”. While handbags are not truly a reliable investment in the same way that stocks or property are, there are several luxury handbags that consistently hold their value or increase in value over the years. 

If you’re looking to purchase or sell pre-owned luxury handbags and want to make the wisest financial decision, follow this guide on which designer handbag brands are retaining their value best in 2023.

1. Saint Laurent Le 5 à 7 Hobo

If you’re on Instagram or TikTok with any regularity, then you’ve probably seen a flood in hobo handbag styles over the past two to three years. With the return of early 2000s fashion trends, the hobo styles of the aughts are becoming popular once more and, as a result, new hobo handbag styles are increasing in value.

The Saint Laurent Le 5 à 7 Hobo is a perfect example. Representative of the early 2000s silhouettes now becoming popular again, the bag was first launched in 2021 to capitalize on the Y2K fashion resurgence. Since its release, it’s seen a 15 percent increase in value year over year. If you own a Saint Laurent Le 5 à 7 Hobo you’ve fallen out of love with, now is the perfect time to sell in order to maximize its value before the trend passes and secondhand prices fall.

2. Gucci Horsebit Chain Shoulder Bag

Mixing the modern with the vintage, the Gucci Horsebit Chain shoulder bag is another popular luxury handbag that is retaining its value in 2023. Originally released in 1955, the Gucci Horsebit has the longevity to prove its value, while a recent resurgence in popularity has helped push secondhand prices up for the year.

Despite being first released in 1955, the bag was most popular in the early 2000s. Because of its vintage silhouette, the Gucci Horsebit has been swept up in the Y2K fashion obsession, boosting its resale value as early-aught silhouettes are in demand. The bag was re-interpreted for fall 2023 by the house, so it’s receiving extra attention that has boosted its secondhand value for the time being. For those who have one to sell, the end of this year is the ideal time for maximum resale value!

3. Prada Tessuto Re-Edition 2005 Shoulder Bag

With the resurgence of Y2K fashion, early 2000s handbag styles are also seeing a comeback. Just as with the classic 90s hobo style of the Saint Laurent Le 5 à 7, the Prada Re-Edition 2005 has seen a stratospheric surge in popularity since it was brought back in 2019.

The re-released bag — originally created in 2005, as the name suggests — has the classic aughts silhouette of a small shoulder hobo bag. There are also many popular variations that range from nylon to leather to all-over crystals. Whichever style you own, luckily, they all have an average value retention of 92 percent.

4. Louis Vuitton Neverfull Tote

If you prefer to buy the classics rather than trendy Y2K styles, the Louis Vuitton Neverfull also regularly holds its value. The most economical product in Louis Vuitton’s lineup, the Neverfull tote is a workhorse bag that is incredibly popular because of its functionality and more accessible price point.

Despite being one of the most affordable bags on the luxury market, it still retains its value incredibly well secondhand. In fact, it saw a 20 percent value increase from 2021 to 2022. If you switched from working in-office to working from home and no longer need your Neverfull for lugging your things around, it’s always a good time to sell this classic piece.

5. Hermès Kelly 28

No list of luxury handbags with a high resale value is complete without the addition of the Hermès Kelly. The brand’s iconic Kelly and Birkin bag styles are some of the most highly coveted items in fashion thanks to their high price point and limited availability. Both styles are a symbol of luxury and exclusivity, causing their resale prices to regularly be double or triple the original retail price.

Of the brand’s two most iconic styles, the Kelly is the original; yes, it preceded even the Hermès Birkin. Designed in the 1930s by Robert Dumas, the style has remained the pinnacle of fashion and luxury for almost 100 years. The Kelly 28 specifically, which denotes its size (28 centimeters across) is the highest in value on the secondhand market due to its moderate size that suits everyone. While a Kelly 28 currently costs $11,800 from the store, the average price secondhand is upwards of $25,000

If you’re an Orange County resident seeking to sell or loan your luxury handbag, come visit us at Watch & Wares. We specialize in designer handbag sales and can offer some of the most competitive prices for used luxury handbags in the area. To schedule an appraisal or find out more about the designer brands that we accept, call Watch & Wares – Handbags & Couture at 714-633-2030 or contact us online today.

If you’re looking for the best place to sell your Rolex watch for cash, you’re not alone. Any Orange, CA resident searching for a good place to sell their designer watch will want to make sure they have a thorough understanding of the process so they can get the most money possible for their items.

However, before you rush to put your luxury timepiece on the market, there are a few important factors to consider to ensure you receive the best value for your Rolex watch. If you want to make sure you’re prepared for the selling process, keep in mind these five important steps.

Make Sure You’re Ready to Sell

There are many reasons that you may finally decide now is the time to part with your used Rolex watches. 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 sell.

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

See If Your Rolex Watch Is in Demand

Once you have confirmed your decision to sell, it’s time to do some research to see if your used Rolex watch is in demand. Generally, used Rolex watches have a strong resale value and are always in demand, but this varies widely depending on the model. Some models, such as the Rolex Submariner or Daytona, have a higher demand and can command a higher price on the secondhand market. Vintage or limited edition models may also have a higher value due to their rarity. 

The popularity of various models can fluctuate, and as a result, secondhand prices tend to fluctuate as well. If you don’t need to sell your used Rolex watches for cash right away, take some time to monitor the pre-owned Rolex market and analyze the selling price for secondhand watches of the same model and year as yours. This will not only help you decide on the best time to sell, but it also gives you an idea of what your Rolex is worth before seeking an appraisal.

Verify Its Authenticity

The value of a Rolex watch is almost entirely dependent on its authenticity. With counterfeits becoming increasingly sophisticated, it’s important to verify the authenticity of your watch before putting it on the market. If you purchased the watch directly from a Rolex store yourself, this may not be necessary. However, if you purchased it online, from a secondhand seller, or received it as a gift, it’s important to verify authenticity before selling.

One way to check for authenticity is by checking the unique serial number on the back of the watch. Rolex has a database of serial numbers that can help you confirm your watch is genuine. Another option is to bring your watch to an expert such as Watch & Wares for authentication. Having a certificate from an authentication expert confirming its legitimacy will help increase the secondhand value of your used Rolex watches by giving your buyer confidence in your timepiece’s authenticity.

Assess Its Condition

Once you’ve confirmed your used Rolex watches are real, it’s important to assess their condition. The condition of a used Rolex watch is a significant factor in determining its value. Be honest with yourself about the condition of your watch, as any discrepancies can affect the selling price. Are there any scratches or dents on it? What’s the condition of the crystal? Does everything function and move perfectly? You should also be honest about whether or not the watch has been serviced or altered in any way.

Additionally, make sure you have all the necessary documents and paperwork before selling your Rolex watch. This includes the original box or packaging, receipt of sale, service records, and any authentication certificates. These documents can add to the value of your watch and give your buyer peace of mind.

Find a Trustworthy Rolex Watch Buyer

Once you know that you’re ready to sell your luxury timepieces, you’ll need to find the best place to sell used Rolex watches in your area. However, you shouldn’t just Google “best place to sell gold and jewelry” and choose the first result. 

Do your due diligence when finding a used Rolex watch buyer and seller — check online reviews, verify their licenses and accreditation, ask how long they’ve been in business, and request a free appraisal. Any honest and trustworthy business will offer you a free, no-obligation appraisal for your used Rolex watches.

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.

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

Understanding the Value of Your Estate Jewelry

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

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

How To Find a Trusted Estate Jewelry Buyer

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

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

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

Ensuring a Smooth Transaction When Selling Estate Jewelry

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

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

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

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

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

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