Author: TrueFacet

TrueFacet is an online marketplace for pre-owned fine jewelry and watches. Every item sold is verified by our in-house team of gemologists and watch experts to ensure its authenticity.

Jewelry to Transition from Winter to Summer

If you live in a region that has four seasons, then you know all too well the grueling process of changing your wardrobe as those seasons come and go. Hats and boots are stored and replaced with florals and linen until such time as the reverse needs to take place. One way you can scale back on the stresses of switching on your wardrobe is employing versatile pieces that can accessorize any ensemble, all year round. Here are some winter-friendly pieces that would not look out of place with a sundress.

Colored Studs
Style blogs always recommend stud earrings because long, dangly earrings can often get caught in hats or scarves. Though the timeless diamond stud looks great with everything, we recommend jumping aboard the colored gemstone wagon and pitching in for a pair of colorful studs. These dainty accessories could easily complement your favorite black turtleneck sweater or a vibrant tea dress without breaking a sweat.


Flat Rings
Again, color is your best friend here. When a raised stone on a ring snarls up a scarf or a sweater, it’s not pretty, and it can damage your jewelry. Experts suggest wearing flat rings during the winter season, but there’s no reason they can’t look great for the spring and summer, too! Choose a bezel-set or channel-set ring with colored gemstones that will remain shiny and snag-free all year round. Your knit gloves will thank you.


Non-Metal Chokers
Everybody groans about how coats hide so much of their carefully-chosen outfits, and one workaround that stylists have discovered is the use of a non-metal choker. For an accessory that will look and feel great all year round, we recommend chokers made of fabrics like silk, lace, or cotton. In the winter, they won’t conduct the cold like a metal choker would and feel like a block of ice around your neck, but they will add a little something extra to your ensemble as they peek out above your scarf and coat. In the summer, these delicate fabrics turn into light, breathable accessories that add a special touch to your outfit.


Long Pendant Necklaces
A long pendant necklace may not be visible while you’re walking around with your coat on outside, but when you finally pop into the office or the restaurant and get to shed your layers, a simple pendant necklace could easily dress up a plain, chunky knit sweater without looking gaudy. In warmer months, this modest piece would pair well with a lightweight shirtdress for a breezy, effortless look.


Fabric Brooches
A modern spin on an old-world touch, fabric brooches add a colorful, romantic spirit to a classic wardrobe. In the winter, pin them onto the lapel of your coat for a burst of much-needed color in the dreary gray outside. In the spring, stick them onto a jean or leather jacket for a vintage touch. And in the summer, pin it onto a plain t-shirt and pair it with jeans for a super-simple yet sweet look.

The Biggest Flops in Watch Release History

Here we take a look at some of the watches that had an initial lackluster reception, some that recovered in sales against all odds, and others still that provoke ire in watch collectors.

Audemars Piguet’s Royal Oak
When the Audemars Piguet Royal Oak made its big and hotly-anticipated debut in 1972, it was quickly panned by critics.

Puzzled connoisseurs denounced the Royal Oak’s unconventional and distinct octagonal shaped bezel. What’s more is that the Royal Oak was made of stainless steel and not a precious metal like gold that was more commonly used in high-end watches of this caliber. Collectors were also particularly hung up on the Royal Oak’s jaw-dropping price: 3300 Swiss Francs at the time and nearly ten times more expensive than a competing Rolex.

So the tepid critics’ response and the shocking price meant the Royal Oak’s sales were extremely slow at the beginning; it took a full year for Audemars Piguet to unload the first 1,000 watches. But then sentiment towards the Royal Oak started to change as some well-known and respected collectors started adding the uniquely-shaped AP watch to their collection. Then sales gradually picked up and finally took off.

Today, the juggernaut AP Royal Oak is considered Audemars Piguet’s signature model and a prized piece to own, particularly among discerning collectors.

Panerai X Ferrari, Ferrari Engineered by Officine Panerai
In in the mid-2000s, Panerai was one of the hottest “new” luxury watch brands. The Italian brand had recently been relaunched by the Richemont group and was building up a fresh fan base and sales were soaring. So, in riding this wave of enthusiasm, Panerai partnered with Ferrari, the ultra-sexy, luxury car brand in what seemed like a mutually beneficial collaboration. (Some speculate that Panerai’s executives were hesitant but the watchmaker’s new parent company, Richemont, may have pressed for the brand to partner with Ferrari.)

When the Panerai x Ferrari limited-edition watches first released in 2005, the watches pretty much immediately tanked. The collection’s average price tag was a whopping $10,000; although Panerai watches typically retailed within that range, the Panerai brand name wasn’t even listed on the watch’s dial. Similarly, the Ferrari name did little to convince Panerai fans to snap up these premium watches. In turn, many nonplussed Panerai fans balked at the high cost and dismissed the watches as inferior Panerais.

Needless to say, when the Panerai and Ferrari contract expired in 2010, neither party was eager to renew.

Rolex Reference 6324 Chronograph, the Precursor to the Daytona
We are all familiar with the wildly popular Rolex Daytona, especially on the heels of the historic 2017 auction of the $17.8 million Paul Newman Daytona.

So, it’s rather surprising to learn that the Daytona’s predecessor, the Rolex Reference 6324 Chronograph, had a lukewarm reception. The Rolex Ref. 6324 debuted in 1955 and largely sat on shelves as shoppers flocked, instead, to Rolex competitors who had cornered and dominated the chronograph market. The Ref. 6324 enjoyed a very limited run of roughly 500 pieces released a year until it was finally discontinued in 1961.

Now, not only has the modern Daytona evolved into one of Rolex’s most popular and prized models, but the Rolex Ref. 6324 model (also known as the “Pre-Daytona”) is prized as a rare Rolex collector’s item and with resale values starting at $20,000.

Zenith Defy Xtreme
The Defy Extreme made its debut in the mid-2000s when then-Zenith CEO Thierry Nataf wanted to break Zenith out of its seemingly dated look with something fresh, bold and daring. Enter the Zenith Defy Xtreme, one of industry’s most contentious watches.

The Zenith Defy Xtreme horrified fans who felt Zenith had totally abandoned its classic aesthetics and was misguidedly chasing after a radically different clientele. The Defy Xtreme was a big sport watch and was emblazoned with Zenith logo and branding. The Defy Xtreme’s existence entirely flew in the face of Zenith’s tradition of elegantly low-key timepieces.

Shortly after the collection’s release and with Zenith sales circling the drain, Nataf was relieved of his duties as CEO.

How to Determine What’s a Worthy Watch Investment—and What’s Not

Full disclosure: we would never recommend treating watches like a traditional “buy low, sell high” investment opportunity. The fickle market makes it difficult to guarantee you can sell your old watch for a premium.

But what you can determine is if a watch you’re gearing up to purchase will at least retain a healthy resale value. This, ultimately, makes it a worthwhile investment in that you can easily resell your watch or trade it up in the future. Here are the four crucial questions to ask yourself to determine if a particular watch style is a worthy investment.

1. Does it have “style longevity”?
Select a brand and model with unwavering popularity so, when you’re ready to resell it down the line, you won’t be hard-pressed to find an interested buyer and can recoup more of (if not a premium on) your initial investment.

The two brands with an ironclad demand: Rolex and Patek Philippe. These two Swiss watch brands reign supreme in the desirability category along with these essential collectors’ models:

Audemars Piguet Royal Oak
Breitling Navitimer
Omega Speedmaster
Panerai Luminor Marina
Patek Philippe Nautilus
Patek Philippe Calatrava
Rolex Daytona
Rolex Submariner
TAG Heuer Carrera

2. Does the watch have all its original parts?
Traditional collectors will value a watch with all its original parts more than a watch with after-market parts—even if the original parts are slightly worn. In fact, depending on the age of your watch, some natural antiquing (like a tropical or crazed dial) will increase the watch’s resale value; for more on that, read our post “How to Start a Vintage Watch Collection” here.

If the watch you’re interested in has been repaired, confirm what repairs were made and ensure they were done by the original manufacturer. The exceptions to the “all-original” rule are after-market bracelets and crystals. Because these components are easily and frequently damaged and heavily worn, collectors are willing to compromise here for after-market pieces.

As for watches made-over with after-market diamond bezels or blacked-out dials, these custom-made styles depreciate very quickly, even if the materials (like diamonds) used to outfit the watch will inflate the price tag.

3. Is this a pre-owned watch?
The smartest way to turn a watch purchase into an investment is to go the pre-owned route. Like driving a new car off the lot, opting for a pre-owned watch will save you that immediate and staggering depreciation that comes with taking a new watch out of the store. This ultimately will improve your ROI when it comes time to resell.

Also, look for pre-owned listings that include a box and papers to keep the resale value high.

4. Would the resale value be attractive to other shoppers?
The $4,000 – $9,000 range is a sweet spot for purchasing and reselling watches; this price tag marks a desirable watch worthy of reselling but also keeps it just accessible enough for future buyers.

So, even if you can afford to spend more on your watch, consider that the pool of interested buyers drastically shrinks as you go into more expensive watch models and it will ultimately be harder for you to resell your ultra-luxe watch in the future. Therefore, we suggest looking for models worth between $4,000 – $9,000 to make reselling easier.

If you have more questions about the resale value of your watch, our team of watch experts is here to help. Feel free to email us at support@truefacet.com or call 1-800-690-3736.

Which Rolex Should You Buy? [QUIZ]

Virtually every Rolex model is a desirable purchase, especially since they are produced by what is arguably the best-known watch brand in the world. However, picking which model to invest in right now can feel like a daunting choice.

So to help first-time buyers uncover their inaugural Rolex and to guide seasoned collectors to choose the next Rolex model to add to their collection, we developed this fun quiz! Simply tap your answers and we’ll point you towards the perfect Rolex watch for you.


And if you’re not interested in taking the full quiz, here are the short-cut answers:

FIRST-TIME ROLEX SHOPPERS
First-time Rolex buyers who are just dipping their toe into watch collecting should pick up a Rolex Air-King, the perfect introductory model that boasts that immediately recognizable Rolex look.

 


New Rolex buyers ready to make an investment in building a respectable watch collection should buy the Sea-Dweller. Introduced in 1978 and discontinued in 2008, the Rolex Sea-Dweller is a rare and collectible model, making it a smart investment for any new or seasoned watch collector.

 


Looking for a Rolex to commemorate a significant event—maybe getting the corner office or celebrating an anniversary? Try the Rolex Day-Date. Also known as the Presidential, the standout Day-Date design is renowned for its distinguished air and elegant simplicity. It is the perfect choice to mark life’s biggest moments.

 


For new collectors looking for a Rolex that is distinctively “Rolex” but has sportier and rugged undertones, opt for the Explorer. So named in honor of Sir Edmund Hillary and Tenzing Norgay’s first summit of Mount Everest, the no-frills Rolex Explorer is an important part of Rolex’s history and any watch collection.

 


SEASONED ROLEX SHOPPERS
If you already have a few Rolexes in your collection and are after something that feels uniquely “you,” the Rolex Datejust is an ideal choice. The stately design is available in an expansive variety of dials and bezels so you can perfectly tailor your Rolex Datejust to suit your personal taste.

 


As a perennial favorite, the Rolex Submariner is a must-have for any watch collector, but it is most appealing to longtime collectors who want an unstuffy Rolex to wear every day. Even if you already own a Submariner with a black dial, consider branching out into one of the more collectible versions with a colorful dial and bezel like the Rolex-green “Hulk” model.


Veteran collectors who prefer newer over vintage models should add a Rolex Daytona to their watch wardrobe. Since the Daytona became the watch of choice by actor and accomplished racecar driver Paul Newman in the 1960s, the Daytona has been a hotly coveted model. Even though Daytonas are still in production today, they retain their value incredibly well and are a savvy investment if you’re in the market for a new Rolex.

 


Rolex devotees who gravitate towards vintage models should consider a GMT-Master I. The GMT-Master I was an immediate sensation when it was released 1954. Although they were briefly in concurrent production, the GMT-Master I was ultimately usurped by the updated GMT-Master II in the 1980s. The discontinuation of the GMT-Master I makes it a collector’s item and a desirable addition to any vintage watch collection.

5 Trending Watches to Trade Up Now

If you’re getting serious about building a respectable watch collection, you probably started with a sporty diver watch. (Good choice, by the way.) But, when it comes to what to buy as your second or third watch, our experts recommend upgrading to a dressy evening watch.

Here are their five favorite watches to buy as your second or third watch. Or, if you’re paring down your watch collection, trade-in your tired models for these fashionable and coveted upgrades.

IWC Portofino
Our first recommendation is an IWC Portofino on a leather strap. You cannot go wrong with this elegant and minimalist design by the highly respected watchmaker. The crisp look of the Portofino makes it the perfect option for a dress watch and, as a part of your collection, is a slick counterpart to your sportier first watch.

Shop All IWC Portofino >


Rolex Datejust II
At first blush, the Rolex Datejust may look identical to the Rolex Datejust II. But, now that you’re turning into a real watch aficionado, you know that the differences between the former and later Datejust models are subtle but significant; the Datejust II’s larger size, wider bezel, and thicker lugs make it slightly more modern than its predecessor. And, as a budding collector, you’ll appreciate more the imperceptible updates to the caliber housed inside the Datejust II that makes it a fascinating piece to learn from and own.

Shop All Rolex Datejust II >


Panerai Radiomir
If you do not want as traditionally dressy a watch as the Datejust, consider the Panerai Radiomir. The Radiomir toes the line between sporty-and-spiffy, with a utilitarian look and feel and a minimalist design (complete with a leather strap, of course) that is usually reserved for special occasion watches. As a second watch, the Panerai Radiomir will fill out your collection nicely, both aesthetically and in terms of collection cred.

Shop All Panerai Radiomir


Jaeger-LeCoultre Master Collection
Like the IWC Portofino, the Jaeger-LeCoultre Master Collection includes handsome, classic timepieces that channel the brand’s vintage aesthetic without feeling tired or dated. We like this collection because there is the just right amount of flourish to make each of these timepieces unique without sacrificing the striking simplicity signature to Jaeger-LeCoultre. Unsurprisingly, this remarkable collection is a favorite among watch collectors and connoisseurs.

Shop All Jaeger-LeCoultre Master Calendar >


Hublot Big Bang
The Hublot Big Bang is a bold departure from the other customary dress watches on the list. But hear us out. We love the Hublot Big Bang as a second watch because it played a crucial role in the greater luxury watch industry. When the (very appropriately named) Big Bang debuted in 2005, it essentially sky-rocketed Hublot from a quiet but respectable small watch brand into a disruptive game changer in the space when this upstart brand used “non-luxury” materials to outfit its high-end collection. This set off a radically new approach to fine watch design as brands tried to compete with Hublot’s signature and standout Big Bang model.

Shop All Hublot Big Bang >


Double-check that your watch collection’s bases are covered and review our post The 5 Watches Every Beginning Collector Must Own here.

 

 

Main image courtesy of Ryan Styles NYC.

Quiz: What’s Your Springtime Style?

Answer these five questions and we’ll tell you what your springtime style will be, complete with which watch or piece of jewelry you need to perfect your warm weather look!

1. What cool drink do you sip on come springtime?
a. A tall glass of homemade iced tea with a lemon
b. A ginger-infused lemonade, refreshing and reinvigorating
c. Iced coffee—but you drink that year round anyway.
d. Iced water. You’re constantly refilling your S’Well water bottle.
e. Coconut LaCroix seltzer water with a straw.

2. Time to store your winter clothes for the season. What’s getting pushed to the back of the closet for now?
a. Your navy pea coat and brown riding boots.
b. Your oversized slouchy turtleneck sweater that you loved to pair with leggings.
c. Your tall moto boots. Thankfully you have some booties to sub-in!
d. All your beanie hats and puffer vests.
e. Nothing. You rarely carry pieces over to the next season—it’s so fun to try out the next it-trend!

3. Spring break! Where are you headed to?
a. The Cape for a pre-season visit to the shore before the crowds come in.
b. Tulum, Mexico for a yoga retreat. Namaste!
c. Portland, Oregon. The coffee culture has already endeared you to the city.
d. L.A. to run the city marathon. 2018 is the year you PR!
e. A girls trip to Miami for a carefree weekend of sun and sipping cocktails oceanside.

4. After a busy week, you’re relaxing at home. How do you unwind?
a. Preparing a simple but comforting dinner and sipping some white wine.
b. Making and applying different DIY face masks.
c. Passively watching Netflix but really scrolling through Instagram feeling a touch of FOMO.
d. Stretching and foam rolling all those stiff muscles.
e. Soaking in a luxurious bubble bath, complete with candles, of course.

5. What is your favorite dessert?
a. Pistachio macarons.
b. A scoop of ice cream in a waffle cone.
c. A shot of espresso with an orange twist.
d. Flourless chocolate brownies.
e. Champagne and strawberries.

 

 

MOSTLY As
The Nantucket Prepster

You always invest in impeccably tailored and high-quality classics. Your always-pulled-together springtime style has an Americana bent and centers on crisp white button ups, smart cropped pants and beachy espadrilles. Complete your Jackie-O.-at-Hyannis-Port look with a classic Cartier watch.


MOSTLY Bs
The Bohemian Californian

You revel in the warmer weather and are so eager for the temps to rise even higher because the summertime is your season! Shed your dreary winter garb in favor of breezy liberty-print tunics, cropped brown suede moto jackets and a Coachella-ready floppy hat. To complement your closet full of sweeping maxi dresses and denim cut-offs, pile on the bangles. We love this multi-banded Cable Cuff by David Yurman that does the stacking for you!


MOSTLY Cs
The Springtime City-Slicker

You thrive in the concrete jungle and feel empowered with a little edge just by being in and about the city. But, even with the longer and sunnier days, there’s little you change about your winter-to-spring look: oversized sunglasses, kicky booties and black leather moto-jackets (now expertly draped over your shoulders). Round out your downtown look with an edgy Hermès Collier de Chien cuff.


MOSTLY Ds
The Outdoor Athlete

Come springtime, you can usually be found jogging around the park, hiking a new trail or enjoying a long walk in the fresh to your yoga class. And your sporty hobbies have a direct influence on your personal style: leather baseball caps, Nike trainers and colorful track jackets populate your spring closet. Add a little punch to your athletic wardrobe with a two-tone Rolex Datejust.


MOSTLY Es
The Spring Cover Model

You are a veritable trendsetter and are usually the first one to boldly rock the season’s it-trend. And, for spring 2018, you’re all about the splashy, bold and brilliant colors that walked down the New York Fashion Week runways: magenta, tangerine and lemon everything. And, when it comes to your jewelry: go big or go home and layer on the colorful gemstone baubles to really wow, like this Bulgari Tubogas ring.

10 Things To Know About TAG Heuer

Established in 1860, TAG Heuer (TAG is an abbreviation for Techniques d’Avant Garde) is a Swiss luxury watch brand and manufacturing company known for its roots in automobile racing, innovative thinking in the evolution of the chronograph, and their remarkable innovations in the watchmaking industry. Even if you’re already a TAG Heuer devotee, here are 10 odd facts you should know about TAG Heuer.

1. TAG Heuer was the Official Timekeeper of three Olympic Games.

With their inimitable expertise in precision timekeeping and modular technical innovations, TAG Heuer has become an unparalleled specialist in the world of timing sporting events. TAG Heuer watches were used in the 1920 Antwerp, 1924 Paris, and 1928 Amsterdam Olympics.

 

2. TAG Heuer has been perfecting their stopwatch for 136 years.

In 1882, Edouard Heuer launched his first chronograph. Later, in 1887, he registered the patent for the oscillating pinion, which, without getting too technical, simplified the chronograph movement. From then on, TAG Heuer became synonymous with the the development of the chronograph and the invaluable timekeeping gear that powers it.

 

3. The TAG Heuer Mikrograph served as the first stopwatch in the 1920 Olympic Games.

In 1916, Charles-Auguste Heuer introduced the original Mikrograph, the first stopwatch with the capacity to measure 1/100th of a second, offering incredible readability and unprecedented precision. The Mikrograph served as the first stopwatch in the 1920 Olympic Games and has been revolutionizing sports timekeeping since.

 

4. Astronaut John Glenn wore a Heuer 2915A stopwatch strapped to his wrist when he orbited the Earth.

In 1962, astronaut John Glenn manned the first American space flight on the Mercury “Friendship 7” mission, orbiting Earth three times in six hours. On his wrist was a Heuer 2915A stopwatch that served as a mission back-up timer and the first Swiss watch in space.

 

5. TAG Heuer’s signature model, the Carrera, was inspired by the most dangerous car race in the history of sport.

The Carrera Panamericana auto race is a 2,096-mile-long border-to-border race across Mexico and it has one of the highest sports-related mortality rates in the world after 27 drivers died attempting to finish this treacherous race course. Jack Heuer was fascinated by this deadly race and chose to name TAG Heuer’s first chronograph specifically designed for professional drivers after the infamous Carrera race. To learn more about the Carrera race and watch, read our post “The Dark History of the TAG Heuer Carrera” here.

 

6. Actor and style icon Steve McQueen popularized the TAG Heuer Monaco.

In the famous 1970s film “Le Mans,” Steve McQueen wore a timepiece that is closely identified with automobile racing, the Heuer Monaco. With a “Chronograph Heuer” crest on his racing suit and the square-dial Heuer Monaco on his wrist, the watch was propelled into immortality and forever coined as the “McQueen Monaco.”

McQueen’s Monaco may have shaken Swiss watchmakers to their core with its rule-breaking square design in 1971, but years of research and makeovers produced the unveiling of the groundbreaking Monaco V4 at Baselworld in 2004. The new Monaco is TAG Heuer’s latest technological coup and the wearable manifestation of the brand’s avant garde design, passion for racing, and innovative spirit.

 

7. The 2017 Revolution Watchmaker of the year hailed from TAG Heuer but is, in fact, not a watchmaker.  

TAG Heuer’s general director, Guy Sémon, is credited as the driving force behind many of the brand’s technical achievements— so much so that he was awarded the prestigious honor of Watchmaker of the Year in 2017. However, Sémon is actually not a watchmaker. He’s a trained jet pilot for the French Navy. With a primary interest in science, he left the Navy to work as a lecturer for the French Ministry of Research. As fate would have it, in January 2004, a friend of his asked if he could do him the favor of replacing a sick pilot and transporting a passenger who worked in the watchmaking industry. At TAG Heuer, to be specific. Ten days later, Sémon had produced the first belts for the progress of the movement of the TAG Heuer V4.

 

8. TAG Heuer’s master watchmakers developed a chronograph so precise, its accuracy can be read all the way down to the 1/2,000th of a second.

Over the years, Guy Sémon has predominantly addressed improvements to TAG Heuer’s existing challenges, one of which being the production of TAG Heuer’s Monaco V4 belt-driven movement. The belt is thinner than a single human hair, operating so quickly and smoothly that the watch’s timekeeping capabilities will never be compromised.

 

9. TAG Heuer released the first ever water-resistant automatic chronograph.

At Basel, on March 3rd, 1969, TAG Heuer released what was then the first ever water-resistant automatic chronograph powered by the Chronomatic Caliber 11. The Calibre 11 movement took roughly four years to develop. Jack Heuer, then-TAG Heuer CEO, explained what made this such a monumental release: “Chronographs, when they took water, it was a terrible drama because everything rusted and it cost a fortune to get clean. Once they had invented the water resistant push-buttons, we never made any non-watertight chronographs anymore.” The Calibre 11 was included in the newest Monaco design and elevated it to a new level of exclusivity.

 

10. TAG Heuer has been in the Heuer family for four generations.

Jack Heuer, great-grandson of the brand’s original founder Edouard Heuer, retired from TAG Heuer the day before his 81st birthday, on November 18, 2013 and inaugurated Jean-Claude Biver as the head of the TAG Heuer team. Jack Heuer has established some of the most significant visions and timepieces into the world. With inexorable enthusiasm, he is an icon in the industry he’s helped build.

Trade-In vs. Consignment: Which is Smarter and Better for You?

Seasoned watch and jewelry collectors are familiar with the practice of trading-in (or trading-up) their pieces for a new addition to their collection. However, some are still unfamiliar with how the trade-in process works—and whether or not it’s the “right” option for them. We explain the differences between trading-in and consigning so you can earn the most bang for your buck—or, in this case, bangle, ring or watch—with TrueFacet.

What Exactly Is a “Trade-In?”
trade-in gives you a shopping credit for your fine jewelry or watches to apply towards your next TrueFacet purchase. Alternatively, consigning means you are putting your item up for sale on TrueFacet and you’ll earn a percentage of the final sale price. So, with a trade-in, you’ll earn a higher commission rate in TrueFacet store credit. But, in consigning, you’ll earn your commission in cash as soon as your item sells.

Your third option is to sell your item outright to another collector, a jeweler or watchmaker. However, this may not be open to you if you do not know another collector interested in your particular item. And, even if you do have an interested buyer, jewelers typically only offer the “scrap cost” for your item (how much the metal, if melted down, or precious stones alone are worth).

Image via Next Luxury

How Trading In Watches and Jewelry Works
While trading in watches is fairly commonplace, TrueFacet is one of the few places that will accept both watches and jewelry. To trade in your watch or fine jewelry, simply complete an online form with a few details about your item. Our team will then email you a prepaid insured shipping label so you can safely and securely send out your item. Once your watch or fine jewelry arrives at our office, our team of appraisers will set about valuating and assessing the piece.

Our in-house authenticators will then offer you the fair market value for your item, which you can accept or decline. If you accept, you’ll immediately receive shopping credit to apply to your next purchase. If you decline, no problem: we’ll securely ship your item back to you.

Why You Should Trade In
The most common scenarios in which you’ll want to trade-in your jewelry and watches are:

– You have a handful of items to unload. To help your old styles earn you more, you can bundle their value in store credit together and apply it towards a higher ticket item.
– You already have your sights set on the next purchase. If you’re eager to buy that Rolex you’ve been eyeing for weeks, opt for a trade-in which will earn you credit faster than waiting for a buyer.
– You know you’re going to want to make another TrueFacet purchase. Even if you are on the fence about what the next addition to your collection will be but know that you want something, pick a trade-in over consignment. You don’t need to purchase something right away—your trade-in credit won’t expire—but you’ll earn more in store credit than if you sold an old piece and put those dollars towards your next purchase.

Why You Should Consign
Ultimately collectors choose consignment over trade-in because they prefer to have cash in-hand over store credit. The catch is that you do have to wait for a buyer in order to earn your consignment commission—it’s not a deal breaker for everyone, but worth pointing out so you’re not prematurely counting your extra dollars.

Whether you choose to trade-in or consign ultimately boils down to your personal preference and, if you have more specific questions about trading in your item, our team of concierge associates are available to discuss it with you here.

Now that you know the ropes of consigning and trading in your old styles, be sure to read our post on when to sell and how to tell if the market is hot for your jewelry or watch here.