A Brief History of Gold Jewelry

Gold goes back almost as far as civilization itself. It has been held as a symbol of luxury for thousands of years, transformed into jewelry, armor, coins, and countless other objects. Its enduring place in history is what ensures that gold jewelry never goes out of style and remains a fairly consistent investment that can be resold for some amount of value no matter how old it is or what form it’s been made into. If you’re looking to sell jewelry in Orange County, Watch & Wares offers some of the best value in the area for your gold jewelry pieces. However, before getting your jewelry appraised by anyone, it’s always best to know its true value for yourself.

The Origin of Gold Jewelry

Throughout history, gold jewelry has been revered for its rarity and beauty. The first signs of gold jewelry emerged more than 6,000 years ago among ancient cultures such as Meso-America, Mesopotamia, Ancient China, Ancient Egypt, Ancient India, and Ancient Greece and Rome. In all of these cultures, gold jewelry was worn by the noble, the royal, or the rich. It was a nearly-universal status of importance and wealth, making it coveted and beloved for millennia. 

The Modern Gold Jewelry Industry

This symbol of luxury has endured until today, even after gold jewelry has become much more widely accessible to the public. Today, the vast majority of people own at least one piece of gold jewelry. One of the reasons that modern gold jewelry has become less rarified is because it is now mixed with other elements. While ancient civilizations utilized gold in its pure form, resulting in exclusively yellow gold jewelry, today’s jewelers mix gold with other metals and alloys to create more diverse and unique results. White gold, for example, is gold with the absence of copper. Rose gold, by contrast, is created by increasing the amount of copper present. Modern gold jewelry has varying amounts of true gold in it, resulting in the creation of the Karat.

The Meaning of Karat

If you take your estate jewelry to a jewelry & pawn shop to sell it, one of the first things they’ll do is assess the Karat. Karat is the measurement of the purity of gold, with 24 Karat being 100 percent pure gold. Very little jewelry is now made with 24 Karat gold since pure gold is too soft to hold its shape, so you’re more likely to find 18, 14, or 10 Karat gold. Each Karat represents 1/24 of the whole, so if your gold estate jewelry is 18/24 metal, then it is 18 Karat gold. Generally, the higher the Karat, the more valuable the jewelry. 

If you’re looking to sell jewelry near you but don’t know where to start, the friendly team at Watch & Wares is here to help. We offer convenient and transparent appraisals, during which we’ll also assess the market value of your item. Our offers are consistently some of the highest in Orange County, but we never pressure you to sell. If you are looking for the best place to sell gold jewelry in Orange County, contact Watch & Wares today. We are one of the top-rated gold and jewelry buyers in the area, and we have been for decades. 

Tips for Packing and Shipping Your Fine Jewelry

Maybe you have the experience of mailing packages to people in the past, but shipping your fine jewelry in the mail is a completely different experience. Sending an item of value in the mail can sometimes be a stressful experience due to fear of the package being damaged or lost in transit. In order to best protect your fine jewelry, follow these easy tips for securely packing and shipping your precious jewelry pieces.

1. Pack it tightly and in layers

You want your diamond jewelry to get at its destination unscathed, so take extra care when packaging up the valuable pieces you’re sending. Use multiple layers to protect the piece in case of damage in transit. Place the jewelry inside of a box or envelope that is then placed inside of a larger box or envelope. Since the outer box can sometimes become ripped or otherwise damaged while it’s with the courier, an extra box will help ensure that the jewelry itself is never exposed, lost, or damaged. Be sure to wrap the jewelry tightly and securely so it can’t move around in transit. Use bubble wrap, tissue paper, or other void fill to keep the jewelry from moving around inside its box or envelope. This will help prevent tangling as well as possible damage.

2. Disguise your package

Clearly signaling that your package contains jewelry will instantly make it a target for thieves. Don’t give any indication of the valuables inside, but rather send it in an unmarked brown box with no contents listed on the exterior anywhere. If you make it obvious that there are valuable items within your package, it may go missing before it reaches its destination.

3. Insure your package

Insuring your jewelry is one of the most important things you should do when shipping valuables. In case anything does go wrong during transit, the insurance company will reimburse you for the value of the pieces lost. Most shipping insurance services protect senders against lost, stolen, or damaged packages. 

4. Don’t use a drop box

When mailing something as valuable as jewelry, don’t merely drop your package into a drop box. Not only will this damage the items from the fall, but it also will not provide you a receipt to prove you have mailed the item in case it’s lost in transit. Always hand your package directly to the courier or USPS agent and ask for a receipt with a tracking number to confirm dropoff. 

5. Request a signature on delivery

One of the ways that you can make sure your jewelry was delivered to the right person is by requesting a delivery signature. For a small additional fee, the courier will require a signature upon delivery, or they won’t leave the package. This can help avoid porch pirates as well as miscommunications. If the package does end up in the wrong hands, you’ll have proof that it wasn’t signed for by the recipient, and you’ll be reimbursed for the value of your package if your package is fully insured.

If you’re looking to sell jewelry for cash, there’s no better choice than Watch & Wares. We’re located in the heart of Orange County, California, so you can visit us in-store to have your items appraised in a fast and convenient manner. Our free and convenient estimates for jewelry and other luxury items are always performed by industry experts, and we even have a GIA gemologist on staff who ensures the fair value of all diamond jewelry. To schedule a jewelry appraisal with the experts at Watch & Wares, give us a call at (714) 633-2030 today.

Tips for Selling Antique or Estate Jewelry

When it comes to selling antique or estate jewelry, many people have questions about what the first steps are. 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 antique 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 where to start, follow these tips for a hassle-free selling experience that will earn you the most money for your items.

Gather Relevant Information

Once you’ve made the decision that now is the right time to sell your antique jewelry, you’ll need to decide where you want to sell it and how to have it appraised. When taking your item to get appraised, see if you can find the original receipt or any sales papers that accompany the piece. Any original packaging would also be helpful and may increase the final price, especially in the case of fine jewelry with a brand name such as Tiffany & Co. or Cartier. 

Look for Qualified Gemologists

Almost anyone can claim to be an appraiser since there are no state or federal licensing requirements to appraise jewelry. To ensure that your pieces are being thoroughly and properly assessed for a fair price, make sure that you’re trusting your piece of fine jewelry to a buyer with qualified gemologists on staff. Verify that they’re accredited by organizations such as the Gemological Institute of America, the Accredited Gemologists Association, or the American Gem Society. At Watch & Wares, we have a GIA gemologist on our staff at all times to ensure that every piece we handle is assessed properly and assigned a fair value.

Find Reliable Gold and Jewelry Buyers

Research the best places to sell gold jewelry near you, and pay attention to third-party reviews online to ensure that you’re visiting a reputable gold and jewelry buyer. At Watch & Wares, our team has maintained a reliable 5-star rating during our years in business by providing a luxury buying and selling experience to all of our clients. We treat every transaction with the utmost discretion, and we consistently offer some of the highest prices in the area for gold and diamond jewelry.

Whether you’re parting with a beloved family heirloom during hard times or simply selling an inherited collection that isn’t your taste, we’ll ensure that your jewelry selling experience is a pleasant and hassle-free one. Watch & Wares prides itself on providing all visitors with a comfortable in-store experience that will leave you confident in your decision to buy or sell. If you’re ready to sell your antique jewelry today, give us a call at (714) 633-2030 and we’d be happy to schedule an appraisal for you at your earliest convenience.

Choosing the Right Time to Sell Antique or Estate Jewelry

If you’ve inherited antique or estate jewelry from a loved one, you may be battling whether to hold onto the piece for sentimentality or sell it for extra cash. You may also want to hold onto it for your child to have someday, or you may feel uneasy getting rid of something gifted to you, even if it isn’t your style. Customers visit us at Watch & Wares every day to sell jewelry, each with their own story of why they decided now was the right time to sell their fine jewelry pieces and why they chose Watch & Wares. If you have antique or estate jewelry in your collection that you’re thinking about parting with, here is a guide to help you decide when to sell your antique or estate jewelry.

Inherited Jewelry

One of the most common reasons why we get customers coming into our shop is that they’ve inherited jewelry from a deceased relative. Inherited jewelry is some of the trickiest timing for our customers to navigate since the pieces are associated with a loved one, and many people feel the timing needs to be right in order to avoid any social faux pas or guilty feelings. We often get clients who feel guilty for parting with estate jewelry, even if they have no memories attached to it, but it’s a very common occurrence and nothing to feel bad about. If you’ve inherited fine jewelry that isn’t to your taste and you truly have no use for your estate jewelry, bring it into Watch & Wares for an appraisal. Our quotes are always no-obligation, so you’re under no pressure to sell if you decide it isn’t the right time yet. We strive to provide a comfortable experience above all else.

Differing Styles

As times change, so do styles, and the jewelry that our grandparents wore isn’t always to our taste now. If you’ve inherited estate jewelry that you have no sentimental attachment to, you can look for the best place to sell gold jewelry near you and bring it in for an appraisal. Watch & Wares accepts jewelry from all time periods, including the Victorian, Edwardian, Art Nouveau, Art Deco, mid-century retro modern, and contemporary periods. No matter how old your antique jewelry is, we accept all styles of fine jewelry that you’re looking to part with.

Financial Hardship 

Another common reason for clients to sell their antique jewelry is if they’ve fallen on financial hardship. Sometimes the need for extra cash outweighs any sentimental value you may have with a piece, and you may need to sell jewelry to make ends meet. Whether you’re short on rent this month or simply want some extra spending money, you can sell diamond jewelry for top dollar at Watch & Wares. If you need money but your antique jewelry piece holds great sentimental value to you, we also offer collateral loan services. Give us a call today to inquire about our appraisal and loan processes.

There are many reasons that you may finally decide now is the time to part with a piece of antique or estate jewelry. 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 search for gold and jewelry buyers. If you’re ready to sell your jewelry to a reliable and transparent jewelry buyer near you, contact Watch & Wares today. Give us a call at (714) 633-2030, and we’ll be happy to schedule an appointment at your earliest convenience.

The Difference Between Estate, Antique, and Vintage Jewelry

If you have a family heirloom or pre-owned piece of jewelry, you’ve likely called it vintage, antique, or even estate jewelry. It’s a very common misconception that these three terms are interchangeable, but the truth is that they each have a distinct meaning that, in some cases, makes them mutually exclusive. If you’re looking to sell jewelry from your precious collection, it’s important to know the accurate terminology for your pieces so that you can earn the most money for them and ensure you’re receiving fair market value.

Estate Jewelry

Estate jewelry is jewelry that has had a previous owner. In other words, it was previously part of someone’s estate. While terms like “estate sale” can cause people to believe that estate jewelry is associated with a previous owner who’s passed away, this isn’t always the case. Estate jewelry is still estate jewelry even if the previous owner is alive. It also doesn’t need to have any indication of the age of the jewelry. Unlike the other two terms discussed later, there’s no age minimum for something to qualify as estate jewelry. If it’s been previously owned, it’s estate jewelry.

Antique Jewelry

The most common confusion we see is between the terms antique and vintage. Both indicate the age of a piece, but the phrases never overlap. A piece of jewelry is considered antique if it is more than 100 years old. Antique jewelry is usually prized for its superior craftsmanship compared to modern jewelry, but the age of the piece makes it difficult to be practically worn. Oftentimes, antique jewelry will need to be simply displayed, or perhaps worn only on special occasions, due to its high value and fragility.

Vintage Jewelry

Vintage jewelry predates antique jewelry; it is jewelry that is 50 to 100 years old. Since it is not as fragile or as valuable as antique jewelry, it can be worn on a day-to-day basis with relative ease. Vintage jewelry is often easy to style, as previous decades’ fashion trends come back into modern popularity. If you want to add a unique flair to a modern trend, try pairing your outfit with a vintage jewelry piece from Watch & Wares.

Vintage, antique, and estate jewelry are all uniquely beautiful pieces that add interest and value to anyone’s collection. In addition to monetary value, pieces with this age and history can have priceless sentimental value that makes them difficult to sell. If you need cash but don’t want to permanently part with your beloved estate, antique, or vintage jewelry, opt for a collateral loan through Watch & Wares. You can use your luxury items as collateral, and we’ll watch after them until you repay the full value of the loan. All Watch & Wares collateral loans have four-month terms with a generous 10-day grace period, and you can always extend the loan as needed by paying off the interest owed. If you’re looking to buy, sell, or loan your estate jewelry or other luxury goods, contact Watch & Wares today at (714) 633-2030 to schedule an appointment. A friendly and knowledgeable member of our staff would be happy to provide you with a free appraisal.

How to Get the Most Money Selling Your Gold Jewelry

If you’re looking for the best place to sell gold jewelry for top dollar, you’re not alone. Any Orange resident searching for a good place to sell gold is going to want to get the most money possible for their valuable items. But how do you ensure this? It’s not enough to simply search “sell jewelry for cash near me” and pick the top result. In order to get the most money when selling gold jewelry, you’ll need to follow these three key steps.

Clean or restore your gold jewelry before having it appraised

A key part of maximizing the value of your gold jewelry is to have it in as good condition as possible when getting your valuables appraised. Restoring your jewelry can help you earn a significant return on investment and increase the value of your belongings when it’s time to sell. Gold jewelry restoration specialists such as those at Watch & Wares know exactly how to treat various precious metals and stones in order to clean them thoroughly without damaging any part of the item. However, if you’d rather not spend the extra money to have it restored, cleaning it yourself at home can help you increase the appraisal value as well. You can clean gold jewelry using a combination of dish soap and ammonia, or you can purchase a cleaning product made specifically for gold items. Be careful of any gold jewelry that contains gemstones, however, and verify that your cleaning method is safe for those specific stones. 

Know the value of your gold jewelry beforehand

Another way to ensure that you’re getting the most money for your gold jewelry is to do thorough research on the market value of your item. Untrustworthy gold buyers, of which there are plenty, will try to offer you far below a fair value in order to maximize their profits. Knowing the market value of your item and a fair resale estimate beforehand will keep you from falling prey to opportunistic gold buyers like these. If you’re selling your gold jewelry to a gold buyer rather than a private party, they will always offer you less than market value since they are taking on the time and expense of reselling the item to a private buyer. However, they should still offer you a fair value for your item that isn’t too far from the market resale value. Have your item appraised by an objective third-party or from several gold buyers in order to establish a clear idea of what a fair price range for your gold jewelry would be. 

Shop around for a good place to sell gold

When you’re parting with sentimental and valuable items such as gold jewelry, it’s important that you never act on impulse. If you’ve decided you definitely want or need to sell the piece, take the time to do thorough research on gold buyers near you in order to determine which one is the most reputable and will give you the most money for your item. Look through their online customer service reviews, verify that they’re licensed to buy gold jewelry in your state, and make sure they have a certified gemologist on staff. These are all signs of a reputable, trustworthy gold buyer, and they will be most likely to offer you a competitive price with a comfortable customer service experience. If you have multiple pawn and loan shops you’re considering, get appraisals from each of them. Any good place to sell gold will allow you to walk away after an appraisal, and you can always come back later once you determine which gold buyer will give you the most money for your item.

Stop searching for “sell jewelry for cash near me” and picking the first result you see. Instead, take the time to research the best place to sell gold jewelry and get the most money possible for your valuables. At Watch & Wares in Orange, we offer some of the most competitive rates in the area. If you’re looking for a good place to sell gold jewelry and get top dollar, allow our expert appraisers and gemologists to look over your item. There’s never any pressure or obligation to sell, and we always strive to provide a welcoming and comfortable selling experience. To schedule an appointment, give us a call today at (714) 633-2030.

Top 4 Reasons to Buy Gold Jewelry From a Pawn Shop

When most people decide they want to buy or sell their gold jewelry, they’ll begin by simply Googling phrases like “buy and sell gold jewelry near me” or “sell jewelry for cash near me”. However, this can lead you to untrustworthy and unverified websites that can dupe you out of your jewelry for a low price or make you pay too much for an inauthentic piece. When you want to buy fine gold jewelry at an affordable price, there’s no better place to look than your trusted local pawn shop. If you live in Irvine, Tustin, or anywhere else in Orange County, Watch & Wares is the best place to sell gold jewelry, which makes it the best place to buy it too! Here’s just a few of the many reasons why you should buy gold jewelry from a pawn shop like Watch & Wares.

1. It will be more affordable

Choosing to purchase gold jewelry from a pawn shop rather than a jewelry store will almost guarantee that it is more affordable. Since pawn shops are the best place to sell gold jewelry, the pieces available to purchase are secondhand and therefore sold at a discount, even if they’ve never been worn. Unless a piece is exceptionally rare, the discounts available through secondhand jewelry buyers like pawn shops are significant, which is why many Tustin residents love buying gold jewelry from Watch & Wares.

2. There’s a wide selection

Many Irvine residents love the unique experience of shopping at a pawn and loan shop because you can find treasures unavailable anywhere else. From antique pieces to contemporary classics, the wide range of gold jewelry items available from pawn shops like Watch & Wares is unparalleled. From Tiffany & Co. rings to one-of-a-kind handmade pieces, we have jewelry of all types, from all eras, and at any price point. You never know what gems you can find when you buy gold jewelry from your local pawn shop.

3. It’s guaranteed authentic

When you browse for jewelry online through independent or unverified sellers, you have no way of knowing whether the pieces are authentic until it’s too late. Pawn and loan shops like Watch & Wares authenticate all pieces before selling them, so you can have total confidence that your items are worth what you’re paying for them. We are always fully transparent about every item, from karat and quality to age and retail value.

4. It will likely be restored

Just because pawn shops sell secondhand jewelry doesn’t mean that the pieces are in bad condition. On the contrary, all gold jewelry sold at Watch & Wares goes through an extensive repair and restoration process before it’s listed for sale. From tightening clasps to polishing the metal, we restore all pieces to their best possible condition before passing them onto you.

Next time you’re tempted to Google “buy and sell gold jewelry near me” or “sell jewelry for cash near me”, remember that Watch & Wares offers some of the most exquisite gold jewelry in Irvine, Tustin, or anywhere else in Orange County. Watch & Wares is the best place to sell gold jewelry, so it’s the best place to buy it too. If you want to browse a selection of fine jewelry unavailable anywhere else in the area, stop by a Watch & Wares location today. Give us a call at (714) 731-9600 and we would be happy to schedule an appointment for you.

Frequently Asked Questions About Jewelry Loans

If you live in Irvine, Tustin, or anywhere else in Orange County, and you’re looking for a safe and reliable source of jewelry loans, you need to do a bit more than just Google “jewelry loans near me”. Finding a reputable pawn shop that has a long history of secure jewelry loans will give you the highest chance of receiving the best jewelry and loan experience possible. Here at Watch & Wares, we offer an experience unlike any other. We pride ourselves on being a jewelry loan pawn shop with unmatched customer service quality and industry knowledge. We are always fully transparent with our customers, answering any questions they may have about the loan process along the way. If you’d like to know a bit more about the Watch & Wares collateral loan process, here are a few of our most frequently asked questions about jewelry loans.

What items does Watch & Wares accept?

Watch & Wares accepts a large array of fine jewelry and luxury accessories. We can accept items from any time period and from any major brand. We also evaluate estate and antique jewelry, so just because your jewelry isn’t Tiffany doesn’t mean it isn’t worth a collateral loan. Whether your jewelry is Victorian, Edwardian, Art Nouveau, Art Deco, mid-century modern, or contemporary, our expert appraisers will evaluate your item and offer you a fair and reasonable loan value for your fine diamond or gold jewelry pieces.

Does Watch & Wares do a credit check?

The best part of collateral loans is that they never affect your credit, and therefore we don’t need to perform a credit check in order to offer you a loan. As long as you have a jewelry piece worth the value you’re looking for, we can accept it as collateral for a Watch & Wares jewelry loan. We’re a leading jewelry loan pawn shop because we accept such a wide variety of items and offer highly competitive rates for your luxury goods. As long as your item is worth the amount you need, you can secure the best jewelry and loan rate possible without a credit check!

How does Watch & Wares determine my item’s value?

Our team members are experts in their field and have decades of experience at luxury brands such as Georg Jensen and Tiffany & Co. This has given them an encyclopedic knowledge of luxury goods that they use to perform a quick but thorough appraisal of your jewelry pieces. Our expert appraisers and gemologists will assess your piece by establishing the market value of any precious metals or stones based on weight and purity. At Watch & Wares, our scales are certified by Orange County Field of Weight & Measure to ensure that all measurements are accurate to the industry standard. One we’ve determined the market value of your items, we’ll offer you a fair and honest loan based on your piece’s present worth.

How long do I have to repay the loan?

Watch & Ware has extremely generous loan terms that maximize your chances of full repayment. All of our loans are four-month terms with a ten-day grace period. Our interest rates are state-regulated and based on the value of the loan. If you fully repay your loan within the four-month timeframe, we will return your item to you in the same condition it was received as soon as your next visit. If you fail to repay in full on time, we will keep your item as repayment. If you need a little more time to repay, we also offer the option to renew your loan by paying off the full interest owed.

If you’re looking for the best jewelry and loan services across Irvine, Tustin, and the rest of Orange County, look no further than Watch & Wares. We offer secure and reliable jewelry loans with some of the most competitive rates in the industry. Watch & Wares is the top jewelry loan pawn shop in the area, which is why we’ve maintained a 5-star rating after more than a decade in the business. To experience the Watch & Wares difference for yourself, give us a call at (714) 731-9600 and schedule an appointment for your free jewelry appraisal today.

How to Sell Your Pre-Owned Designer Handbag

If you’ve fallen out of love with some pieces in your wardrobe, or if you simply need extra cash fast, you can sell luxury items that you already own, including pre-loved designer bags. Pre-owned bags can sell for anywhere between a few hundred and a few thousand dollars, so selling your luxury goods is a great way to make a significant amount of money in a short amount of time. If you’re a Tustin resident looking to sell your pre-owned luxury handbags, here is a quick guide on what to do to sell luxury items quickly and for maximum value.

Do Your Research

The fashion resale market is worth more than $25 billion and is growing every year. There are dozens of methods and resellers to choose from when it comes to selling your used luxury goods, from pawn and loan shops to online boutiques. The first step to selling your items is to research the best places to sell your pre-loved handbags at high value. If you’re looking for a reliable reseller, you should do more than click on the first link when you Google “Where to sell my designer handbag”. Instead, take the time to do thorough research about trusted resellers in the Tustin area. Look at Yelp reviews, Google reviews, website testimonials, and their online catalog. You should also research what your pre-owned handbag is worth, both retail and secondhand, so you have a clear idea of what value is fair when receiving an appraisal. 

Make Sure It’s Ready to Sell

Once you know where you want to sell your handbags, make sure the bags are in peak condition and have all possible accessories included. This means collecting together the original box, dustbag, authenticity cards, and anything else that came when you purchased the item retail. You can still sell your designer bag if you don’t have any or all of these items, but it will likely sell for a lower value. You should also clean the bag as best you can in order to maximize value. Having obvious signs of wear like stains, scratches, dulled leather, or a misshapen bag will lower the resale value. If possible, take your designer handbag to a handbag spa such as the one offered at Watch & Wares. Handbag spas offer professional cleaning services, leather moisturization, stain protection, odor or mold removal, edgewear restoration, color touch-up services, and more. Making sure that your bag is in the best condition possible will guarantee you the best price possible when it comes time to sell.

Get An Appraisal & Collect Your Cash

Once your items are ready to sell, bring them into Watch & Wares for appraisal. We accept brands such as Chanel, Hermes, Louis Vuitton, Prada, Saint Laurent, Gucci, and more. During your appointment, one of our expert staff will assess your handbag to determine a fair resale market value. We consider factors such as name brand, model popularity, age, condition, material, and color when determining value. Once we have extended an offer, you can collect cash for it same-day if you choose to sell. However, there’s never any pressure or obligation to sell your items. We always strive to provide a safe and comfortable appraisal experience for every customer.

If you’re a Tustin resident looking to sell luxury items, don’t just turn to any local pawn and loan shop. Watch & Wares is located in the heart of Tustin, and our expert staff has more than 25 years of experience appraising and purchasing pre-owned designer handbags. We offer some of the most competitive rates in the area, which has helped us gain the trust of your Tustin neighbors. To schedule an appointment or to find out more about our handbag services, give us a call at (714) 731-9600 today.

How to Get Money Fast by Loaning Your Valuables

Unfortunately, more Americans than ever are looking for ways to earn cash fast due to sudden job insecurity and financial instability. With many employers reducing or shutting down operations for the next few weeks or months, finding a steady income is proving to be a significant challenge for Irvine residents. However, one way to make ends meet is by taking out a collateral loan from local pawn and loan shops.

What is a collateral loan?

A collateral loan is a loan secured by something you own, such as a loan on Rolex watches, jewelry, or designer handbags. In the process of a collateral loan, the pawn and loan shops will hold onto your collateral and pay you a fair value for those items. If you repay that loan within the agreed-upon time frame, your item will be returned to you. If you fail to repay the loan, the lender will keep your collateral as payment. Many people prefer collateral loans because they have no effect on your credit. Whereas bank loans are dependent on your credit score and can damage your credit if you fail to repay, collateral loans will never affect your credit and you often don’t require a credit check to qualify. 

What can I loan?

Just about any physical asset can be used as collateral for a loan, depending on your lender. At Watch & Wares, we accept watch loans and jewelry loans as well as loans on rare items like coins, fine art, antique valuables, and other luxury goods. We begin by appraising your item and determining its current market value. Once we have offered a loan amount that you agree to, we’ll give you the cash same-day and issue you a loan ticket that clearly states all the terms of your watch loan or jewelry loan. All of our loans are four-month terms with a generous ten-day grace period. Our interest rates are state-regulated, and repaying your full interest amount allows you to extend the loan period if needed. If you fail to repay your loan on time, we will keep your used Rolex watches or other luxury items as repayment for the loan. If you do repay the loan in full, we will return your items to you right away.

Why choose Watch & Wares?

Watch & Wares has been a reliable source of luxury pawn services since 1991. We have a stellar team of industry experts and trained gemologists that can provide accurate appraisals and unparalleled customer service during the loan process. Whether you’re looking to take out a loan on Rolex watches or designer handbags, we offer some of the most competitive rates in Southern California. We offer generous loan terms, and our process is fully transparent. Other pawn and loan shops can be untrustworthy, unfair, or even unlicensed. Here at Watch & Wares, we always offer a safe, comfortable luxury experience. 

If you have used Rolex watches or other luxury goods that you’d like to loan for same-day cash, call the experts at Watch & Wares. We’ve earned the trust of your Irvine neighbors, and we’d love to earn your trust as well. To make an appointment at our Tustin location, give us a call at (714) 731-9600 or fill out a contact form on our website.