Call for Appointment Today
Legacy Story
Since 1984, GIA Gemologist Gina Watson has served the Orange County communities with her retail stores in Laguna Hills & Aliso Viejo and has been a second-generation Jeweler since 1969. She has been working with clients 2nd and 3rd-generation families to buy, sell or consign their treasures.
GINA 'S EARLY DAYS
My story started when I was 22 with my first jewelry business as a young bride and mother. Forty-two years ago, my husband handed me his Inheritance of only $10,000 and told me to go open my jewelry shop. I was from a family of jewelers and worked behind the counter during holidays, so I repainted some old showcases & chandeliers to create my visionary store to buy and sell jewelry.
I first started buying and selling estates and later incorporated an Auction Company. Later, when the economy dictated a change, we helped thousands of our clients by loaning out money. By 2001, we opened a second store location and became a leader in manufacturing, and designing engagement rings and statement jewelry. Through the last 40 years, we have adopted a full scope of business for our client's needs.
As a Jewelry Estate Buyer, my passion is to assist families by sorting through valuables,
finding hidden treasures or items of lesser value to donate.
Our First Location
In 1986 we opened in a Laguna Hills retirement community called Oakbrook Village. I continued to buy and sell but also started to conduct Jewelry in-house auctions that sometimes had nearly 80 people seated during the 80s. I fell in love with my older clientele to which they entrusted me. I became family to them and their extended family, buying, selling, auctioneering, repairing, and designing or repairing jewelry.
2022 BUSINESS OF THE YEAR AWARD
Opening Store #2
In 2001 I owned and operated my second location in Aliso Viejo, where I brought in my family & adult kids, which is when we expanded our manufacturing, wedding, and engagement jewelry. I became a GIA Gemologist and graduated from the prestigious Gemological Institute of America to better serve my clients & business needs. My passion & proven expertise continued for the families and their estates with other services. Hence, I could help my clients better as I expanded my business to selling online.
Legacy & Gina
Working closely with the elderly and their estates, Gina expressed concerns that heirs did not want the family jewels after loved ones passed and instead sold valuables. Hence, she advocates for elders to organize their estates and consider selling and using the money for themselves. By doing this, it becomes less burdensome to the heirs.
Legacy Jewelry Appraisers & Buyers believes in helping individuals sort through their family heirlooms so better decisions can be made for themselves and their loved ones. If the unwanted jewelry is sold, elders could use that money, especially when most are on fixed incomes. We believe in discussing with the elderly different options of appraisals which determine the selling or consigning choices for themselves and their loved ones.
Many of the estates are unwanted items passed down & may burden Loved ones! Through 40 years of experience, my passion is to assist families without confusion or strife between each other by sorting the valuables. I come to families with CHOICES of what to sell, give to loved ones, re-design as a momentum of the memory of a loved one, or donate.
ABOUT GINA
Gina Watson has devoted decades to serving hundreds of Charity Fundraising groups in Orange County and continues today with numerous groups helping them raise money for good causes. I created the LEGACY PROGRAM, which prompted me to write my magazine column called GemCorner to educate consumers with jewelry tips. I was a Television guest on the local channel 6 to discuss family awareness and Estates while building a name in the community.
Appointment-Based Only
Looking for a Jewelry Appraiser & Buyer?
Please contact us directly to book a one on one consultation with our jewelry specialist.
