Four Important Points to Consider When Selling Your Estate Jewelry

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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.

Frequently Asked Questions About Selling Used Luxury Handbags

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Fashion-based luxury purchases like Rolex watches or designer handbags can be incredibly fun and gratifying to purchase, whether they represent your financial successes or simply your love for a specific designer. There are many reasons why fashion lovers choose to collect luxury handbags, and just as many reasons why they decide to sell them. 

Whether you’ve lost interest in an out-of-style trend piece or you need to part with your timeless beauty for some quick extra cash, you can turn your closet cleanout into thousands of dollars and sell used luxury handbags to a trusted reseller like Watch & Wares Couture.

Can I Resell My Designer Handbags?

Many buyers of luxury handbags are surprised to learn that their bags retain some of their value over time, and even decades-old vintage pieces can be resold once you no longer want to keep them in your closet. 

Of course, as with anything, the value that you’re able to get for your used luxury bags will depend on the brand, style, and any damage present. If the bag is too damaged or there’s no demand for that particular bag, you may struggle to find someone willing to purchase the bag from you. However, for the most part, you can sell any used luxury handbag in your collection for some percentage of the original retail value — and, in some cases, for more than the original retail value.

How Much Should I Sell My Used Luxury Handbags For?

Once you decide that you want to sell your bag, you need to discern how much money you can realistically get for it. Knowing the worth of your item before you begin looking for buyers will help you avoid being taken advantage of and ensure that you receive a fair value for your luxury goods. 

Do your research on the bag’s style and browse secondhand sites or stores to see how much similar bags are selling for. Keep in mind that the age of the bag, the color of the bag, and how much wear and tear the bag has are all factors that will significantly affect its resale value. 

Newer bags, of course, will often be worth more than their older counterparts. Bags in neutral colors such as black and nude will also sell for more money than bright colors. Bag styles that have been manufactured for years and are permanent fixtures in the brand’s line will also likely have a higher value than seasonal styles unless they’re a rare, special edition piece with increased demand. 

Generally, the three brands that will hold their value the most, regardless of bag style, are Hermès, Chanel, and Louis Vuitton. Hermès Birkins, Hermès Kelleys, and Chanel Classic Flaps are the three bag styles that will consistently sell for almost their full retail price on the secondhand market; they’ll often sell for significantly more than their original retail price due to exclusivity.

How Can I Sell My Used Luxury Handbags?

Once you have an idea of what you can expect to earn for your used luxury handbags, you’ll need to find a place to sell them. Selling luxury handbags can be trickier than expected due to the prevalence of counterfeit bags online and even occasionally in secondhand stores. 

“Superfakes” are almost-perfect replicas that can barely be differentiated from the authentic bags unless inspected by a professional, so beware when purchasing or selling bags online. Selling independently on sites like eBay can also be risky for sellers because some buyers report not receiving an authentic bag or not receiving an item at all to receive a full refund for the luxury good. This can leave sellers high and dry, so it’s safest to sell to a trusted luxury handbag buyer like Watch & Wares, who will give you same-day cash in person.

If you want to sell used luxury handbags from your collection, Watch & Wares offers a premium buying and selling experience. We have 30 years of experience appraising and buying authentic designer handbags, from Hermès Birkins to Chanel flaps, so we have the breadth of experience necessary to perform thorough appraisals, guarantee authenticity, and issue competitive prices. 

We offer cash same-day for all used luxury handbags we purchase, so you never need to worry about an unsafe or deceptive transaction. Integrity, transparency, and a hassle-free luxury buying and selling experience are at the core of our business practices, so you can sell your used luxury handbags at Watch & Wares Couture with confidence. To find out more about our luxury bag inventory or to schedule an appraisal, 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.

What Are the Most Common Rolex Watch Repairs?

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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.

How To Tell If Your Pre-Owned Luxury Handbag is Authentic or Fake

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Purchasing a pre-owned luxury handbag is a great way to save a little money on your dream designer bag. After all, used designer handbags tend to sell for far less than their retail value, and they often have very minimal signs of wear. Even with brands whose secondhand value is greater than retail, like Hermès or Chanel, the accessibility that the secondhand market offers makes it a much better option than purchasing directly from a boutique. However, knockoff handbags run rampant through the U.S., and the possibility of buying a fake is one of the top reasons why shoppers are hesitant to purchase pre-owned luxury handbags. However, if you have the knowledge to differentiate between an authentic designer handbag and a knockoff, you can have a more comfortable secondhand buying experience and save significant money on your dream used designer handbag. Here are five important aspects of a bag to inspect when purchasing pre-owned luxury handbags from any source.

Quality of the Materials

Designer handbags come with a premium price tag not only because of the brand name but also because they use the highest-quality materials available. Usually, this means leather, whether it be box leather, Nappa leather, or any other type of authentic cowhide. Knockoff handbags may cut costs by using faux leather or lower-quality genuine leather. Low-quality leather will often be stiffer, shinier, or more slippery than the real thing. It also may have a fishy smell rather than the smell of authentic leather.

Neat Stitching

The craftsmanship of authentic designer handbags is unparalleled. Generally, these bags are handmade in Europe and have precise stitching. If your bag has sloppy, uneven, or unraveling stitching, this could be a sign of a fake used designer handbag. However, even authentic bags can have a popped stitch or two, especially after years of wear, so this alone doesn’t automatically indicate a fake bag. 

Number and Placement of Pockets

The workers creating fake bags often make them based on photos rather than having the item in-person to reference. As a result, inconsistencies in the lining color, pocket placement, and the number of pockets may be present. Make sure that you’re highly familiar with these details on the authentic bag, and compare any used designer handbag to ensure it’s exactly the same. For example, the Mona Lisa pocket on the back of a Chanel Classic Flap is an integral part of the design, but some knockoffs lack this detail. 

Logos and Fonts

One of the hardest details for replica bag makers to mimic is the font and logo used by the design house, such as the signature CC on most Chanel bags or the prominent YSL logo found on virtually all Saint Laurent styles. In fake bags, the lettering will deviate slightly from the authentic, whether in the thickness of the letters or complete misspellings. The inside tag that indicates the designer and country of manufacture should also be checked. The font used in knockoffs will deviate from the authentic, and there may again be misspellings. In addition, any pre-owned luxury handbags from European design houses that state they’re made in China, Taiwan, or any other Asian country are likely knockoffs. Virtually all European designers (Hermès, Chanel, Louis Vuitton, Prada, et cetera) make their bags in Europe — usually in Italy, France, and Spain.

Serial Number

Finally, an authentic used designer handbag should have a serial number or other date code that verifies its authenticity. This tag will be located in different places and have different sequencing depending on the brand and bag style, but any luxury handbag should have this detail somewhere on the bag. Research the serial number sequencing of the exact bag you’re searching for, and make sure that the used designer handbag matches up with an original format. If the numbers and letters seem random, or if a serial number is missing altogether, then be wary before purchasing.

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. Whether you’re searching for an Hermès Birkin or a Chanel 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 today to inquire about a specific bag or schedule an appointment.

Taking Care of Your Pre-Owned Designer Handbags During Fall & Winter

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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.

What to Know Before Selling Your Gold Jewelry for Cash

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There can be many reasons why you might be looking for a good place to sell gold jewelry; 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 to sell your gold jewelry is, going about it can be tricky business. There are many scammers or businesses who offer you unfairly low values, and it can be difficult to know who to trust and what your options are for selling. Before you try to sell your gold jewelry for cash, here are a few things to ensure you make the best decision possible.

How much is my gold jewelry worth?

Many dishonest and unreputable gold buyers will offer you incredibly low amounts for your valuable gold jewelry. To ensure that you get the fairest value possible, you should have a good idea of what your gold jewelry is worth and how the value of gold jewelry is measured. The three main components of gold appraisal are gold weight, gold purity, and the presence of any jewels. 

The weight of the gold is measured in troy ounces, with one troy ounce weight 9 percent more than a standard ounce. Gold purity is measured in karats, with 24-karat gold being the purest and therefore most expensive gold on the market. To calculate the price of your piece’s worth in terms of raw gold, the formula is (gold spot price / 31.1) x purity in decimals x weight of the item in grams. For example, if you had 1 gram of 14-karat gold, and the current spot price (also known as the market price of gold) was $1300, you could calculate the value of that gold by doing the following calculation: (1300 / 31.1) x 0.583 x 1 = $24.37. However, if your jewelry contains any precious jewels, this figure will be even higher. Although certain pieces can be more or less expensive depending on their time period, brand, condition, and more, this calculation will help form a good baseline for your appraisal expectations.

Where to sell my gold jewelry for cash

As we mentioned, there are a lot of untrustworthy gold and jewelry buyers everywhere. So, how do you know where to find trustworthy places to sell gold near you? Before selling to anyone, do your research on local gold buyers and their reputations. Search for reviews on Yelp and Google, check their rating with the Better Business Bureau, and ensure that they are licensed and insured. 

Another good way to gauge trustworthiness and expertise is to see how long the company has been in business and whether they have certified jewelers and gemologists on staff. 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. You should also collect appraisals from multiple businesses before committing to selling. A reputable pawn shop or gold buyer will offer you an appraisal without any obligation to sell, allowing you to collect multiple appraisals and assess the best offer. Watch & Wares is proud to offer no-obligation appraisals that are often the most competitive rates in the Orange County area.

What if I don’t want to sell my gold jewelry but need cash?

If your jewelry is sentimental to you or you’re just not ready to part with it yet, you don’t need to sell your gold jewelry to get cash fast. Watch & Wares offers collateral loans on gold jewelry, diamond jewelry, designer watches, and other luxury goods. We offer generous four-month loan terms with a 10-day grace period, and our interest rates are always state-regulated. 

To find out more about our jewelry collateral loans or how to sell your gold jewelry, contact Watch & Wares at (714) 731-9600 or fill out our online contact form today. We would be happy to schedule an appraisal appointment at our Orange or Tustin locations for your earliest convenience.

What to Know About Luxury Watch Repair Services

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A luxury timepiece is an investment. It’s something you can own for your entire lifetime and pass it down for generations. Although our society has become notorious for fast fashion, low-quality products, and excessive waste, investing in a designer watch can help you reduce your carbon footprint and save money in the long term. However, to keep your designer watch running smoothly for decades, you’ll need to take proper care of it through watch servicing and watch repair. If you have a Rolex watch or other investment pieces, here’s what you need to know about luxury watch repair services.

Make watch servicing a priority

The best way to extend your Rolex watch’s lifespan and avoid watch repair is by having it regularly serviced. Just like a car, your luxury watch needs to be served by an expert at regular intervals so it can maintain its best performance and stay running for as long as possible. How often it needs to be serviced will depend on how often you wear it, what activities you do while wearing it, and how it’s being stored when you aren’t wearing it. Experts generally recommend having your Rolex watch serviced every three to five years.

Signs that your watch needs servicing

Luxury watches are designed to last for years without issue, so you may forget to schedule routine servicing. However, you should keep an eye out for signs that your watch needs to be serviced to avoid more costly Rolex watch repair. If you notice any difference in your watch’s performance, such as faulty timekeeping, you should bring it in to a watch repair expert right away. You should also have it looked at if you notice any dampness or condensation on the glass. Certain electronic items such as speakers, X-rays, and microwaves can also cause your watch to act erratically if it’s left near them, so take your watch to a repair expert if this occurs. Even if you don’t notice any obvious signs of wear and tear, periodic watch services such as battery replacement, cleaning, detailing, glass replacement, band replacement, and more are recommended and can help you enjoy your Rolex watch for even more years to come.

Don’t DIY watch repair

If your Rolex watch is dirty or showing signs of wear and tear, never try to repair the watch at home. Watches are intricate machines that need to be handled by professionals in order to be reliably repaired without risk of further damage. By cleaning the watch yourself, you’re likely to void the warranty, and the risk of breaking or further damaging your timepiece is high. Instead, take your watch to a Rolex watch repair expert such as Watch & Wares. Watch repair experts will have decades of experience disassembling, cleaning, and reassembling all types of watches, including Rolexes. Luxury watches can have more than 500 tiny, intricate parts to put back together, so it’s no DIY project. Trust your Rolex watch to only the best watch specialists in the industry to ensure that your watch repair is performed properly.

If you’re in need of expert Rolex watch repair, there’s no better choice for Orange County residents than Watch & Wares. We combine our state-of-the-art techniques with time-tested craftsmanship to provide a watch repair experience like no other. We use only genuine parts and manufacturer-recommended repair techniques, so you can trust that you’re in good hands. To find out more about our watch repair services or to schedule a Rolex watch repair appointment, contact us at (714) 633-2030 or fill out our online contact form today.

Personal Loans vs. Collateral Loans: Important Things to Know

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A large percentage of Americans are struggling to regain control of their finances in the wake of the pandemic. This includes repaying owed rent, rebuilding savings accounts, and purchasing necessities. In these times, many people are turning to loans in order to secure the money they need to make it until their next paycheck. However, before running to the bank for an unsecured personal loan, collateral loans should be considered for their many benefits.

What is an unsecured personal loan?

There are generally two types of loans: secured and unsecured. An unsecured loan is a loan in which you aren’t required to put up collateral as a form of repayment. However, since there’s no guaranteed repayment for the lender, unsecured loans tend to come with tighter restrictions and more hoops to jump through in order to approve the loan. Personal loans often require up to a week to process before you’re approved while the lender reviews your credit history, bank statements, and other related documents. There’s a chance you may not be approved for the loan at all, and if you are, your interest rates are often high to make up for the lack of security for the lender. Unsecured loans also have a negative effect on your credit score while you’re in the process of repaying them.

What is a collateral loan?

The second form of personal loan is a secured loan, also known as a collateral loan. A secured loan requires you to put up some form of collateral for the lender to repossess in the instance that you default on your loan. Luxury assets such as fine jewelry, watches, handbags, and art are popular forms of collateral as they allow you to obtain a higher loan value without any risk of harming your credit score. Since you’re offering collateral with an equal or higher value than your loan amount, there is often no credit check or the possibility of affecting your credit score. You can also get your needed cash on the same day without the lengthy approval process of an unsecured personal loan. 

Which loan is right for me?

Both loan types have their advantages, but which is right for you will depend on your current financial situation. If you want a loan that doesn’t require you to declare your debts or go through a credit check, collateral loans are the best option. They’re also the more ideal option for those who need cash quickly, even on the same day, or if you don’t want to risk a negative effect on your credit score. If you have luxury goods that you don’t mind parting with temporarily, collateral loans have many benefits that make them a popular choice among Southern California residents. 

If you need cash fast and have valuable items that you’re willing to temporarily part with, a collateral loan from Watch & Wares is an excellent solution that offers many practical benefits. From low-interest rates to generous loan terms to no effect on your credit score, collateral loans are the option that many Orange County residents prefer for sourcing cash fast. At Watch & Wares, we offer some of the most competitive appraisal pricing in the area, and our insurance rates are always state-regulated. We have a generous four-month loan term with a 10-day grace period, and we’re always happy to renew your loan in exchange for the full repayment of interest owed. To find out more about our collateral loan process or to receive an appraisal on your luxury item, contact us at (714) 633-2030 or fill out our online contact form today. We would be happy to schedule an appraisal appointment for your earliest convenience.

What to Do If Water Gets Into Your Luxury Watch

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If you own a luxury watch, then you likely take great measures to look after it and prevent any damage. However, some amount of damage is almost inevitable when it comes to wristwatches since they spend so much time on your body. From being hit against furniture to being dropped on the ground, your Rolex watch goes through a lot. However, some of the most significant damage it can suffer is water damage. If your Rolex watch has been caught in the rain and you fear it’s suffered water damage, keep reading to find out what to do to protect your investment and save your luxury timepiece.

What if you have a waterproof watch?

Some luxury watches gloat that they can be taken to depths as much as 500 meters underwater. However, the unfortunate truth is that no watch is 100% waterproof. While waterproof watches may be able to withstand one or two dips in the pool, long-term use of your timepiece underwater could result in significant damage. This is because the waterproofing feature is in the watch’s O-ring, a silicone gasket that acts as a seal against water. However, the O-ring doesn’t stay perfectly intact forever; it will likely deform after some time, causing water to enter your watch and potentially damage it. If you have a waterproof watch, try to use it in water as little as possible. Avoiding unnecessary trips in the pool with your luxury watch on will help you avoid costly Rolex watch repair in the future.

What not to do if your watch is water damaged

Many people’s first instinct — fueled by old wives’ tales — is to leave their watch in a bag of rice or on the radiator. Many people place their watch in a sunny spot such as a windowsill, hoping that the heat from the sun will allow the water to dry faster and minimize any water damage to their timepiece. However, this can often do more harm than good. Keeping your watch in extreme heat — such as directly in sunlight for hours on end — can cause the parts to expand, not only warping them but also potentially allowing that water to enter the dial and cause more damage. The heat can also dry out the watch’s lubricant, creating friction on the gears. If your Rolex watch is water damaged, avoid your instinct and instead invest in professional Rolex watch repair for long-term savings.

How to repair a watch with water damage

If your watch has suffered water damage, the most important factor in saving it is time. Getting your watch to a Rolex watch repair professional as quickly as possible will increase its chances of being fully repaired — and at a lower cost. As soon as the damage occurs, dry your watch with the low-cool setting on a hair dryer to dry out the exterior of the watch. Avoid a high heat setting, as this could further damage the watch’s body. Once the watch is dry, bring your Rolex to a Rolex watch repair professional such as Watch & Wares to have it assessed for damage. Our watch repair experts can tell you whether your watch has been damaged and, if so, how it can be repaired. 

If you’ve had water get into your luxury watch recently, turn to the experts at Watch & Wares for top-tier Rolex watch repair. Whether your timepiece is modern or vintage, waterproof or not, we’ve got you covered. We stand by our repair work 100% and offer a one-year warranty on all full clean and overhaul services. To schedule a Rolex watch repair appointment, contact us at (714) 633-2030 or fill out our online contact form today.

Frequently Asked Questions About Inherited Jewelry

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If a family member or loved one has passed away and left you with inherited jewelry, you may be struggling with what to do with it. Such sentimental pieces can be difficult to part with, even if they’re not to your taste, and many estate jewelry owners want to ensure that their special pieces are going to a new home rather than merely being melted down. Others may want to keep the piece forever, but they need money to get them through hard times and are seeking a collateral loan. Whatever your situation, inherited jewelry offers an emotionally complex situation that comes with more questions than answers. If you’re struggling with what to do with your inherited jewelry, keep reading for answers to some of our most frequently asked questions.

What can I do with inherited jewelry?

Before anything else, many jewelry inheritors want to know what their various options are. If you love the piece and want to wear it for years to come, Watch & Wares’ jewelry repair store can help restore your estate jewelry to like-new condition. We can replace a broken clasp, resize a ring or chain, replace a missing gem, or polish the jewelry back to its original shine. If you want to keep the piece but need some extra cash for the time being, collateral loans are a great option. Using inherited jewelry as collateral allows you to receive same-day cash with the opportunity to reclaim your item after the loan is fully repaid within the four-month time frame. If you’re ready to part with the jewelry and find it a new home, you can seek out places to sell jewelry for cash. Watch & Wares allows you to sell luxury items for a competitive price; simply schedule an appraisal at one of our two Orange County locations.

How much is my inherited jewelry worth?

The next question that many people have is how much the inherited jewelry is worth. Whether you’re looking to sell luxury items or take out a collateral loan, knowing the value of your piece is key to receiving a fair offer. Schedule an appraisal with several reputable jewelry and loan pawn shops and compare the offers to discern the average secondhand value of your piece. Some untrustworthy jewelry buyers may try to offer you far less than your jewelry is worth, so make sure that you know what you’re willing to accept. If you want to receive the most money possible for your piece, have it restored by a jewelry repair store beforehand to increase its value. 

How do I find a reputable jewelry and loan pawn shop?

Many people begin their search for a jewelry buyer or pawn shop by Googling phrases like “places to sell jewelry for cash” or “sell jewelry for cash near me”. While this is a reasonable place to start, it can also lead you to some unverified and untrustworthy sources who earn a living by offering unreasonably low prices for valuable estate jewelry. When searching for a jewelry and loan pawn shop, check that the store is licensed and employs experienced staff. A pawn shop that has a GIA-certified gemologist on staff is more likely to offer a fair appraisal of your gold and diamond jewelry. Watch & Wares has earned a 5-star reputation throughout Orange County through three decades of luxury service and competitive offers. Our staff are experts in their field, from certified GIA gemologists to an industry-leading master jeweler. Our online reviews speak for themselves; we offer customers a comfortable selling and pawning experience every time.

If you have inherited jewelry that you would like to sell or pawn, contact Watch & Wares today. We’re one of the best places to sell jewelry for cash in Orange County, and we consistently offer some of the highest values in the area. We’re also a luxury jewelry and loan pawn shop, so you can bring your beloved pieces in for a four-month collateral loan — no credit check necessary. Contact us today at (714) 633-2030 or fill out our online contact form to request an appraisal or schedule an in-store appointment.