I get to see a lot of beautiful and sophisticated timepieces, but I will never stop marveling at any watch that has a perpetual calendar function, or complication.

That a watchmaker can design a movement that is so complex that the user does not need to manually adjust the date function when a month with only 30 days has passed, and put all of these gears and other microscopic components into a case that is, at times, as small as 36 millimeters in diameter and less than 5 millimeters deep is just beyond comprehension.  Some models are even calibrated to differentiate a leap year from others.  Most, if kept wound, will flawlessly keep accurate time and date through the end of this century.  Of course, the Tourbillon is also a very interesting and rare movement, but we’ll save that topic for another time (no pun intended).  If you have one of these rare beauties, congratulations, it is truly something to enjoy.

On behalf of all of us at CIRCA, I wish you a Happy Father’s Day.

–Jeffrey Singer, Co-Founder and Vice President

The post Happy Father’s Day! appeared first on .

If you’re looking to part ways with a prized piece of jewelry (even an engagement ring), pay a visit to Circa‘s new 4,000-square-foot space in Beverly Hills. The global go-to jewelry buyer’s just-opened office is located at 9696 Wilshire Blvd and is its second largest in the world.

Open Monday through Friday from 9am to 6pm, walk in or call ahead (recommended) at 310-341-4111 to book an appointment in one of Circa’s four buying rooms, led by expert gemologist Wes Carroll. The trusted company promises that no item is too large or too small, as they buy everything from “a simple gold chain or Rolex watch to an entire estate of rare jewels.” Pieces are then resold to the secondary jewelry market, which includes an array of select specialists and collectors from around the world.

Now that Circa’s smack-dab in the middle of Blingville, we’re curious to see which celebs stop by to sell their crazy-amazing collections first.

By NATALIE ALCALA

The post CIRCA Featured in Racked LA appeared first on .

CIRCA Jewels; las joyas que unos no quieren, para otros son un tesoro

Es un modelo de negocio absolutamente novedoso, que está consiguiendo asociar la -hasta ahora mal vista- venta de joyas, con el sector del lujo. Circa Jewels, con sede en New York, es ya líder mundial de la compra al público de relojes de lujo, joyas y diamantes.

Barcelona es la sede desde la que se afronta la expansión europea, que está previsto sea muy rápida. El próximo mes de julio tendrá lugar la apertura de una delegación de Madrid, dirigida por Marta Eizguirre, y París, Milán, Londres, Roma o Ginebra no tardarán en contar con la presencia de esta empresa americana, supervisada en el ‘viejo continente’ desde un fabuloso ático situado en el Paseo de Gracia barcelonés, donde tienen lugar las más sorprendentes operaciones de compraventa de joyas.

No es un negocio con mal karma, ni tiene nada que ver con el oscurantismo y la deshumanización del ‘compro oro‘. De hecho, Circa Jewels ha devuelto hasta ahora al mercado alrededor de 6.000 quilates de diamantes -algunos procedentes de piezas vendidas por las Casas reales europeas- y su objetivo es alcanzar la cifra de 200.000 quilates adquiridos en 2015.

Cada cliente suele desprenderse de una media de tres piezas por valor de entre 10.000 y 25.000 euros; y, sorprendentemente, muy pocas de estas ventas de joyas están relacionadas con la crisis.

El valor añadido que Circa Jewels ofrece a sus clientes es el mayor aliciente para que se desprendan de piezas de joyería, relojería o diamantes que no salen de las cajas de seguridad de los bancos; bien sea porque no son del agrado del propietario, debido a que suponen un mal recuerdo, porque el dueño no quiere dejarlas en herencia o, simplemente, pretende deshacerse de ellas para adquirir otras más a su gusto.

Hay mil razones, fuera de los aspectos económicos, por las que una persona se desharía de una valiosísima joya, si los aspectos a considerar para fijar su precio fueran otros que los de su simple valor ‘a peso’. La peculiaridad de la estrategia de compras de Circa es que se tienen en cuenta, además, criterios como la marca, el estilo, la calidad o la antigüedad de la pieza; si va o no acompañadas de su estuche original, su historia, la documentación que la acompaña, etc. Cualquier característica añadida, por extravagante que resulte, es susceptible de aumentar el valor de la joya.

Una vez rescatadas de un anonimato y olvido seguros, al que las someten las cajas de seguridad de los bancos, las cajas fuertes o los cajones de las casas, las joyas inician una vida nueva cuando son adquiridas por otros clientes caprichosos, por inversores, coleccionistas o por simples amantes de una joya especial con historia.

No cabe duda de que, el de Circa Jewels, es un modelo de negocio de éxito, capaz de poner en circulación de nuevo piezas bellísimas entradas en desuso y de reactivar el mercado de la alta joyería de primera mano. De hecho, se ha convertido en un servicio complementario para las joyerías de prestigio.

Recientemente el grupo americano ha firmado un acuerdo de colaboración con Ben Bridge Jeweler, por el cual, los clientes de éste último podrán acceder al asesoramiento de Circa. A través del programa de “mail-in”, tendrán la oportunidad de depositar las piezas para que sean valoradas y compradas por los expertos de Circa. El servicio entra dentro del programa “Authorized Purchasing Agent”, pensado para establecer alianzas con joyerías y otros centros comerciales desde su sede en Barcelona.

Rosa Tomás, directora de la sede europea de Barcelona, se afana en que entendamos bien un modelo de negocio muy diferente a los que gestionan habitualmente los sectores de la joyería, la gemología y la relojería.

En esta entrevista que les ofrecemos en formato de vídeo/Tv, nos cuenta el secreto de su éxito y nos hace comprender que una joya especial, también puede hacer feliz a su propietario desapareciendo de su vida.

The post Demand For CIRCA’s Jewelry Buying Services Grows In Spain appeared first on .

Location, location, location.

It’s one of the first things you notice as you drive up to the Beverly Hillsoffice of the international jewelry-buying company Circa that had its grand opening on May 21. Nestled between Saks Fifth Avenue and Neiman Marcus, you’re not tempted to skulk through Circa’s doors incognito, disguised in a big hat and sunglasses, like you might be if you were entering some shady pawn shop on the corner of Bad Luck & Broke.

The company’s goal is to allay your embarrassment and fears about the process of reselling your jewelry and make the experience so positive you’ll be a lifelong customer.

It’s Not Just About The Three D’s

“Selling jewelry has been associated with the three D’s: divorce, debt and death. But that stigma has kind of changed now,” says Circa Beverly Hills Director Wes Carroll, whose clients include corporate executives, celebrities and others in the super-wealthy set. Carroll has more than 25 years of management experience working at luxury retail giants such as Cartier, Bulgari, Chopard and Graff Diamonds.

“Some people come and they don’t need the money. They just don’t wear the jewelry. It’s sitting in a drawer. It could be from past boyfriends, the kids don’t want it or the style has changed,” says Carroll, giving the example of tiny watches that once were in fashion but now women wear much larger styles. So they bring in the outdated watch, “And we write a check and they can go right back out and buy what they really want.”

Where and What to Sell

Circa buys jewelry, diamonds and watches and it also partnered with Ben Bridge Jeweler to offer its services. “Your only choices used to be go either to a pawn shop, a cash-for-gold type of place or you could go to one of the auction houses,” Carroll says. “But for a lot of people, an auction house isn’t really an option because one, their jewelry isn’t prominent enough for the auction house to want it; two, they’re not going to want to wait for the auction; and three, the auction house typically gets between 20 percent and 30 percent of the profits.”

Although the recession, reality-TV shows about pawn shops and the proliferation of cash-for-gold stores have made people more comfortable with the process of selling their jewelry, there’s still that gnawing feeling that you might be being ripped off.

“People who inherit things especially have no idea what it’s worth,” says Carroll, adding that Circa experts have a pedigreed background in the jewelry business, market trends, know what specific collectors are looking for and evaluate your piece whether it’s just for the intrinsic value the gold, platinum or diamonds or the piece as a whole. Jewelry from Tiffany & Co., Cartier or Van Cleef & Arpels, for example, is often worth more than just the sum of its parts as is (lest we forget our proximity to Hollywood) jewelry worn by a celebrity.

“On the rare occasion we may buy costume jewelry, for instance if it’s vintage Chanel,” Carroll says. But a store like Decades vintage luxury clothing boutique in L.A. is another option if you’re open to consignment.

Circa experts also advise when to hold onto a piece of jewelry because there’s too little resale value, but Carroll emphasizes, “From a gold chain to a 22-carat diamond, we see everything.”

Style and Substance

Asked if, when at a cocktail party, for example, whether he can refrain from assessing jewelry, Carroll says, “To be honest, after 32 years in the business constantly looking at jewelry, I never turn it off,” Carroll says.

“But what interests me more than anything is women with style – how you wear your jewelry. I’ve seen people who have a 1950s brooch that they think is dated but you see it on a really chic woman and she’s put it on her belt buckle or the back of her dress – that is chic.”

Something to mull over before selling your great-grandmother’s baubles.

By ALENE DAWSON

The post “When Diamonds Aren’t Forever” appeared first on .

Read the full article here

The post CIRCA Featured on Huffington Post appeared first on .

Here are a few interesting facts about this stone for those who celebrate birthdays this month:

• The Greeks believed pearls were tears from the Gods and that brides who wore pearls would never cry but instead, promote marital bliss.

• Queen Margherita of Savoy, Italy owned one of the most famous collections of pearls. Ironically, Margarita, the Latin form of the Greek name “Margarites” means “pearl.”

• The process of forming a solid pearl takes up to seven to eight years.

• The most famous pearl is La Peregrina. It was smuggled out of Spain to Napoleon and later purchased at auction by Richard Burton who gave it to Elizabeth Taylor. She then had Cartier make a diamond and ruby necklace for the pearl.

• White and black saltwater pearls are by far the most popular, but other color tints may be found in pearls such as pink, blue, champagne, green, and even purple.

• Pearls symbolize purity, perfection, elegance, and affluence.

The post You Say It’s Your Birthday appeared first on .

Here, Wes Carroll shows Council Member Krasne jewelry recently purchased from CIRCA clients around the world, including a vintage Van Cleef and Arpels bracelet, Bulgari necklace and a Seaman Schepps brooch.

Congratulations to Wes and the entire Beverly Hills team! Best wishes as you continue the CIRCA tradition of providing expert jewelry buying advice and impeccable client service in your new home.

The post CIRCA Beverly Hills Grand Opening Ceremony appeared first on .

Beverly Hills, CA (May 21, 2013) – CIRCA, the leading international jewelry buyer, today announced the opening of its first private office in the prestigious Beverly Hills area. Located at 9696 Wilshire Boulevard, Suite 200, CIRCA’s Beverly Hills office is led by Director Wes Carroll, an expert gemologist with more than 25 years of experience in the luxury jewelry industry.

Established in 2001 to address the growing demand of consumers looking to sell the jewelry they no longer wear, CIRCA has since redefined the experience of selling jewelry and has become the world’s most trusted resource with offices located on three continents and a team of nearly 100. Beverly Hills marks the 11th office for the privately owned company; with additional locations anticipated to open this year in major jewelry markets both domestically and abroad.

The nearly 4,000-square-foot Beverly Hills space will evoke the same sophisticated and discreet environment for which CIRCA’s offices are known. With four buying rooms, the footprint will make the office the company’s second largest worldwide.

“Beverly Hills is an important addition to the growing family of CIRCA offices,” Carroll said. “Beverly Hills is home to some of the world’s most sophisticated consumers and we’re thrilled to bring our services and expertise to the area.”

The CIRCA Experience

Each day, CIRCA jewelry experts evaluate and purchase more than 400 pieces of jewelry at its 11 private offices, ranging from a simple gold chain or Rolex watch to an entire estate of rare jewels — no item is too large or too small.  CIRCA offers a superior experience for consumers to sell the jewelry they no longer wear that’s convenient, comfortable and discreet. Clients make a private appointment to have each piece of jewelry evaluated by CIRCA’s expert buyers. If the offer is accepted, payment is issued immediately. Given the volume of transactions and buyer expertise, CIRCA can offer its clients the best value. Unlike traditional auction houses, CIRCA does not charge a commission or fees for insurance, photography and shipping, nor place restrictions on the items being offered.

Client Profile

While CIRCA caters to a diverse clientele, 65 percent are women over the age of 40, and the typical transaction consists of three or more pieces with a total value of $10,000 to $25,000. CIRCA’s clients understand there is no longer a stigma in selling the jewelry they no longer wear, and realize it’s more valuable to move on to new opportunities.

A Growing National Trend

Growing demand for CIRCA’s jewelry buying services stems from a change in consumer behavior in recent years.  In the past, the sale of jewelry was associated with debt, death or divorce. CIRCA has built its success on a new philosophy: A diamond may last forever, but there’s no reason to keep it that long.

In fact, there are many reasons for someone to part with jewels or watches, besides the three “D-words”:

• Inherited a brooch that is out of fashion from 20 years ago
• Purchased or received a necklace that no longer suits one’s personal style
• Looking to bequeath items, but the benefactors are not interested in the jewelry
• Jewels are sitting in a safe and no longer worn
• Gold has increased its value, and now is a good time to profit
• Settling an estate of jewelry assets

“There is no longer a stigma when it comes to selling jewelry,” said CIRCA co-founder Jeffrey Singer. “Savvy consumers now appreciate the financial and practical rewards of selling unwanted, unworn or outdated jewels and watches. CIRCA’s international network, personalized service and expert buyers have helped demystify the jewelry-selling process. The majority of our clients are women selling jewelry not because they need to, but because they choose to sell. Rather than lock away old-fashioned brooches, dated pendants or items that no longer match their lifestyle, these women see value in selling their jewelry and creating new opportunities.”

Community Commitment

Since its inception, philanthropy has been integral to CIRCA’s culture and growth.  The CIRCA team works to make a difference in the communities where they live and work with a special emphasis on women and children’s health and wellness, arts and culture, education and environmental sustainability. CIRCA is committed to raising awareness about the value of recycling no-longer-worn jewelry and the positive environmental impact that results. CIRCA works with select international jewelry and watch specialists to recirculate the unworn jewelry it purchases from consumers back into the marketplace for another to wear and enjoy.

About CIRCA:

Established in 2001, CIRCA is the leading international buyer of jewelry, diamonds and watches, with more than 100 associates and 11 offices worldwide including New York, Chicago, Beverly Hills, Barcelona, Geneva and Hong Kong. CIRCA has redefined the experience of selling one’s jewelry with its renowned expertise, discreet service, best value and immediate payment. CIRCA’s Authorized Purchasing Agent Program extends the company’s buying services to an invite-only network of established regional jewelry retailers through buying events and a mail-in program. CIRCA Solutions provides manufacturers, distributors and retailers specializing in luxury jewelry and watches with inventory solutions, while CIRCA Casino offers specialized buying events and unique VIP incentive programs for premier casinos. For more information, please visit www.circajewels.com or call 877-876-5493.

About Wes Carroll:

Wes Carroll joined CIRCA in 2011 as Director of the Beverly Hills private office. Carroll has an extensive background in the jewelry industry with more than 25 years of experience in retail management at high-end luxury firms such as Cartier, Bulgari and Graff Diamonds.

Throughout his career, Carroll has built a strong clientele base of corporate executives and celebrities, which has made him an ideal leader for the entertainment-driven Los Angeles and Beverly Hills markets.  His work with the Elton John Aids Foundation Oscar Event has enabled him to bejewel some of the most renown actresses in the industry including Helen Mirren, Marion Cotilliard, Kate Winslet and Hillary Swank.

Carroll plays an active role in the Beverly Hills retail community and has previously served on the Board of Directors of the Rodeo Drive Association.  As one of CIRCA’s leading experts, he is a graduate from the Gemological Institute of America for both diamonds and colored stones.

Prior to joining CIRCA, he served as West Coast Director of Chopard, overseeing the retail offices in Beverly Hills and South Coast Plaza.  A native of California, Carroll received a Bachelor’s degree in Economics from University of California, Los Angeles.

The post CIRCA OPENS BEVERLY HILLS OFFICE appeared first on .

Founded in 1902, the Horticultural Society of New York has enjoyed a long relationship with the jewelry world, starting with the patronage of co-founder Louis Comfort Tiffany.  The HORT’s mission to preserve the connection between people and planet mirrors CIRCA’s commitment to environmental responsibility.  At CIRCA, we practice sustainability every day – each diamond or unworn piece of jewelry that someone sells to CIRCA is put back into the marketplace for another to wear and enjoy.

It’s why we’re proud to sponsor the HORT and their efforts. After all, nature is not only the source of the metals and gems that make up the jewelry we love, but the inspiration for it as well.  We salute The HORT for making the world a more beautiful place for all New Yorkers.

The post Spring Awakens appeared first on .

Name: Rosemary Leung, Director of CIRCA Hong Kong

Current hometown: Hong Kong

Share with us some of your hidden gems in Hong Kong:

•    Favorite Restaurant: Isola at IFC and Cafe Grey  at The Upper House in Hong Kong – great food,

great view, great ambiance.

•    Favorite Store: Chanel - very enjoyable experience with great customer service, always.

•    Favorite tourist attraction: Stanley Market - market shopping plus the beach!

CIRCA provides immediate payment to clients to put towards new opportunities every day. Do you have a favorite story a client has shared with you? A new purchase? A trip?
Often my clients say with a big smile “I am off to shop!”  Many of them come to sell their diamonds for an upgrade; or sell their small faced watches in favor of trendier, large faced watches.

Over 300 pieces of jewelry comes through CIRCA’s doors daily. Tell us about your favorite or most significant piece(s) of jewelry you’ve purchased.
I recently purchased a stunning Van Cleef & Arpels between-the-finger ring with diamonds and pearls – it was so elegant! The ring was among forty other signed pieces I purchased from my client that afternoon.

If you could purchase any piece of jewelry or watch in the world, what would it be?
An Art Deco piece by Cartier.

Do you have a favorite jewelry period or designer?
Art Deco & Edwardian.

What do you feel best wearing?
A little black dress.

Do you have a go to outfit?
I like plain, simple and comfortable.  Accessories, jewelry and a pair of beautifully made shoes create a “total look”.

The post CIRCA’s Expert Jewelry Buyers: Rosemary Leung appeared first on .