Tag Archive for: pawn loans

Frequently Asked Questions About Jewelry Loans

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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

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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

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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.

What to Do Before Selling Your Gold Jewelry

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There are innumerate reasons to want to sell your gold jewelry pieces. Maybe you want to make room for new pieces in your life, or maybe you want to have a little extra money lining your pockets. The process of finding the best place to sell gold jewelry, however, can be more difficult than you might expect. If you’re planning to sell jewelry in Irvine, it’s important that you work with a trusted gold buyer like Watch & Wares and follow these crucial steps before you sell your jewelry pieces.

Make Sure You’re Willing to Part With Your Pieces

When you considering selling to nearby gold buyers, the first and most important thing is to not act on impulse. You don’t want to be wracked with regret afterward, so make sure that you’re ready to part with the pieces you plan to sell. You need to be certain that the emotional value that your jewelry holds does not outweigh the monetary value. This is why the most commonly sold jewelry is broken items or outdated pieces with no emotional attachment. Don’t worry if your jewelry isn’t flawless; at Watch & Wares, we buy damaged or broken jewelry and restore it before it’s resold. 

Research Nearby Gold Buyers

When you’re trying to find the best place to sell jewelry, always do your research. You need to get an accurate appraisal of the value of your jewelry, and that can only come from a professional jeweler. An appraisal will verify exactly what your jewelry is made up of. Most gold jewelry in the United States is made in 10, 14, or 18 karats, meaning that a certain portion of other metals is mixed in with the gold to add resilience. This will influence the value of the jewelry itself and help determine what price you can get for it. 

At Watch & Wares, our appraisals are performed by experienced jewelers and gemologists who can accurately offer you a fair price for your gold jewelry. Unlike most gold buying services, we make sure to take the design and age of your jewelry into consideration. Antique or designer jewelry can sell for more than just its value in raw materials, which we will identify on your behalf. Unlike most gold-buying services, we also offer money for gemstones set in jewelry as well. 

Be Wary of Mail-In Gold Buying Services

When purchasing or selling jewelry, it’s always better to do it in-person with a certified professional. When you work with a service that has you mail your jewelry in exchange for money, you are leaving yourself vulnerable to your items being lost in transit, or even worse, getting scammed. If you choose to work with a mail-in service, make sure that they are a certified business, and verify that they have a reimbursement policy. Of course, if you choose to sell jewelry at Watch & Wares, you don’t need to worry about these factors; we operate physical locations in Orange and Tustin, and our certified professionals are always ready to assist you throughout the selling process. We understand that jewelry is often more than metal and stones; it also has genuine emotional value. We will never try to pressure you into a sale, and we will always respect your final decision. 

Thanks to our professional and respectful approach, many jewelry collectors believe that Watch & Wares is the best place to sell gold jewelry in Irvine and the rest of Orange County. We always strive to make our customers feel comfortable and informed throughout the jewelry selling process, and we will always offer you a fair value for your pieces. If you’d like to give us the chance to sell us your jewelry, call us today at (714) 731-9600 to learn more about our services or to schedule an appointment. We also welcome walk-ins!

Why You Can Trust a Collateral Loan from Watch & Wares

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Among the services that we offer at Watch & Wares, one that we get asked about frequently is our collateral loans. Tustin residents know that a collateral loan from Watch & Wares can be an excellent way to have money lent to you in a quick and trustworthy manner. While some may be apprehensive about pawn shop loans due to other stores’ reputations, there are many reasons why you can put your faith in a collateral loan from Watch & Wares.

Fully Licensed, Certified, & Accredited

Like other trustworthy pawn and loan shops that wish to provide collateral loans, we are fully licensed to do so in the state of California. We fully comply with state regulations that control interest rates, how collateral is held, and loan repayment periods, ensuring that you are fully protected throughout the process. Additionally, the scales we use to appraise jewelry are regularly inspected and certified by the Orange County Weights and Measures Program. This is to ensure that the instruments we use to determine the weight of your jewelry are always fair and accurate. When you come to Watch & Wares, you never need to worry about getting cheated or short-changed. 

Expert Team of Gemologists & Experienced Professionals

A common issue at other pawn and loan shops is that they do not employ trained jewelers and gemologists to assess pieces for jewelry collateral loans. At Watch & Wares, however, we employ industry veterans, including a master jeweler with over 30 years of experience crafting and repairing jewelry. Our gemologist is certified by the Gemological Institute of America and can accurately identify and appraise all kinds of gemstones. Much of our staff have previously worked at famous brands like Tiffany & Co, Georg Jensen, and more, so they can expertly identify various characteristics of jewelry, such as karat, clarity, and color. Our luxury item experts can do the same with watches, handbags, and more.

Excellent Customer Service & Competitive Pricing

At Watch & Wares, we understand that giving up your jewelry for a collateral loan can be an emotionally fraught experience. That’s why we always work one-on-one with customers to appraise their jewelry and issue loan terms. All of our appraisals and terms come with zero obligations, so there’s no penalty if you decide not to give up your jewelry as collateral, and we won’t attempt to pressure you into making a decision. Our rates for your valuable items are regularly the highest among competitors, and we always strive to offer a friendly, welcoming, and comfortable environment.

Trustworthy Customer Reviews

If you’re still unsure about coming to Watch & Wares for a collateral loan, let our Google and Yelp results speak for themselves. Our efforts to provide excellent customer service are reflected in our consistent 5-star rating on these third-party websites, and we always try to take the time to respond to people’s reviews with our gratitude. While other pawn and loan shops may post selective testimonials on their website, third-party review sites don’t lie; Watch & Wares has hundreds of 5-star reviews left by local residents who loved their Watch & Wares collateral loan experience.

If you’re looking for a trustworthy source for jewelry collateral loans in Tustin, you need not look further than Watch & Wares. Our certified professionals will offer you an honest appraisal for your jewelry and luxury items and safely return them to you once you’ve repaid the loan. If you’d like to learn more about the collateral loan process or schedule an appointment, give us a call at (714) 731-9600. Walk-ins are also welcome!

Tips for Buying Antique & Estate Jewelry

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When shopping for jewelry in Tustin, one of the first considerations you need to make is whether to get a contemporary or antique piece. Antique jewelry, which is usually defined as any piece that is around a hundred years old or more, can add a truly unique flair to your style or make a deeply personal statement. Additionally, estate jewelry (a general term that encompasses all pre-owned jewelry) can often be more affordable than brand-new pieces. Like with any meaningful purchase, however, there are pitfalls to avoid when shopping for vintage estate jewelry. That’s why we’ve assembled this list of tips for when you’re looking for a new addition to your collection.

Shop at a Reputable Source

Shopping for jewelry can be an exciting experience, but it’s one you should have in a trustworthy environment. You wouldn’t want to literally buy fool’s gold after all! Fortunately, with almost 30 years of experience, Watch & Wares can help you find vintage estate jewelry that suits your tastes. Our jewelry experts are certified by the Gemological Institute of America, enabling us to authenticate every piece that comes our way. Unlike other, untrustworthy resellers, we can provide background information on every pre-owned piece we sell, such as where it came from, what time period it was made in, and more. 

Check For a Mark

Antique jewelers often left a maker’s mark somewhere on their work after they were finished to verify its authenticity. If a piece is from the 1950s or earlier, it will most likely feature a mark such as a small icon or the maker’s initials somewhere on the jewelry. A trustworthy jeweler should be able to point out a maker’s mark if there is one present.

Familiarize Yourself With Different Periods

Antique and vintage estate jewelry will reflect the time periods they were made in. Therefore, you’ll want to do your research and try to find a period that truly speaks to you and your sense of style. For example, jewelry from the Edwardian era (1901-1915 England) often features platinum, pearls, and diamonds in lace-like patterns that have a distinctly feminine aesthetic. Art Deco (1920-1935), on the other hand, typically consists of geometric and symmetrical designs that have a more industrial feel to them. Getting to compare different historical styles side by side is one of the greatest advantages of shopping for vintage estate jewelry.

Look for Signs of Age

Obviously, a vintage jewelry piece will probably show some signs of age. This doesn’t mean that an antique piece will look worn-down or cheap, just that it may have some tarnishes, dents, or a lack of shine. This weathering is valued by some, but others would rather have it removed. That’s why we offer jewelry repair and restoration services that can have pieces looking as pristine as the day they were first crafted.

Watch Out for “Antique Style”

When shopping for vintage estate jewelry, be aware of the phrases “antique style,” “vintage style,” and other variations. This often means that the piece is a modern reproduction rather than an actual antique. These pieces will still emulate the style of the period they claim to emulate, but they will not actually be from that era. At Watch & Wares, we are always upfront about whether one of our pieces is a modern reproduction or truly from the period it represents. 

If you’re looking for a trustworthy source for vintage estate jewelry in Tustin or the surrounding Orange County area, look no further than Watch & Wares. We’ve proudly served Orange County since 1991, buying and selling antique and estate jewelry from a wide range of historical periods including Victorian, Edwardian, Art-Deco, Art Noveau, and more. If you would like to learn more about our jewelry offerings or schedule an appointment, call us today at (714) 731-9600.

His & Hers Valentine’s Gift Guide

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With Valentine’s Day just around the corner, the time has come to start shopping for that special man or woman in your life. For the busy Orange shopper, however, trying to find that perfect gift can be a stressful and confusing experience. Fortunately, Watch & Wares sells a wide range of luxury items that will make the perfect gift for your beloved this Valentine’s Day.

For Him

Luxury Watches

A refined and intelligent man deserves a refined and intelligently-designed watch. With Watch & Wares’ selection of used Rolex watches, you can find the piece that perfectly suits the style and personality of the man in your life. We offer both vintage and contemporary wristwatches from leading brands like Rolex, Omega, Cartier, Breitling, Montblanc, Panerai, and more. Because many wristwatch styles like Rolex’s Submariner and Day-Date have remained consistent and unchanging, we can help you find used Rolex watches that suit their tastes at a fraction of the retail cost. Alternatively, if your loved one already has a wristwatch they adore but that doesn’t run as well as it used to, we offer wristwatch repair services that can expertly restore a watch back to brand-new standards. 

Designer Pens

Even in this digital age, the most important moments in life and business need to be taken down in pen and paper. Why not further enhance such moments with a remarkable designer pen? Our inventory includes designer pens from respected brands like Montegrappa, Montblanc, Michel Perchin, and S.T. Dupont. A designer pen can add the perfect flair to an office, serve as a charming conversation starter, or be a truly meaningful gift for the writer in your life.

For Her

Jewelry

Jewelry is obviously a classic gift during Valentine’s Day. The sparkle of a new diamond, ruby, or sapphire on her finger or around her neck can be a testament to your bond to one another. Watch & Wares offers a wide range of contemporary and antique estate jewelry, and all of our pieces are meticulously inspected and certified by our trained gemologists to ensure their authenticity. Whatever style or taste your loved one might have, Watch & Wares can help you find the perfect piece to match her beauty and grace. 

Luxury Handbags

For the fashion-conscious or collector in your life, a new luxury handbag can be the perfect gift this Valentine’s Day. Our inventory of pre-loved luxury handbags includes offerings from top brands like Chanel, Louis Vuitton, Gucci, Prada, Givenchy, and more. Like with our jewelry, we always certify the quality and authenticity of the handbags we offer. Alternatively, our handbag spa can rejuvenate the appearance of any existing handbag she is dearly attached to, making it look as good as new.

If you plan to do your Valentine’s Day shopping in Orange, stop by Watch & Wares. We sell a wide range of luxury items including estate jewelry, used Rolex watches, designer handbags, collectibles, and more, and can help you find the perfect gift for your loved one this holiday. If you would like to sell some of your older jewelry, our friendly and knowledgeable staff can offer you attractive rates on your items and pay in cash on the very same day. To schedule an appointment or learn more about our offerings, call us today at (714) 633-2030. We also welcome walk-ins!

The Advantages of Purchasing A Pre-Owned Handbag

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When shopping for a luxury handbag in Tustin, the most obvious choice is often to go to a designer’s boutique. If you want a new Chanel handbag, then the logical place to start would be at a Chanel store. But did you know that Watch and Wares has a full selection of designer handbags from prestigious luxury brands like Chanel, Gucci, Louis Vuitton, Prada, Saint Laurent, Hermès, and more? We buy and sell pre-loved handbags that are in excellent condition, allowing you to enjoy the luxury handbag experience without the drawbacks that can come with it.

The first and most obvious reason to purchase a pre-loved luxury handbag is as a cost-saving move. Depending on the brand, as well as the handbag’s age and condition, a customer can save anywhere from ten to seventy percent when compared to purchasing a brand-new handbag. Similar to cars, most types of handbags depreciate in value over time after their purchase. Of course, this doesn’t mean that a bag that you purchase from us is low-quality or poorly looked after. At Watch and Wares, we inspect all luxury handbags that are brought to us to ensure their authenticity and that they are worth putting on our shelves. It also helps us make sure that we offer a fair price when we sell them. 

Another good reason to consider purchasing a pre-loved handbag is if you are looking for discontinued or hard-to-find styles. Luxury designer brands often produce limited edition runs that have certain features or stylings which can never be purchased first-hand again after the production run finishes. This means you’ll have to search through the pre-loved market if you want to have a chance of finding one for yourself. You may also discover a vintage handbag that you desire that could never be found on a retail store’s shelves today. 

Another good reason to consider purchasing pre-loved luxury handbags is for the opportunity to compare multiple brands at the same time. While some shoppers set foot in a store knowing immediately what they’re seeking, many others enjoy the browsing process and the chance to be surprised by something they had never considered before. Because Watch and Wares offers luxury handbags from multiple designer brands, you can compare different looks and styles side-by-side in person, rather than having to browse the Internet or visit multiple stores. 

Environmental conservation has become a hot-button topic for the fashion industry in recent years, especially for luxury brands. Every new bag produced requires that more metal, leather, stitching, and fabric is extracted from the environment, and this requirement will only grow greater as more consumers enter the market for luxury handbags. If you purchase a pre-owned luxury handbag, however, you will be using resources that have already been extracted from the environment, allowing you to be eco-friendly and sustainable while still enjoying a beautiful handbag. 

At Watch and Wares, you can buy and sell pre-loved handbags from some of the top fashion brands in the industry like Chanel, Saint Laurent, Givenchy, Fendi, and more. Our knowledgeable and friendly sales staff can help you pick out the perfect luxury handbag for your style or offer you a free estimate on any that you might wish to sell. We also offer handbag spas to repair and restore your favorite accessories. With over twenty-five years serving Tustin and the surrounding Orange County area, we are the trusted source for jewelry, handbags, and more. If you’d like to learn more about our offers and services, give us a call at (714) 731-9600.

How To Get Valuable Estate Jewelry Appraised

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People can inherit jewelry for a variety of reasons. It may be a favored keepsake, a way to preserve family heirlooms, or even a gift intended to help in times ahead. However, if you’re hoping to sell recently inherited jewelry, it is critical to know exactly how much it is worth. Multiple aspects of a piece of jewelry, such as its manufacturer and the metals used in its creation, can affect its value. Getting jewelry appraised by a trustworthy source in Orange, however, can be difficult if you don’t know where to go.

It takes more than just going to a jewelry store, as almost anyone can claim to be an appraiser. There are no federal or state licensing requirements to appraise jewelry, and simply working in a jewelry store isn’t necessarily an adequate qualification. Most retailers don’t even have the equipment to properly inspect a gemstone and determine its quality. There are industry groups that require members to meet certain qualifications and adhere to a code of ethics, however. Organizations such as the Accredited Gemologists Association, the American Gem Society, Appraisers Association of America Inc, and others adhere to a shared set of standards for appraisal services. Additionally, the appraiser should be a graduate of the Gemological Institute of America, which ensures that they are qualified to identify and grade gem materials. Appraisers also need to be knowledgeable about the current jewelry market to be able to competently appraise estate jewelry. Fortunately, Watch and Wares employs qualified gemologists certified by the GIA, enabling us to fulfill your appraisal needs. 

When properly done, an appraisal should clearly state its purpose, such as estate distribution. It should clearly define and specify the type of value being provided, such as replacement cost, market value, et cetera. It should also specify the date of the appraisal, state any circumstances limiting the performance of the appraisal, describe and depict the jewelry appraised, explain the procedures used to arrive at a value, be signed by the appraiser, and include their contact information. 

Above all, it is important to remember that jewelry value is not a set number. It changes depending on the marketplace, global precious metal and gemstone prices, and the current styles and trends. A necklace worth $1,000 in Los Angeles in 2015 might be only $800 in New York City a year later. 

There are four major standards when it comes to jewelry appraisal:

  • Replacement value: How much it would cost to outright replace the appraised jewelry item with a new one. It is not the value of the jewelry itself, but how much a new item like the piece would cost.
  • Estate retail value: How much an item would sell to someone purchasing used jewelry, with “estate” in this context meaning pre-owned or used. A used piece of jewelry will usually be worth less to the general public than something brand new, barring rare or highly sought-after pieces.
  • Estate wholesale value: This is the price that a business that sells used jewelry is willing to pay for the item. This will be lower than the retail value because the buyer has to add the cost of business to sell an item and still turn a profit on the sale.
  • Intrinsic value: The worth of the raw materials in the jewelry item, such as the metals and gemstones. This is dependent on current market values for said metals and gems, and no value is added for style, condition, brand, market demand, or other factors.

At Watch and Wares, we work to give you a value rate that is not only fair and competitive but also recognizes your emotional attachment to the jewelry in question. We realize that the items people bring to us are often of deeply sentimental value, and in some cases, they are the only mementos they have of their loved ones. We always strive to respect that emotional attachment, both in how we treat our clients and in the rates we offer for the jewelry they bring to us. Additionally, all of our appraisals are obligation-free, meaning you don’t have to sell to us if you ultimately choose not to.

If you live in Orange and would like to get your estate jewelry appraised, consider paying Watch & Wares a visit. Our qualified gemologist can offer an honest and fair estimate for free, and with over twenty-five years of experience serving the Orange County area, we are the best place to sell your fine jewelry. If you’d like to learn more about appraisals or schedule an appointment, call us today at (714) 633-2030.

Benefits & Flexibility of a Collateral Loan

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The Christmas season can be an expensive time of year, and you may find yourself in need of some quick cash before your next paycheck comes in. While there are multiple options for sourcing quick cash, they can often be untrustworthy or harm your credit score. With collateral loans from Watch & Wares, however, you can get cash instantly by loaning your valuable items. Collateral loans are a popular option because they offer several benefits and have flexible terms to suit your needs and schedule. 

No affect on finances or credit history 

Many Orange County residents prefer collateral loans because they have no effect on your credit score whatsoever. If you fail to pay back the loan on time, the only repercussion is the loss of the valuable item you pawned. Since we keep this item as repayment of the loan, there is no longstanding debt, continuing interest, or harmful credit effects to worry about after your loan term is up. You also don’t need good financial standing in order to qualify for the loan. Whereas your bank or another lending institution may turn you away due to a low credit score or other ineligibilities, all you need at Watch & Wares is a valuable item that we accept for loans. Whether it’s fine jewelry, a Rolex watch, or precious metals, we accept collateral loans for a wide range of luxury goods.

Lower interest rates

One of the worst parts about needing a loan is the high interest rate that inevitably accompanies it. However, collateral loans have significantly lower interest rates than unsecured loans, minimizing your repayment value. Since secured loans are less risky than unsecured loans, there is a lower APR than with other loan types. Here at Watch & Wares, all of our interest rates are state-regulated, so we’ll never charge you an unfair or inflated rate like other untrustworthy sources.

Generous loan terms

Here at Watch & Wares, we offer extremely generous loan terms that maximize your chances of repaying your loan successfully and redeeming your valuable item. All of our loans are four-month terms with a ten-day grace period. If you need more than the allotted four months, you can renew your loan by paying back the full owed interest rate. Our interest rates are based on the value of the loan, and they’re always state-regulated. If you fail to pay back your loan in full or renew it in the time given, we will keep your collateral as repayment. Our loan terms were created in order to help you repay the loan in a reasonable time frame and keep your valuable item. However, collateral loans are the ideal option even in the worst-case scenario of failing to repay. 

If you need cash fast and have valuable items that you’re willing to temporarily part with, a collateral loan from Watch & Wares is an excellent solution that offers many practical benefits. From low interest rates to generous loan terms and no effect on your credit score, collateral loans are the option that many Orange County residents prefer for sourcing cash fast. To find out more about our loan process or receive an appraisal on your luxury item, visit our Tustin location or give us a call at (714) 731-9600. We would be happy to schedule an appointment for your earliest convenience. We have been serving residents for more than 25 years with 5-star customer service that leaves every patron happy and comfortable with their loan process.