Don’t get cheated at your garage sale

Are you selling jewelry or rare coins at your garage sale? Watch out for that undercover dealer who will try to underpay you. Unscrupulous gold and other dealers often frequent garage sales looking for items for which the seller may not know the true value. While there is nothing illegal about this, it is a dishonest practice that tries to take advantage of people’s lack of information and knowledge.

Many times these dealers do not own businesses and try to buy things cheap from unsuspecting people who do not know the real price. Even a small gold chain may be worth up to $150 or more but the seller may be offering only $10 for the piece in a box of other worthless pieces, because the seller may think it is not gold. Sometimes, the dealer will justify the lower price because of some minor flaw or the condition of the metal. However, the item is often worth far more than their offer based on the weight of metal, alone!

They may give you the impression that they are going to use the item, when in fact they are just reselling it. Whether or not the buyer intends to use or resell the item, you deserve a fair price. And the dealer needs to identify himself as a dealer to you. A deep discounted price is a sign of dishonesty, and you should hold off because you can get a better price from an honest dealer.

I identify myself as a dealer, because I have a reputation to uphold. I am not a random individual, touring garage sales. I am a business owner and a member of many organizations like the Burbank Chamber of Commerce and I have an A rating with the Better Business Bureau (BBB). I take pride in my reputation as an upstanding businessman. Don’t take my word for it. See what my customers say about me on Yelp.

Come in for a free verbal appraisal to know your item’s true worth. Bring your items to our office, and I will appraise them in person. I’ll walk you through the process, explaining how and why the item is worth what it is. Then, if you’re satisfied with my appraisal, I will buy the item(s) from you, and you will be offered a no obligation fair price.

Are you, or someone you know, interested in selling old jewelry or rare coins? We also offer up to 15% commission on jewelry sales when you refer your friends and family. Please call Paul Albarian today at (818) 827-7152 to set up an appointment and get a free evaluation.

Looking for a special anniversary gift?

Don’t get overcharged for jewelry. Why do we pay so much for jewelry? Because we think the precious metals and precious stones justify the expense, and because jewelry is a “luxury” item. But jewelry doesn’t need to be nearly as expensive as it is. In fact, most of the cost of a piece of jewelry is profit for the jeweler because it’s sold at “retail price”.

The typical markup for jewelry, especially at the mall, is 10-20 times the base price. There’s no doubt that gold is valuable (at the time of writing, gold is worth more than $1339 per ounce). But the value of the materials, and even the skilled labor involved in making jewelry, doesn’t come close to justifying the cost. If you buy a ring at a jeweler in the mall, you aren’t just adding a ring to the family jewelry collection – you’re probably adding an extra “0” to the price tag, too!

Buy quality jewelry from an upstanding business man. At Paul Albarian & Associates, we pride ourselves on excellent customer service and honest, expert advice. We will guide you through the process of selecting and buying a piece of jewelry, and making sure that you have a piece you’re happy with at a fair price. Just as buying a piece of jewelry for a loved one is an investment in your relationship, we consider selling jewelry an investment in our relationship with our clients.

We sell estate jewelry at great discounts – including Cartier, Tiffany, and Rolex. We maintain an inventory of brand-name and bespoke jewelry, which we can sell to you at a great price. Moreover, we acquire most of our jewelry through estate sales and we have a broad inventory selection than most stores. This can help you focus on a fashion that suits you the best. Our inventory includes classic and elegant pieces over the years – providing you with options you may not be able to find at most jewelry stores.

We can have new jewelry made for you based on a picture or sketch, again at a great discount. Not satisfied with what you can find in the stores, or want a piece of jewelry made to particular specifications? We can help! Bring us a photo or sketch of your desired piece, and we will work local artisans to create a custom piece of jewelry for you. And even for custom pieces, our prices will beat retail jewelry stores by a wide margin.

Getting ready to propose, or want to commemorate a special occasion? Please call us today at (818) 827 – 7152 to schedule an appointment to learn more about how you can save money on jewelry with Paul Albarian & Associates.

Investing in precious metals as a hedge against inflation

Precious metal prices usually increase alongside inflation, meaning inflation does not reduce the value of the precious metals. Inflation lowers the value of the US Dollar (and most world currencies), meaning it gradually takes more money to buy the same thing. Precious metal prices usually adjust for inflation. This means one ounce of gold can still buy pretty much the same quality and quantity of things it could buy over 100 years ago.

Precious metals are part of a balanced investment portfolio; most financial advisors suggest that their clients put 5 to 15 percent of their investment portfolio in precious metals. Stocks, bonds, real estate, and other investment vehicles are all subject to different market forces and world events. Putting too much of your money into one investment type can put your wealth at risk. But dividing your portfolio between different investment types limits your exposure to risk.

Precious metals are investments that protect against inflation, the devaluation of the US Dollar, and world instability. If you had $10,000 in an investment account in 1960, you were doing pretty well. A single family home in Burbank, California cost about $22,000 – a ratio of 2.2 times the value of your $10,000. If you had $10,000 of gold (approx. 283.5oz) in 1960 , the same amount of gold today would be worth approximately $373,725.50 – a much better nest egg! And that single family home is worth less than $600,000 today; a lot less than $822,196.10 (2.2 times $373,725.50).

Paul Albarian has over 23 years of experience in helping our clients select the best precious metal investments. In the past 23 years our clients’ portfolio, from their investment in rare coins and precious metals, has increased five to ten times. Their investment had increased more in 2011 when gold went to an all time high of $1920 per ounce. We believe in honest customer service and transparent pricing. We work with you to identify the best investment for your particular situation. Many gold dealers just want to make as much money as possible that day– We believe in building relationships with our clients, which means we always offer fair prices and keep your long-term interests in mind. Customer satisfaction is our highest priority.

Our prices are available on our website, and we will beat any verifiable price from a competitor. Visit our website to see the current prices for gold, silver, platinum, and palladium. Please click the refresh button to update the prices; every five minutes. We are confident they represent the best prices on the market. If you find a better price from a verified gold dealer, contact us and we will beat that price!

Deal of the Day: 13 February 2014

Thursday, February 13th 2014

In 1986 this coin sold for $110 each and the highest price of silver that year was $6.32 per ounce. Today we are selling the United States Morgan Silver Dollar (Minted 1878-1904 and 1921) graded by Professional Coin Grading Service (PCGS) and Numismatic Guaranty Corporation (NGC) in Mint State 63 for only $58 each when you buy a box of twenty coins or more. Please go to our website for more our everyday low prices for less than twenty coins. The dates of these coins will be before 1900 and our choice. Don’t wait! Call Paul Albarian & Associates, LLC at (818) 827-7152 today to get this historic timeless classic coin and one of the best investments today.

Things you can buy for an ounce of gold

Gold is widely considered a good investment to protect against inflation. But has gold really kept up with inflation, in terms of purchasing power? In 1932, one ounce of gold was worth about $20. At the time of writing in 2014, one ounce of gold is worth approximately $1,260. How does that translate into goods and services?

In the 1930’s, you could buy the best quality men’s suit for $20 – about one ounce of gold. Today, you can buy a high-quality suit for about $1,000 – still about one ounce of gold.

In the 1960’s, the average rent in Burbank, California for a single person was about $60 per month and gold per ounce was $35.27. Today, the average rent in Burbank, California is about $1,600 per month – about one to two ounces of gold then, and about one to two ounces of gold now. Gold still keeps up with inflation.

Today, 3 ounces of gold will buy you a “fully-loaded” Mackbook Pro. Unfortunately, you couldn’t buy a Macbook Pro in the 1930’s. However, you could buy a Remington Portable Typewriter for $60 dollars – or about 3 ounces of gold.

While inflation has greatly weakened the purchasing power of the US Dollar over time, gold has maintained its value, and purchasing power.

Are you, or someone you know, interested in diversifying their investment portfolio? Many financial advisors recommend their clients invest 5% to 15% of their investment portfolio in rare coins, and precious metals as a hedge against the weakening of the United States Dollar, inflation, and world instability. We also offer up to 15% commission on jewelry sales when you refer your friends or family. Please call Paul Albarian today at (818) 827-7152 to set up an appointment and get free information.

Deal of the Day: 5 February 2014

Wednesday, February 5th 2014

Today, we are offering the United States Gold $10 Indian in MS62 for only $800 each when you buy 2 or more. This coin was minted by the United States Mint from 1907-1933 and was used for people to buy their goods and services until the United States government confiscated them in 1933. The condition of these coins is uncirculated or mint state and they are graded MS62 by Professional Coin Grading Service (PCGS) or Numismatic Guaranty Corporation (NGC). They weigh 16.7 grams and contain .4837 ounces of pure gold. To get this price you have to make an order of two coins or more, while supplies last. Own A classic American treasure and great investment today. Call us today at (818) 827-7152 to reserve your coins. Please go to our website for more certified gold and silver coins for sale.

Save money on your engagement ring

Did you know you can save thousands of dollars on an engagement ring by NOT going to a jewelry store? At Paul Albarian & Associates, you can avoid the mark-ups jewelry stores place on their rings, and your ring will also be custom made!

Jewelry stores mark-up their ring prices, well above the cost of the gold and diamonds. A reasonable price mark-up is to be expected, but most jewelry stores often mark-up their prices by 500%, with some increasing their prices by as much as 1,000% or more! Many people accept this mark-up because they believe they “have to spend three month’s salary” on an engagement ring. But that doesn’t need to be the case, at all.

Avoid retail prices with a custom-made engagement ring. At Paul Albarian & Associates, we can help you get a custom-made engagement ring at a fraction of the cost of what retail jewelers charge. We will help you choose a design, select the gem(s) and metals you want to use, and we have a jeweler who will create the ring especially for you.

A custom-made ring adds a personal touch. An engagement ring is one of the most significant and meaningful purchases you’ll make in your life. It signals your devotion and commitment to the love of your life. Wouldn’t you rather have a ring that you helped design, rather than something directly from a display case? The extra thought that goes into a custom-made ring makes it truly special, personal, and perhaps a family heirloom for the next generation.

Bring us a photo of the ring with which you’d like to propose. You don’t have to design the ring from scratch. Just find a photo of the ring you’d like, and bring the photo to us. You’ll buy the stone(s) and precious metal(s) directly from us, and we have an artisan to create the ring just as it looks in the photograph.

We sell diamonds, gold, platinum, and more! We have a selection of diamonds and other gems, as well as the precious metals you might want to include in your ring. We’ll make sure you have exactly what you’re looking for, and provide you a fair price on the gems, metals, and labor required to craft that very special ring.

Getting ready to propose, or know somebody who is? Please call us today at (818) 827 – 7152 to schedule an appointment to learn more about how you can save money on your engagement ring with Paul Albarian & Associates.

Deal of the Day: 31 January 2014

Friday, January 31, 2014

Today we are offering the United States $20 Saint Gaudens Gold Coin minted from 1907-1933 for only $1475 when you buy 2 or more, while supplies last. The condition of these coins is uncirculated or mint state and they are graded MS63 by Professional Coin Grading Service (PCGS) or Numismatic Guaranty Corporation (NGC). They weigh 33.44 grams and contain .9675 ounces of pure gold. To get this price you have to make an order of two coins or more.

In 1986 this coin was valued at $1,125 and in MS64 $2500. The highest price of gold in 1986 was $438 per ounce. So, in 1986 the $20 Saint Gaudens had a value that was over 2 ½ times its gold value. Today these coins are considered undervalued, being priced at less than 1 ¼ times the value of gold.

In the 1950’s William H. Sheldon came up with a coin numerical grading service that started with 1 the lowest grade and 70 the highest. MS60 through MS70 grades are uncirculated and are considered investment grade. PCGS and NGC have never graded a $20 Saint Gaudens coin MS70.

Call us today at (818) 827-7152 to reserve this great American treasure and investment. And please visit our website to learn more about rare gold coins, and to see the other great values of United State Gold Coins dated before 1933.

Invest in precious metals for your grandchildren

Precious metals can be an excellent investment to make for your grandchildren’s future. Every grandparent wants to leave something behind for their grandchildren to make their lives financially secure for the future. What better way to provide for your descendants than an investment that withstands the test of time, protects against inflation, and has more “real value” than “paper investments”?

Precious metals are long-term investments that protect against inflation. Precious metals’ value is tied to the current market price, and can be one of the best hedges against inflation and the devaluation of the United States Dollar. In 50 years, gold, silver, platinum, and palladium are all likely not only to increase in value, but to protect someone’s overall purchasing power. The same cannot be said for most other investments.

Precious metals are tangible assets. Stocks and bonds are “paper assets”, and their value is based on the behavior of the humans that control them. The value of precious metals, on the other hand, is based directly on the usefulness of the materials themselves. And precious metals are not only used in jewelry and baubles – they are an increasingly important part of our newest technological advances. So as new technology becomes more sophisticated, the unique properties of precious metals are likely to become more valuable with time.

We provide fair prices and honest, friendly customer service. At Paul Albarian & Associates, we value the trust you place in us, and will help you make a sound investment for your grandchildren’s future. Customer satisfaction is our highest priority.

Many financial advisors suggest their clients invest five to fifteen percent of their investment portfolio in rare coins and precious metals to act as a hedge against inflation, devaluation of the United States Dollar , and world instability. Please call us today at (818) 827 – 7152 to schedule an appointment to learn more about how you can invest in rare coins and precious (bullion) metals (Gold, Silver, Platinum, and Palladium).

Deal of the Day: 23 January 2014

Brilliant Uncirculated Swiss 20 Franc Gold Coin

A great way to own gold privately. These coins are not reportable and are not subject to federal confiscation. Please check out our everyday low prices for the Swiss 20 Franc Gold Coin. When you buy 50 or more today, the price is $248 each. If you would like to buy two or more coins but less than 50 we will still work a great competitive price for you. So, please call us today at (818) 827-7152. Prices are subject to change due to market fluctuations.