Tag Archive for: antique engagement rings

Vintage Engagement Rings – Largest Selection in SoCal

July 17, 2017/in Engagement Rings, Recent Posts/by Watch & Wares

Shop the Largest Selection of Vintage Engagement Rings in SoCal at Watch & Wares

Watch & Wares has been the best place to purchase vintage engagement rings in Orange County for over 30 years. We have a huge selection of antique diamond rings from all eras. Because of our passion for all things exquisite, we offer only the best vintage rings. Due to our staggering inventory and top-notch customer service, Watch & Wares is the premier vintage engagement ring store in OC.

Whether you’re looking for subtle or extravagant, we can find a perfect match! Many people who are getting engaged in Orange County start out confused. Vintage engagement rings can have a lot of quirks. It makes sense shopping for an engagement ring with experts by your side. Did you know that we stock vintage engagement rings from several different time periods? Because we realize you may not know what you love until you see it, it’s often best to stop into our large showroom and walk through the rings that fit your budget & taste.

For instance, we carry antique diamond engagement rings from the following eras:

Victorian Engagement Rings
Edwardian Diamond Rings
Georgian Wedding Rings
Art Nouveau Engagement Rings
Art Deco Diamond Engagement Rings
Retro Moderne Rings

That said, and with so much selection, it’s easy to see how a ring from one era may stand out more than another. When shopping for vintage engagement rings, it’s important to be true to your own style, while of course conforming to budget…

How Much Do Vintage Engagement Rings Cost?

How much should you spend on a vintage engagement ring? The answer to that lies within your own budget and preference. While one of the perks of buying a vintage engagement ring is that you may see cost savings vs. buying new or contemporary, it all depends on your needs.

We specialize in working with any taste and budget. Our passion has always been collecting. Therefore, when it comes to our selection, we’re not biased. Whether you’re the minimalist couple or want a peek at our high-end GIA Certified diamonds and gemstones, we’ve got you covered. Our specialty has always been the one-on-one service we provide our engagement ring customers. We know that spending a fortune on an antique diamond ring isn’t the key to happiness. Thus, we can help you choose the best vintage ring for your budget while making your bride-to-be extremely happy.

If you’re curious about how much vintage engagement rings cost, it all depends on what you want. For instance, you’ve got a choice of various diamond rings and their features:

Size of the Diamond
Diamond Clarity
The Diamond’s Color (we’ll help you with these)
Whether the Diamond/Gemstone is GIA Certified
Age/Era of the Antique Engagement Ring
Type of Precious Metal Used – for Both Ring & Setting
Any Historical Relevance
Customization Options – Filigree, Engraving, Custom Settings, Using an Heirloom Stone, etc.

How Does Watch & Wares Differ from Other Orange County Jewelry Stores that Sell Vintage Engagement Rings?

Because of all the options and so many vintage engagement rings from different periods, it’s often best to come in and speak with an engagement ring expert at Watch & Wares. No doubt we’re different than other Orange County jewelry stores that sell vintage engagement rings. The first thing we’ll do is find out about you and your future bride’s taste. Next, we’ll talk about your budget and how much you’d like to spend on an engagement ring. Moreover, we’ll take our time understanding your needs and why you want certain features as well how important they are to you.

Overall, your happiness should come second to none. Watch & Wares works hard to find you the right antique engagement ring at the right price, every time. Furthermore, we won’t nickel and dime you like some jewelers, especially when it comes to the details. We offer a 12-month layaway on all vintage engagement rings at 0% interest!

If you’re looking for a custom vintage engagement ring, we can build whatever you dream up! Whether you’ve seen a photo on the net and would like it cloned, or have a photograph of a family heirloom… our jeweler can knock it out of the park, and we’ve done so for hundreds of couples. A lot of engagement ring stores don’t have a GIA Certified Gemologist on-hand, but we do! Moreover, many of our vintage engagement rings feature GIA Certified diamonds and gemstones, fully-appraised.

Call Watch & Wares if You Want the Best Selection of Vintage Engagement Rings in Orange County & Surrounding Areas

As a final note, when shopping for vintage engagement rings in Southern California, work with someone you trust. Take time to ask questions and see what their responses are. Furthermore, you should do your research on the net — read Yelp and Google reviews. You should find out if the jewelry store has been a fixture in the community for a long time. If they have an eBay or online store, check its feedback — know who you’re dealing with before you spend.

At Watch & Wares, our reputation is number one. We know that you can buy a lot of things in life, but your reputation and name isn’t one of those. We’ve been a top seller on eBay since the mid-nineties (yes with dialup & AOL), and have a flawless 100% rating on eBay. We’ve also been selling from our brick & mortar locations in Old Towne Orange for over 30 years. Of course, our Etsy store is also thriving and receives excellent feedback weekly! Likewise, if you’re looking to sell a vintage engagement ring or other estate jewelry, diamonds, fine watches, you can also visit our Tustin, CA location.

We look forward to hearing from you, and hope that we can help you pick the perfect ring to propose with. If you’d like to send us a message with some details, fill out the handy contact form on our site. One of our Engagement Ring Concierges will reach out to you and find you something that fits your needs & budget!

Call Watch & Wares for the Best Selection of Vintage Engagement Rings

Serving all of Orange County, LA County, Riverside, San Bernardino & San Diego

(714) 633-2030

Custom Engagement Rings – Meet the Diamond Ring Experts in Orange County

July 4, 2017/in Engagement Rings, Recent Posts/by Watch & Wares

All the Best Custom Engagement Rings, Settings and Custom Diamond Rings in Orange County

Custom engagement rings are becoming more and common these days. Custom diamond rings were once reserved only for the wealthy, but this has changed. We’ve spent the last 30+ years collecting the best diamond rings and estate jewelry in Orange County. We’ve also made some great connections in. Our passion for the finest and most unique jewelry has attracted some very talented people in the industry from all over world.

Expert Jewelry Repair & Custom Engagement Rings at Affordable Prices

Our jeweler has been with us for decades and is the go-to guy for custom engagement rings in Orange County. He is also the jeweler that other Orange County engagement ring stores consult with when faced with a difficult job. Watch & Wares has provided expert jewelry repair in Orange County for the last 30 years. Because of our attention to detail and respect for the craft, we’re able to restore & repair diamond rings and all jewelry to their original state & luster.

Watch & Wares is also known as the place to go when looking for custom engagement rings. Some people are looking to save money by providing your own diamond or precious gemstone. Others want a custom ring and/or setting built around a treasured heirloom diamond or gemstone.

There are hundreds of options when it comes to creating custom engagement rings. We pride ourselves on listening to your needs, then providing expert guidance. We understand that you engagement is a one of the most important days you will ever experience. Tastes and budgets differ and we get that. From affordable engagement rings to high-end luxury, we’ve got you covered.

Custom Engagement Rings: The Options are Endless

When creating a custom diamond engagement ring, the options are endless. We are able to create custom engagement rings from scratch or recreate a diamond ring from a photograph. We’ve done this for many customers who’ve lost a treasured heirloom or fell in love with a piece they saw in a magazine.

Our selection of customization options are virtually endless, however we are happy to offer help when needed. If you’re working within a particular budget or need step-by-step help, we’re you’re engagement ring store! Furthermore, if you’re looking for a trustworthy jewelry store in Orange County that has an impeccable reputation, look no further!

We have a Large Selection of the Best Custom Engagement Rings in Orange County:

Platinum Engagement Rings
White Gold Engagement Rings
Platinum Settings
Multi-Stone Settings
Fully Customized Engagement Rings
Vintage Engagement Rings
Designer Engagement Rings
Antique Engagement Rings
Art Deco Engagement Rings
Edwardian Engagement Rings
Engagement Rings from the 1920’s, 1930’s and Early 1900’s

Click here for more information on shopping for antique or vintage engagement rings in OC.

Call the Custom Engagement Rings Experts in Orange County

If you’re thinking about popping the question, we’d love to hear from you! We’ve been a part of countless special days and have customers that buy from us from all over the world. Our flagship Engagement Ring Store located in the Orange Circle has been serving Orange County & Surrounding Areas for over 30 years. We hold a 5-Star Rating on Yelp and our eBay Store, where we’ve sold since the early 90’s has 100% Feedback.

Call us today at 714-633-2030

Ask the Custom Engagement Rings Experts at Watch & Wares

Send Us a Message Using our Contact Form!

*Watch & Wares also buys custom engagement rings, diamond rings, wedding bands and estate jewelry in Orange County!

Where to Purchase Affordable Engagement Rings in Orange County

June 26, 2017/in Engagement Rings, Recent Posts/by Watch & Wares

How to Shop for the Best Affordable Engagement Rings & Get the Most Value for Your Money

If you’re like most people that are getting ready to pop the question, you are probably a little curious about how much you want to spend on a diamond engagement ring. While some people are set on buying a brand new ring, others opt for antique & vintage engagement rings. Regardless of where you fall in that spectrum, budget is usually a top priority. As such, most searches usually start with looking for affordable engagement rings in your area.

When shopping for affordable engagement rings, the most important thing to remember is you don’t skimp on quality. Whether your budget allows for a $350 ring or a $35,000 engagement ring, you’ll want to get your money’s worth. Another thing to remember is dealing with a reputable engagement ring store. One that has a history of treating their customers with respect and ensuring they’re happy long after their purchase.

Let’s explore some important factors to shopping for affordable engagement rings in Orange County. Together we’ll look at why Watch & Wares has been the best place to buy affordable engagement rings for over 35 years.

The Difference Between Affordable Engagement Rings & Cheap Engagement Rings

Now that you have a budget in mind, let’s talk about what makes an engagement ring affordable. Affordable engagement rings doesn’t necessarily mean the ring you choose has to be cheap. For instance, some engagement ring stores in Orange County and surrounding areas will allow you to make payments. Furthermore, other jewelry stores will let you put a diamond engagement ring on layaway. This method is great, because you’re dodging those pesky finance charges.

In the 1930’s America saw some lean years. In fact, we were in the middle of The Great Depression. At this time, there was a De Beers Diamond campaign that proposed people should spend one month’s salary on an engagement ring. In the 1980’s they upped it to two month’s salary, asking the question, “how else can you make 2 month’s salary last forever?”

Today, things have changed. With so many options when it comes to affordable engagement rings, you shouldn’t limit your thinking in terms of salary. Pick a budget for your diamond ring and stick with it. Do some online research and find the best place to find affordable engagement rings in your area. Once you’ve got a handful of places to check out, visit the stores and see how they stack up against one another.

Why Watch & Wares is the Best Place to Buy Affordable Engagement Rings in Orange County

Watch & Wares has sold more affordable engagement rings than anyone in Orange County for the last 35 years. With a stellar selection of affordable diamond rings and jewelry, we’ve been a part of more SoCal weddings than any other jewelry store in OC.

Just remember, affordable engagement rings will vary from person to person. What might be a fortune to spend for one buyer, may be just right for another. Weigh your options, find the engagement ring store with the best terms and merchandise and choose with confidence. The right engagement ring store will make your purchase stress-free, letting you know you’ve made the right choice.

Our Engagement Ring Selection & Reputation Speaks for Itself

Watch & Wares has 3 brick & mortar stores and has been selling online since the 1990’s. On eBay, our feedback is 100% and we’re a jewelry lover’s favorite on Etsy, where our customers rave about our affordable collections. Our flagship engagement ring store in the Orange Circle has a 5-star rating on Yelp. Customers love our attention to detail, mom & pop’s service and discreet/safe purchase process.

Affordable Engagement Rings for Every Budget

When you’ve been collecting as long as we have, you tend to have an enormous selection of affordable engagement rings. Multi-colored gemstones, colored diamonds, to platinum, white gold and antique settings — we’ve got it all! If you’re looking for an affordable diamond ring to present to the love of your life, call us first!

You can sit down with one of our engagement ring experts and walk through the following in detail:

Your Budget
Our Full Selection
Choice of Stones & Settings
Whether You Want White Gold, Platinum or Other Options
Antique Diamond Rings
Vintage Wedding Rings

Watch & Wares also has an In-House Jeweler, known for his expert jewelry repair & custom engagement rings. We can create a ring for you from scratch or recreate a cherished heirloom from a photograph. When it comes to vintage and antique engagement rings, we’re the experts. We’re the engagement ring store other Orange County jewelers bring their customers’ diamond rings to, to have them fixed or set properly!

Take Advantage of Our Layaway for to Make Your Purchase Even More Affordable

Want to space your payments out over 12 months? No problem! Watch & Wares offers layaway on all our affordable engagement rings, with 0% interest. Simply leave a 20% deposit, then make monthly payments. Pick up your diamond engagement ring once it’s paid off, with no fees or interest!

Call Watch & Wares & Let Us Help You Find an Affordable Engagement Ring She’ll Love!

Our Owner and Engagement Ring Experts are here Tues-Sat from 10am to 5pm. Walk-ins are always welcome, or you can give us a call at 714-633-2030 to set a one-on-one engagement ring consultation! If you’re in the market for affordable engagement rings and live close to Orange County, we’d love to serve you!

Our reputation speaks for itself and we’re eager to prove why we’re the best place to buy affordable engagement rings in Southern California. If you have any questions or concerns, you can also send us message using the handy contact form on this page! We look forward to serving you and helping you find the engagement ring of your dreams soon!

The Best Place to Buy Antique Engagement Rings in Orange County & Surrounding Areas

June 12, 2017/in Engagement Rings, Recent Posts/by Watch & Wares

Antique Engagement Rings – Why Are Vintage Diamond Rings So Special?

Everyone has their own taste, and lovers of antique & estate jewelry are no exception. If you’re thinking of taking the plunge and searching for antique engagement rings for your bride-to-be, you’re not alone. Antique engagement rings are back in vogue — you’ve seen them on your favorite celebrities’ fingers and in major fashion magazines.

But why purchase an antique engagement ring? At Watch & Wares, we like to ask, why not purchase one? Vintage and antique engagement rings are nod to historic style and values, but also incredibly chic and unique. With each vintage engagement ring comes it’s own history and a connection to the past… a time where bonds between lovers were not only sacred, but tough to break. From the Great Depression to the Roar & Bustle of Big Band, Classic Hollywood Stars & Cinema, and who can forget Prohibition? The 1920’s and 1930’s saw a lot of ups-and-downs, but there was a solidarity within the country as well.

As such, there’s been a huge upswing in all things vintage & throwback, antique engagement rings included. We’ve also seen a rise in custom wedding bands made to emulate vintage wedding rings and estate jewelry from the days where radio and newspaper ruled over social media and online videos.

How Much Should I Budget for Antique Engagement Rings in Orange County?

Shop the Largest Selection of Antique Engagement Rings in Southern California at Watch & Wares

Antique Engagement Rings at Watch & Wares. Photo c/o @isaiahvaldez.official via Instagram

While many people have caught the vintage engagement ring bug, there aren’t too many guidelines out there to help you shop for an antique engagement ring. Orange County and Southern California are both havens for estate jewelry and vintage wedding rings come in all shapes, sizes, precious metals and colors.

Some antique wedding bands and vintage engagement rings may look the similar on the surface. The truth is, while most antique engagement rings may have similar qualities, there’s a few things you should look out for. But before we go any further, you’ll want to figure out your budget for the engagement ring. Finding out what you want to spend on a vintage diamond ring is paramount to the process. It provides a guideline for qualifying different pieces and picking your favorite rings.

Budgeting your purchase properly also gives the antique engagement ring store or jeweler insight as to where to start. Since we’re talking about diamonds and precious metals, prices will vary. The great news is that vintage engagement rings can be extremely affordable or on the other end of the spectrum, lavish & expensive. Once you’ve got the budget out of the way, we can now begin shopping for the perfect antique engagement rings that fit your taste & bankbook.

What Should I Look for When Shopping for Vintage & Antique Engagement Rings?

While some antique engagement rings feature a diamond as the main stone, others may incorporate sapphires or other precious gems. It’s important to buy from a reputable antique engagement ring store in your area. Go to a place you trust, or one that has great online reviews. Furthermore, look for a jewelry store that specializes in antique engagement rings. If you’re ever in doubt, simply ask.

If the jewelry store carries vintage or estate jewelry, ask them about their antique engagement rings. Find out about their selection and vetting process. Ask the vintage jewelry store if they have anyone on staff that inspects or certifies the diamonds. Look into whether or not they restore their antique jewelry and engagement rings. Finally, you’ll want to know about the vintage engagement ring’s appraisal process.

Some other important things to ask when shopping for antique engagement rings includes:

What era is the vintage diamond engagement ring from?
What is the diamond’s clarity, size and color rating?
Is the precious metal rated at 10k, 14k, 24k etc.
Where was the antique ring acquired?
Did the vintage diamond ring undergo any restoration?
Do you have a GIA gemologist on staff?
Will I receive an appraisal & certificate with my purchase?

If You’re Shopping for Vintage or Antique Engagement Rings in Orange County, Check Watch & Wares First!

At Watch & Wares, we hate tooting our own horn, but we practically wrote the book on vintage, estate and antique jewelry. Our history dates back 35 years with over a century of vintage jewelry experience between our entire staff. Our Owner, William Houchin, is a collector of fine jewelry and vintage & estate engagement rings and has been honing his skills for over 3 decades. We started as collectors and that’s why we only offer the best.

Our customers know us as the premier destination for vintage, designer and antique engagement rings in Southern California. Our selection of vintage diamonds and wedding bands is staggering, and we’re proud of that. We’ve earned a reputation as the best place to buy antique engagement rings for many reasons, but our commitment to our customers is our favorite.

We’ve sold thousands of pieces on eBay, where we hold 100% Feedback since the early 90’s. We cross-sell items on Etsy and have an immaculate 5-star rating on Yelp through all of our 3 locations. Our flagship jewelry store in the Orange Circle features hundreds of antique engagement rings and vintage settings. If you’re looking for a custom engagement ring or would like to replace a cherished heirloom that was lost, we can do that too!

Watch & Wares Has the Best Selection of Estate & Antique Diamond Engagement Rings in SoCal

Watch & Wares has a GIA gemologist on staff and every vintage piece of jewelry we acquire undergoes a well-practiced restoration process. Not only is every antique engagement ring and vintage wedding band appraised properly, most look brand new.

We’ve served hundreds of beautiful couples that have tied the knot in Southern California. We’re proud to be a part of a legacy and tradition that keeps these beautiful antique engagement rings alive. We know that every customer is unique in terms of taste, budget and needs. We offer a 12-month layaway with no interest on all of our vintage wedding bands and diamond engagement rings.

Give us a call at 714-633-2030 or come by the store today! Speak with one of our Engagement Ring Concierges and let them walk you through some of our pieces. Ask us questions — we love answering them. In the end, we want happy & satisfied lovers making educated decisions. We want you to love the jewelry you wear and nothing is more cherished than an engagement ring.

Make the gift you give her on this special occasion one she’ll remember and covet forever.

*for more information about precious gems & diamonds used in antique engagement rings, visit the GIA Gem Encyclopedia.

*if you’d like to sell us antique engagement rings or other jewelry, you can come by or stop by our Tustin, CA location!