Jewelry buying house CIRCA expands - Source: National Jeweler Network


New York—International buying house CIRCA, which provides a liquid market to consumers for previously owned jewelry, is opening offices in San Francisco and Washington, D.C.

CIRCA Chief Executive Officer Chris Del Gatto said the company, in operation since 2001, has developed intense loyalty from its clients due to its policy of being consumer advocates.

He said the key to the process is honesty and transparency.

"CIRCA has set the new standard for caring consumerism," Del Gatto said in a statement. "Because of CIRCA, fine jewelry is now more liquid than anything in a family's portfolio. Significant items often historically have remained frozen in the vault as 'non-performing assets.' At CIRCA, once a client accepts an offer, [he or she is] immediately presented with a check. No commission charges or fees are deducted. It is a quick, efficient and press-free alternative to the gossipy and expensive atmosphere of the auction house."

Peter Shemonsky, director of CIRCA's San Francisco office and a frequent appraiser on The Antiques Roadshow, said that in his experience there is nothing else like CIRCA available to consumers.

In addition to the new locations, CIRCA has offices in Chicago, Hong Kong, Las Vegas, New York and Palm Beach, Fla. CIRCA plans to expand to Atlanta, Boston, Dallas, Houston and Los Angeles in the United States, and internationally to Brazil, London, Paris and other locations.