The Hollingsworth Jewelers Blog
Check this page often for the latest news, trends and opportunities in our store and the jewelry industry.
We are proud to offer two new designer lines of jewelry:
Jorge Revilla of Spain (website)
Lika Behar of Istanbul, Turkey (website)
Top Ten Reasons to Use Layaway
Mention layaway and most people think of the days of I Love Lucy. Layaway is making a comeback in many stores, including Hollingsworth Jewelers Gallery, because more and more, people are looking for better ways to purchase gifts than using a credit card. Layaway allows you to make large purchases through small payments over time, instead of paying high interest rates through credit cards or other financing options.
Layaway, says the Post's DeNeen L. Brown, "taught us delayed gratification" along with important and basic lessons about fiscal responsibility. It had nothing to do with impulse-purchases and the luxury of buyer's remorse. The want you felt for such things was stable, wholesome, responsible, well-considered.”
Why would someone consider layaway? We came up with ten great reasons.
Top Ten Reasons to Use Layaway
10. Lock in the Sale price; Pay for it after the sale.
9. You can break down a large purchase into realistic parts - baby steps.
8. Avoid the interest of charging the gift.
7. You won't be frantic on Christmas Eve trying to remember where you hid the necklace. We keep it safe and out of sight. Just pick it up when you're ready.
6. Avoid the shock of your Jan. credit card bill.
5. It's not just for gifts. Buy something YOU want!
 4. It's both retro AND trendy.
3. Snag a hot item when it's available. It may be out of stock by the time you can gather the funds. Remember Tickle Me Elmo?
2. If you've sworn off credit cards, layaway allows you to buy and make payments.
1. Keep the gift hidden from the one who tears up the house searching to see what they're getting for Christmas. (Mom - I have to tell you - I found that watch in the closet long before Christmas '79. BTW - when did Dad get a shotgun?) Save a life - put it on layaway!
Our Layaway Sale continues thru Oct. 30, but you can still buy on layaway after that.
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What to Know When You Sell Your Gold
August 16, 2011
There’s a ray of hope in the terrible economic news we’ve been hearing. As stock prices drop, the price of gold has risen to unprecedented levels. That’s good news for those who have unwanted jewelry, electronic components or dental gold.
"This is a great time to sell unwanted jewelry for the gold," said Tammy Hollingsworth, co-owner of Hollingsworth Jewelry Gallery.
Don’t Get Ripped Off
There are many ways to sell gold. Some dealers ask customers to mail their jewelry in and trust the dealer to send a check for the value of the gold. However, some consumers are running into trouble with unscrupulous dealers who are paying less than the appropriate price. In 2010, there were 574 complaints against gold, silver and platinum dealers according to the Better Business Bureau. We're already "on the way to double the number of complaints from last year," said Kelsey Owen, a spokeswoman for the nonprofit organization. (source: CNN/Money)
What to Know
There are a few important facts to keep in mind when selling jewelry for its gold value. The price a customer receives for their gold items is based on the weight and purity of the gold that is in the piece. The amount a customer receives is tied to the current market value of gold. The gold price quoted in the news is the day’s price for 24 karat gold on the commodities market (before commissions). Most jewelry is not that pure. For example, 18 karat gold is 75% pure; 14 karat gold is 58.5% pure. Jewelry is often marked with the gold content. For instance a 14-karat piece of jewelry may be stamped, "14k” or "585."
HJG buys gold and sells it to a gold refinery. Each entity retains a fee for their services. "We buy gold by weight using a highly specialized scale certified by the California State Division of Measurement Standards. The scale is checked for accuracy regularly by the governmental agency," said Hollingworth. A customer can opt to receive cash for their gold or the value of the gold plus 50% more in store credit. In some cases, a piece may have more value being sold as “estate jewelry” rather than its melt-down value. The jeweler can advise the customer as to their best option.
Gold Parties
A customer can also host a gold party. The host invites friends, family members and neighbors to the party, held at HJG. The party participants can have their gold appraised and consider selling to HJG. The party guests receive cash or credit for their unwanted gold items and the party’s host receives a commission from the proceeds.
Are you thinking about selling your jewelry? Drop by the store anytime for a free appraisal and to discuss your options.
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