Tag Archive for: diamond rings

Top Questions to Ask When Selling Jewelry & Luxury Items

The process of selling your jewelry and luxury goods can be a stressful experience. There’s quite a bit of information to absorb and you never quite know if you’re getting the best deal for your valuables. However, at Watch and Wares we want to ensure you feel confident in any sale process. If you’re attempting to sell jewelry or any luxury item, here are the questions that you need to be asking. 

Questions to Ask When Selling Jewelry

What is the current demand for my estate jewelry? 

Having an educated estimate of what your estate jewelry is worth is key to ensuring that you receive a fair offer for your items. Do the prior research and then ask your buyer this question when the time comes. 

What measurement are you using to weigh your gold?

The general consensus method of measuring gold is in grams. You might also see some gold and jewelry buyers use troy ounces so it’s best to keep in mind conversion rates between the two measurement systems. If your buyer is using another method, then you could find yourself being paid less than what you deserve. 

What’s the value of my gold jewelry?

As with other types of jewelry, you want to have an idea of how much your gold jewelry is worth prior to meeting with a buyer. If possible, measure your gold jewelry and get an accurate measurement to help determine its value before receiving a valuation. 

Questions to Ask When Selling Luxury Items

Can you tell me about the quality of my handbag’s leather? 

Expensive designer handbags will have high-quality leather while a knockoff will have one of lesser quality. By discovering your handbag’s leather quality, you will have a better grasp of its value. 

Can you tell me about my handbag’s stitching? 

A handbag’s stitching is indicative of its quality. Higher-end designer handbags are carefully hand-stitched with delicate touch and care. Ask your buyer about your handbag’s stitching to help with your valuation. 

If I have the original box and papers of my watch, will I get a bigger price? 

The answer to this question should usually be yes. Having the original box and papers for your watch will raise its value and help you earn more on your transaction. Make sure to mention this to your buyer to ensure that it’s accounted for in their valuation. 

Part of making the process of selling your jewelry and luxury items easier is finding the right partner. You want to have a trusted buyer that will treat you fairly and with respect. If you’re looking for a place to sell luxury items or jewelry, give us a call and come to one of our established locations in Orange at Plaza Square or on South Glassell Street. Watch and Wares provides the ideal environment for you to sell your goods and receive a fair financial valuation in return. For further consultation about our services, contact us online by filling out an informational form or through our provided contact information.

What is Estate Jewelry & Why Should You Buy It?

For residents of Irvine and the surrounding Orange County area in search of jewelry that is both elegant and meaningful, estate jewelry fulfills both criteria with their memorable distinctiveness. Estate jewelry are pieces of jewelry that have been previously owned. An increasingly popular option for those seeking originality, they come from various backgrounds each with their own unique history and special charm. With all of that being said, what incentive is there for buying estate jewelry? Estate jewelry comes with several benefits that customers will find enticing. Here are some of the reasons as to why you should consider making estate jewelry your next purchase. 

Affordable Pricing

Because estate jewelry is previously owned, they often come in more affordable prices. Customers are able to get high-quality jewelry at a reasonable cost. You can find such reasonably priced jewelry at any of Watch and Wares several locations.

The History Behind Them

Part of the specialness and endearing quality to estate jewelry is the history behind them. Each piece of estate jewelry has a different story to them that makes them especially meaningful. This gives them a genuineness and earnestness that some newer jewelry simply do not have. Owning a certain piece of estate jewelry means that you’re now part of that story and you’re writing its future. 

Styles of the Past 

Estate jewelry’s unique and enticing nature comes from their differing origins and the periods from which they come from. Customers are given glimpse into designs and aesthetics that certain time periods revered and prioritized. 

Jewelry is Durable

Jewelry is generally a durable product. As long as they are reasonably maintained over time with small repairs made periodically, older pieces of jewelry will closely resemble their newer counterparts and in certain instances be indistinguishable in quality. 

Well-Crafted and Detailed

Estate jewelry tends to be well-crafted having been meticulously made and thoughtfully designed. Because of the care that’s been put into them there’s a uniqueness and special nature to each estate jewelry which isn’t always the case for newer pieces of jewelry. 

Estate jewelry is a viable option for those looking for something more affordable yet still stunning in appearance. Well-crafted and genuine, estate jewelry make for a wonderful addition to any collection. Watch and Wares has a beautiful selection of estate jewelry that will surely satisfy any of your needs. Our diverse offerings include jewelry from the Victorian, Edwardian, Art Nouveau, Art Deco, Mid-Century Retro Modern, and Contemporary periods. For further consultation give us a call or contact us online by filling out an informational form or through our provided contact information. 

What is Acceptable Collateral for a Loan?

If you’re a Tustin resident in need of quick cash, you can get the money you need same-day with a collateral loan from Watch & Wares. With collateral loans, you don’t need to undergo a credit check, and repayment will never affect your credit score. Instead, the items used as collateral will be kept by the lender if repayment isn’t made on time. Many Tustin residents prefer collateral loans over any other type of loan because it’s low-risk and you’ll receive the money instantly. However, what items can be accepted as collateral is often unclear and varies widely between lenders. When you visit Watch & Wares, here are the items that we can accept as collateral for a collateral loan.

Fine Jewelry

When finding a trusted jewelry loan expert, it’s not enough to simply Google “jewelry loans near me” and pick the top result. When it comes to a sentimental and valuable item such as gold or diamond jewelry, you want to find a lender that is trustworthy and will offer you the most for your items. Watch & Wares accepts all kinds of jewelry pieces as collateral, including antique jewelry, estate jewelry, contemporary designer jewelry, and more. Our team of experienced appraisers have worked at brand names such as Tiffany & Co., so they can give you some of the most accurate appraisals in the industry. We offer highly competitive rates that will get you the cash you need right away.

Designer Watches

If you have a Rolex watch that you need to loan for cash, come to Watch & Wares. We accept Rolexes, as well as all kinds of designer watches, as collateral for a collateral loan. We know how meaningful it can be for someone to purchase their first Rolex or Patek Philippe, so a collateral loan from Watch & Wares allows you to keep ownership of your designer watch while still receiving the cash you need right away. As soon as you repay the loan, your Rolex will be promptly returned to you in the same condition that it was received. 

Luxury Handbags

Many women enjoy purchasing luxury handbags not only because they’re beautiful, but also because they know that certain styles retain their value well over time. Designer handbags from brands like Chanel, Hermes, and Louis Vuitton can often have a higher current retail value than the price they were originally purchased for. This makes them a great asset for collateral loans. Watch & Wares accepts handbags from Chanel, Hermes, Louis Vuitton, Saint Laurent, Prada, Gucci, and more. If you have a valuable designer handbag that you’re not ready to part with, but you need cash right away, opt for a collateral loan from Watch & Wares.

Rare Art & Collectibles

Rare art and collectibles are a passion for Watch & Wares. We constantly strive to find the rarest, finest pieces in the best condition, so we happily accept rare collectible pieces as collateral for collateral loans. Items we accept include rare coins, fine art, Fabergé eggs, Tiffany silver, and much more. Make an appointment with one of our appraisal experts in order to determine whether your rare collectible is acceptable collateral and what the loan value of your item would be.

If you’re looking to use your gold jewelry or other luxury goods for a collateral loan, stop Googling “jewelry loans near me” and instead visit the Tustin experts in collateral jewelry loans. Watch & Wares accepts all kinds of fine jewelry, designer goods, and rare collectibles as collateral, so you can get same-day cash with any of your valuable accessories. Give us a call today at (714) 731-9600 to schedule an appointment for a free, no-obligation appraisal with one of our experienced staff or expert gemologists.

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.

Where to Purchase Affordable Engagement Rings in Orange County

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!

5 Tips to Help you Shop for the Best Vintage Rings

5 Tips to Help you Shop for the Best Vintage Rings

When shopping for the best vintage rings in Orange County, Los Angeles and other surrounding areas of Southern California, there are a few tips that can help you find not only get the best price, but find the best rings as well! We’ve compiled this handy jewelry buyer’s guide as part of a series of How-To’s that are aimed at giving you more confidence in shopping for and selecting only the best vintage rings.

Tip #1 – A Jewelry Store’s Knowledge is Key in Identifying the Best Vintage Rings

So let’s say you’re ready to pop the question and have spent hours on the Internet researching your significant other’s favorite styles of vintage engagement rings. You keep track of diamond rings they post on Pinterest, ask their friends for advice and even have design in mind, but aren’t sure about the specifics. If you’re not sure about what you’re looking for, you’re not alone. Some people aren’t sure if they want a vintage setting to compliment the heirloom diamond that was handed down to them, or if they should start from scratch and get a custom-made vintage-style engagement ring.

Because there are so many variables when it comes to designing the best vintage rings and engagement rings, finding a jeweler and engagement ring store that has the right knowledge is key. You want a jeweler that has been in business for a long time and knows their stuff. Regardless of whether or not you know exactly what diamond engagement ring you want, your jeweler should definitely know the ins and outs of the best vintage rings and be there to guide you in the right direction. Try not to confuse this with a jewelry store that will guide you towards the more expensive option, because sometimes you can find inexpensive vintage engagement rings that fit the bill.

An experienced engagement ring store that has been selling the best vintage rings, diamonds and engagement rings for a long time will know what questions to ask you in order to help find what engagement ring fits your taste & budget perfectly. Likewise, they will also know the right questions to ask in order to weed out the options and hundreds of diamond engagement rings that won’t suit your specific needs.

Tip #2 – A Jewelry Store is Only as Good as its Inventory of Engagement Rings

best vintage rings, vintage rings, vintage mountings, vintage jewelry

Use your own family stone and purchase a vintage mounting to save!

Selection is a big part of finding the best vintage rings, diamond rings and engagement rings. Because without selection and a large inventory of engagement rings, you’ll never truly know if you got your favorite piece. Once you find a jewelry store that specializes in selling the best vintage rings, stop in and view their showcase. There’s traditional diamond rings in several cuts. Some engagement rings have sapphires or other colored stones. Vintage rings come in all forms. Some rings are white gold while others are platinum. Some engagement rings may just have a platinum setting, but no stone. There are also engagement rings that have beautiful and intricate filigree and engraving.

The point is, there’s so many choices & options that you can go with! Without visiting a jewelry store with a large selection of the best vintage rings, you can never be sure if you’ve found one that you know she’ll be crazy about for years to come, and that’s a tough lesson to learn. When shopping for the best vintage rings, find an engagement ring store with the biggest selection of antique diamond rings you can find, and get it right the first time!

Tip #3 – Make Sure They’ve Got a Gemologist in the Jewelry Shop!

best vintage jewelry, vintage jewelry, May Karam, Gemologist,

Make sure the jewelry you purchase has been vetted by a gemologist.

Any good jewelry store in Orange County knows their diamonds and engagement rings pretty well. A great jewelry store to buy diamond engagement rings from will have an actual gemologist on their staff! The different here is staggering. It’s like having a race-car driver who moonlights as a mechanic acting as a salesperson at a car dealership. A gemologist’s job is identify, grade and appraise gemstones. But it doesn’t stop there. If they’re employed by a jewelry store that sells vintage engagement rings, they’ll ensure they carry the best vintage rings.

Another reason to go to a vintage engagement rings store that has a gemologist on staff is peace of mind. You’ll know you’re getting the right stone and paying the right price for it. For instance, some sapphires are yellow, but so are fancy yellow diamonds. Aquamarines and Blue Topaz may look identical to some people. We’ve all heard stories about people buying a vintage ring only to learn the stone wasn’t what they thought. This can be bad news for both the vintage engagement ring store, but devastating to the buyer.

When in doubt, go to a vintage diamond ring store in Orange County that has a gemologist. This is also important if you’re buying colored stones or if you’re looking for a diamond with a specific grade/clarity. Finally, a gemologist will also appraise and value diamonds and diamond engagement rings properly. If you’re looking for the best vintage rings, buy from a place that has graded the diamond ring already? This can also ensure you’re getting the best value for your dollar, and a proper appraisal.

Tip #4 – Know How Much You Want to Spend

Cost will always be a defining factor when searching for the best vintage rings. Don’t get emotionally attached to an engagement ring before purchase. Go into the engagement ring store with a clear head. Make a list of antique ring attributes you or your significant other are looking for. Have an engagement ring budget and remember that the best vintage rings aren’t necessarily the most expensive.

When going into a Vintage Engagement Ring store, remember that several factors affect the cost. Some diamond rings may be antiques, while others are custom-made. There may smaller diamond rings that cost more than larger engagement rings simply due to the era it comes from. Whatever type of vintage ring you’re looking for, go into the jewelry store with a budget — you’ll thank yourself later. Any reputable diamond ring dealer in Orange County or Los Angeles would be happy to work with your budget. The jewelers that sell the best vintage rings generally also do enough volume to work with you a little on price.

Tip #5 The Jewelry Store’s Reputation & Commitment

Do some research on the jewelry store before your visit. Find out about other customers’ experiences. Find out if they offer warranties on their vintage rings and whether or not they stand by them. Yelp and Google can be a big help here. Check and see if they have an eBay store or if they sell online. Find out what people are saying about their online transactions as well.

At Watch & Wares, we’ve been selling the best vintage rings in Orange County for close to 30 years. What started as a small jewelry store in the Orange Circle has expanded into 3 locations. We buy, sell and provide collateral loans on vintage engagement rings. We’ve got a GIA-Certified Gemologist on staff to grade and appraise diamond rings. Watch & Wares has the largest inventory and the best vintage rings in California. The owner William Houchin has spent 3 decades helping customers find the best engagement rings for their special day.

We are a full-service jewelry store located in The Circle at Old Towne Orange. We provide Top-Notch Jewelry Repair and guaranteed work. Our master jeweler has over 32 years of experience. We provide impeccable jewelry repair and custom creations. Other jewelers come to us when they can’t fix it themselves. Read more about Our History & Expertise by clicking here.

Best vintage rings, vintage rings, vintage and antique ringsOur selection of diamond engagement rings will satisfy every bride and budget. Our engagement rings represent all art periods. If you’ve been thinking of popping the question, you’ve found the right store that can help! Our reputation speaks for itself and we have a solid 5-star review rating on Yelp. We’ve got 100% positive feedback on eBay, where we’ve been selling the best vintage rings and estate jewelry since the late 90’s!

Call Watch & Wares to Find the Best Vintage Rings Today!

Our customers love that many of our best vintage rings are one of a kind. We offer free ring sizing in most cases!

Call us at 714-633-2030 or stop in for a free consultation with an Engagement Ring Expert today!