Tag Archive for: jewelry store orange county

How to Be A Smart Consumer During the Holidays

It’s undeniable that the holiday season has become inextricably linked to shopping. Whether buying Christmas gifts for others or doing sales shopping for yourself, it’s arguably the most consumerist time of year. With a recent increase in awareness around sustainability, as well as extra cost-consciousness due to the pandemic, many shoppers are looking for ways to be smart consumers during the holidays. If you want to save money and do your part to reduce consumer waste while still indulging your friends and family in luxury gifts, here are a couple of tips for staying under budget.

Avoid retail jewelry stores

Jewelry and watches are incredibly popular holiday gifts, as they have virtually universal appeal. If you’re looking to get your husband a Rolex or your mother a diamond necklace, avoid shopping retail this year and instead opt for secondhand and antique options. Estate jewelry stores and reputable pawn shops such as Watch & Wares have vast selections of stunning, one-of-a-kind jewelry that will tell your special someone how much you appreciate them. All jewelry is certified and restored to its best condition, and all of our pieces are available at incredible prices that will keep you under budget. If you want the best in quality and price, avoid retail jewelry stores this holiday season and browse antique jewelry and watches from Watch & Wares.

Consider pre-loved luxury handbags

A stunning designer handbag is an incredible gift that will light up the eyes of anyone in your life. However, luxury handbag prices increase every year, and the quality rarely increases with it. If you want high-quality pre-owned luxury handbags that won’t break the bank, Watch & Wares Couture has a wide selection of used designer handbags. Luxury pre-owned designer handbags are often in near-pristine condition, but you can save thousands of dollars over retail value. Not only that, but purchasing pre-owned luxury handbags is a more sustainable choice, keeping goods out of landfills and giving them a longer life. If you want to find your mom, wife, or friend the perfect holiday gift this year, luxury pre-owned designer handbags are a thoughtful choice—in more ways than one.

Being a thoughtful consumer not only saves the planet, but it can often save you considerable money as well—all while recycling premier-quality goods that will leave their recipients in awe. If you’re looking for a unique and luxurious holiday gift for someone in your life, look no further than Watch & Wares. We have everything you need to cross off your holiday shopping list, from antique jewelry and Rolex watches to used designer handbags. To find out more about our product selection or to schedule an appointment with a friendly and knowledgeable sales associate, give us a call today at (714) 633-2030. We look forward to assisting you in any way we can!

5 Ways to Maintain Your Lustrous Jewelry

Everybody wants to keep their favorite pieces of jewelry looking brand new and in good condition. However, techniques to maintain jewelry can vary depending on the type of piece. Platinum, diamond, gemstone, gold, and pearl pieces of jewelry each have their own unique processes. If you’re looking to maintain your jewelry’s shine and quality, here are five effective methods that you can try at home. 

Cleaning Platinum Jewelry

Platinum jewelry does not require much maintenance or resources to retain its appearance. If you do want to polish your platinum jewelry you can use a chamois cloth along with a solution of moderately warm water mixed with mild dish soap.

Diamond Jewelry Care

Diamond is a trendy and attractive gemstone that can make for stunning jewelry. While a diamond can be a tough and strong material, it can still be damaged if you are not careful. A good solution to help maintain a diamond jewelry’s shine involves mixing a quarter cup of mild dish detergent with one cup of moderately warm water. Then, place the jewelry in the solution for twenty to thirty minutes. Once enough time has elapsed, you then use a toothbrush to softly brush the jewelry to remove any dirt that may be on it. Exercise caution when brushing and do not use too much force. 

Cleaning Gemstone Jewelry

Because of the variety and large quantity of gemstones, there are different approaches that a person can take in cleaning their jewelry. Some recommended options to wipe gemstone jewelry are lint-free cleaning cloths or ones made from microfiber. It should be noted that hot water should generally not be used with gemstones.

Maintaining Gold

Cleaning gold jewelry is generally uniform no matter which type you own. A standard and efficient way to clean your gold jewelry is with a soft chamois cloth. If your jewelry has tarnished, you can soak it in a solution of moderately warm water mixed with dish soap and a few drops of mild dish detergent. Leave the jewelry in the solution for a short period and then use a lint free cloth to gently wipe it.

Maintaining Pearls and their Shine

The cleaning of pearl jewelry is unique from that of others as it does not heavily rely on the use of water. Use of a chamois cloth is one method of keeping your pearls clean. For more excessively dirty pearl jewelry, lightly wet the cloth with moderately warm water that’s been mixed with mild dish soap and gently wipe. 

There are several effective methods that can help maintain your jewelry’s shine in between professional services from your local jeweler. Watch and Wares provides a variety of exceptional services including our stellar jewelry repair. Our experienced team uses the latest modern tools and equipment to help return your jewelry to its pristine form. We offer free estimates on all jewelry repairs so that you have all available knowledge prior to making a decision. For more information about our services, give us a call or contact us online by filling out an informational form or through our provided contact information.

7 Things Most People Don’t Know About Rolex Watches

Rolex is one of the most recognizable and sought after luxury watch brands in the world. Because of their intricate craftsmanship and impeccable quality, Rolex watches have become iconic timepieces unparalleled in stature. However, despite its prominence, there are still things about the Rolex brand that people are unaware of. Here are seven interesting facts most people don’t know about Rolex watches. 

The Company Was Originally Named After Its Founders

The company’s original name was Wilsdorf & Davis. Then in 1908, the Rolex brand name was registered and the company’s name changed. 

Rolex Was Originally Founded in London

Despite popular belief, Rolex was not founded in Switzerland. Instead, it was founded in London by German businessman Hans Wilsdorf and his partner Alfred Davis. 

Most Rolex Watch Parts Are Made In-House

Because Rolex wants as much control in the creation process of their watches as possible, most of their watch parts are made in-house. This allows them to oversee each step in the creation of their watches to ensure their quality. 

Rolex’s Four Factories

Rolex owns four manufacturing factories with each playing a significant and unique role in the watch creation process. All four factories are located in Switzerland. Specifically, they’re situated at Plan-Les-Ouates, Les Acacias, Bienne, and Chêne-Bourg. Each factory is tasked with manufacturing their assigned parts.  

Rolex Operates a Foundry

The company owns a foundry where they make all of their gold that they use for their watches. This speaks to Rolex’s commitment to going above and beyond what is expected. There’s no other watch company out there that is making their own gold in their own foundry. 

The Rolex Logo Was Trademarked in 1925

The iconic Rolex crown logo that so many recognize and associate with luxury and wealth was patented in 1925. As Rolex has risen in stature and popularity, their logo has become as identifiable as some of the other top brands in the world. 

All Rolex Watches Are Tested By the COSC 

Rolex has all of their watches tested by the Swiss independent testing institute, Contrôle Officiel Suisse des Chronomètres, to ensure the accuracy and precision of their watches. Each Rolex watch is certified by the COSC. 

For high-quality watches like Rolex and stunning jewelry, try Watch and Wares. Watch and Wares offers unmatched customer care that is guaranteed to leave you satisfied. Our decades of experience sets us apart and our friendly professional team provides excellent one-on-one service. For more information about our selections, give us a call or contact us online by filling out an informational form or through our provided contact information.

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.

Watch & Wares is the Best Place to Buy Women’s Watches in Orange County

Where is the Best Place to Buy Women’s Watches in Orange County?

At Watch & Wares, we’ve spent the last 3 decades collecting, buying and selling women’s watches in Orange County, CA. From our in-house watch sales in our Orange Circle store to eBay and Yelp, we’ve upheld a 5-star reputation for having the largest pre-owned watch selection in Orange County and exceptional service. Our women’s fine watch selection includes all major watch brands from all eras.

When looking for the best women’s watch store in Orange County, there are a few key things to remember when shopping:

  • What Kinds of Watches and Brand Names does the Watch Store Carry?
  • Can you Buy Vintage Watches as well as Contemporary Fine Watches?
  • What is the Reputation of the Women’s Watch Store in OC
  • Is the Fine Watch Store in Orange County Offer a Warranty on their Watches?
  • Will the Jewelry Store offer Pre-Owned Women’s Watches in Orange County
  • Does the Orange County Watch Store Offer Layaway?

What Brands Does the Watch Store Carry?

Watch & Wares knows that watch lovers are a special breed. When searching for women’s watches in Orange County, the most important thing is selection. Watch & Wares has the largest pre-owned watch selection in Orange County and Southern California. We’ve Spent the last 30 years collecting fine watches for men & ladies.

Horology lovers are loyal to the watch brands they covet. We know that sometimes it can be tough committing to buying a Panerai Watch if you’re a Rolex Watch fanatic. The reason it’s important to buy women’s watches in Orange County from a watch store that has a large selection of watches, is because you can try the timepiece on and see if it fits your style.

Here’s a short-list of just some of the major brands of fine watches for men & women we carry:

  • Rolex
  • Cartier
  • Omega
  • Panerai
  • Chanel
  • Breitling
  • Patek Philippe
  • Vacheron Constantin
  • A. Lange & Söhne
  • Gucci
  • Chopard
  • Hamilton
  • Bell & Ross
  • Longines
  • Ulysse Nardin

Are you Looking for Vintage & Antique or Contemporary Women’s Watches in Orange County?

We have started with our owner’s passion for collecting fine timepieces. We pride ourselves on having the largest vintage, antique and contemporary pre-owned watch selection in Orange County. When we built our store and brand 30 years ago, we never knew our collection of pre-owned watches would grow to its current size today.

We specialize in selling both contemporary luxury watches as well as vintage watches in Orange County. We’ve been doing business out of our brick & mortar store in the Orange Circle for over three decades! We’ve also been selling vintage and antique watches on eBay since the late 90’s and also sell on Etsy and through our recently launched online store!

Click here to view a small cross-section of our large Orange County watch & jewelry store inventory!

Our contemporary women’s watch selection is staggering. Looking for something in yellow gold? How about white gold or platinum with a diamond bezel? Leather strap or classic bracelet? Are you a Rolex or Cartier watch lover but particular to their classic vintage designs?

We’ve also been seeing a lot of women who love wearing larger men’s watches as of late, dubbed the boyfriend watch. Watch & Wares in the Orange Circle is the best pre-owned watch store in Orange County. Most of our watches are in like-new condition and include box & papers!

Do They Have a Good Reputation?Are the Watches Guaranteed?

Watch & Wares has worked hard to maintain a 5-Star Rating on Yelp and a 100% Feedback rating for every transaction on eBay. We’ve also relied mostly on word-of-mouth for the last few decades before the Internet became such a huge factor in doing business.

We’re lucky to have had many repeat clients over the years. Most watch lovers do business with people they trust. Our owner takes a hands-on approach to ensuring each watch purchase; service and restoration is done with the utmost care. Our staff has over a century of combined experience in the watch & jewelry industry.

Each watch we sell in our Orange County watch store or through eBay carries a warranty. The warranty may differ on contemporary watches vs. vintage/antique watches. Each contemporary timepieces we carry is restored to their factory specs. Our vintage watches are carefully restored to ensure they retain their vintage appeal (including dial patina, etc). We have a Master Watchmaker on staff and make sure our seals & gaskets are tight & lubricated. We also ensure movements are accurate, and that links/clasps are tight & polished before purchase.

Now let’s talk payment options and layaway plans for watches. This is a biggie for most people looking to buy women’s watches in Orange County. While we have luxury watches to satisfy most every taste and budget, some folks love to take advantage of our 12-month Layaway!

This allows you to put a small down-payment on a Men’s or Ladies Fine Watch and make interest-free monthly payments! This is a huge plus because it makes it easy to own a piece you fall in love with, even if you can’t pay upfront for it.

For more information on the brands of women’s watches we carry, call us at 714-633-2030 and speak with one of our helpful staff members!