The CIRCA Gold Standard

These are the estimated prices CIRCA is paying per pennyweight (dwt) and gram for the standard gold purities listed below; based on:

The afternoon London gold fixing price: $1,140.00 per troy ounce, which is the current price being traded for pure gold.

per dwt 10K - $15.28 14K - $21.77 18K - $28.21 22K - $34.83 24K - $37.92 Platinum - $39.71

per gram 10K - $ 9.85 14K - $14.04 18K - $18.20 22K - $22.47 24K - $24.46 Platinum - $25.62

Pennyweight and grams are the two terms most commonly used to measure the weight of gold. To convert either measurement to ounces:

1 troy ounce = 20 dwt
1 troy ounce = 31.1 grams

* These prices represent an approximate dollar value that CIRCA will pay based on the afternoon London gold fixing price on the day of settlement. It is subject to change during the course of the day as the gold price fluctuates. These numbers are relevant only to plain gold jewelry that doesn't contain any stones or other elements that add weight. These prices do not apply to items that are gold filled or gold plated.

What's in a Name - Van Cleef & Arpels

We recently purchased this Van Cleef & Arpels “Alhambra” Necklace. This is a great example of a trend dictating the value of an item. This is a collection that is red hot right now, so if you’re interested in selling, there couldn’t be a better time!

The Alhambra collection was first introduced in 1974 and has recently seen a strong revival. The word “Alhambra” is borrowed from the Islamic palace in Granada, Spain which is known for its geometric architecture. The Alhambra “clovers” were inspired by the scalloped arches found within the palace and throughout Muslim architecture. This collection also includes rings, bracelets and earrings.

Van Cleef & Arpels is one of the top international jewelry companies, founded in 1896 in France. VCA is associated with quality and an elite style that has adorned the likes of Jacqueline Kennedy, Catherine Deneuve, Audrey Hepburn, and other timeless beauties.

Better with Age - Retro

We recently purchased this beautiful Retro ring. Retro jewelry is from the 1940’s and is often the easiest to identify as it tends to conform to certain aesthetic guidelines. Retro pieces are typically made with large semi-precious stones set in rose gold with diamond and ruby accents. This ring is a classic Retro piece: it’s rose gold with rubies and diamonds and consists of stylized curved lines.

While Art Deco jewelry consumed the 1930’s, when World War II broke out, platinum became scarce and extremely expensive. Since platinum was out of the question for most jewelers, there was a trend towards using yellow, rose and green gold – yes, green gold. It’s a wonderful example of how world events can dictate styles and trends.

What's in a Name - Cartier

We recently purchased this Cartier Trinity Ring. No offense to Shakespeare, but this is a case where the name means everything. Not only is Cartier one of the biggest names in the jewelry industry, but the Trinity collection is one of their most famous and popular collections.

Cartier’s Trinity rings are made up of three interlocking bands: one white gold, one rose gold and one yellow gold. These three colors symbolize friendship, love and fidelity. The original Cartier Trinity ring was introduced in 1924, and since then has taken on many new forms and styles. There are bracelets and diamond encrusted versions, but they all still have that same harmony that the simple tri-colored ring is known for.

This particular ring is a contemporary version of an old classic. Our client sold this piece to help fund the new Prada bag she had been eyeing. Now that’s how to make your old jewelry work for you!

Watch This - Cartier

We recently purchased this lady’s Cartier Tortue watch with diamonds around the face. Certain watch brands command the highest prices on the secondary market, and Cartier is one of those brands. With a reputable name as one of the world’s leading jewelers, and a long history in the watch industry, Cartier watches are well respected and generally very sought after.

Watches always have a higher value if they are sold with their original box and paperwork. Condition also plays an important role in determining the value of a watch. Watches with stretched bracelets, scratched faces, or those that show general signs of wear will bring less money than the same watch in better condition.

This particular watch was in great condition and came with its original box and papers, thus commanding a higher price.