Here's What We Do

We design custom jewelry, make custom jewelry, repair jewelry, write certified appraisals for jewelry, and cut stones.  We sell custom, estate, and antique jewelry, as well as crystals, rocks, gemstones, diamonds, coins, precious metals, fossils, antiques... and we have an unbelievable selection of opal.  We buy silver, gold, and platinum, and we trade for just about anything that catches our eye.  We cater to both retail and wholesale clients, and we have a layaway policy that can't be beat.

Got all that?  Good.

But in case you didn't...

Custom Jewelry

Beginning of custom jewelry design process. One loose moonstone is shown beneath two sapphires and an aquamarine, a grouping surrounded with two photos of ring designs and a notepad with notes personalized to the order.

If you can dream it, we can do it.  Our shop has a full working jewelry studio on the premises with access to the latest state-of-the-art equipment and jewelers who know how to use it.  All you need to do is choose your stone, show us a setting you like (through internet images, magazine photos, even something you draw by hand can be used), fill us in on what type of metal you'd like, and we take care of the rest!  Liking elements of one ring and the accents from another?  Let's combine them.  Is Grandma's old ring that was left to you in desperate need of a modern refresh?  Let's melt it and use all of her original materials to create a look that's more for you.  With a custom jeweler, your options are limitless.

On-Site Jewelry Repair

Two hands at a jeweler's workbench: one is holding a lit torch, the other a tool. The jeweler is soldering.We aren't kidding when we say we're a one-stop shop.  Whether you need something sized, soldered, replaced, re-plated, or even a stone recut, our experienced metalsmiths and lapidarists have you covered.  Silver, gold, platinum, and palladium can all be worked on, so don't disregard that well-loved special piece as scrap metal just yet!  After being around for as long as we have, we know exactly how important your jewelry is to you; that's why at Burton's, we don't take the amount of trust you invest in us lightly.  We ensure that all jewelry is handled and stored with utmost care, respect, and security.

Opal Specialists

Two fine Mexican crystal opals bezel set into 14 karat white gold dangle earrings surrounded by a rainbow of different loose opal cabochons.Yes, there most certainly is such a thing, and yes, you found it.  We are quite proud to say we are one of Southern California's leading suppliers of opal, and if you don't believe us, then you need to come see for yourself.  All opal is cut in-house by our store owner and master lapidarist, David Burton, who has been working with the material for over 70 years.  Our rough is sourced from all over the world, with the majority coming out of Australia and Mexico.  While we do offer a small selection of doublets, triplets, and synthetics (lab-grown stuff), they are few and far between; our selection consists mainly of natural, stable stone.

Diamonds & Colored Gemstones

Nine large faceted gems displaying a variety of different shapes, sizes, and colors. Stones include London blue topaz, rose quartz, peridot, and more.While many jewelers understand diamonds, few share our same enthusiasm for the other 90 gemstones.  Our variety is one of the largest in Orange County, with a selection of stones both set in jewelry and loose.  If you can name it, we probably have it. Sapphire?  Check.  Emerald?  Check.  Moldavite?  Check!  If you're looking for something specific and we don't have it, we can find it for you at a competitive price.  Diamonds are no exception; this traditional option still makes for the most popular choice when engagement ring shopping.  Whatever it might be you're looking for, we've got you covered.

Crystals & Minerals

Two glass shelves filled with different crystals. The top shelf is predominantly white and clear quartz. The bottom shelf mostly holds green crystal specimens.
Over 65 years ago, our store was founded as a humble rock shop.  Not even decades of evolving and reimagining could get us away from our roots!  Few jewelry store experiences are cooler than seeing what your gemstone looked like before it was cut, and we provide that better than anyone else in Orange County.  We have minerals to satisfy all collectors from the high end, to the healers, to the young at heart.  If you're in any way impressed by the photo, you haven't seen anything yet.  We have also been known to help others by cutting, polishing, and reconditioning their damaged crystals from time to time... so don't give up on your favorite dulled quartz point yet!

Coins & Bullion

Original photo showing a mix of different silver US coins from 1964 and earlier.
While the pandemic may have done a number to supply and demand, we deal in a wide variety of silver, gold, platinum, and rare collectible coins.  Whether you're interested in buying or selling, we like to think of ourselves as a place you need to give a chance.  Those pre-1965 silver coins add up in a way that far exceeds their face value, so do yourself a favor and stop in for a visit before you go spending them at the grocery store.  If you ever have any questions about a coin you've come across, we are always happy to check it out.  Curious about what we've got for sale?  Feel free to give us a call any time; our inventory changes day-to-day.

Certified Jewelry Appraisal

Official certified jewelry appraisal documents.

We offer professional certified jewelry appraisal services on-site.  This type of appraisal goes above and beyond the typical ballpark guesstimate; a certified gemologist will conduct an in-depth analysis of your jewelry, determine and document what it is you have, then research live, current market values to provide the data necessary to obtain insurance through a third party provider.  Certified appraisals are expert opinions that are legally recognized and required to obtain insurance.  Figures expressed on certified appraisals typically represent high retail replacement values and are intended for use with insurance companies, not resale.

Vintage, Estate, & Antiques

Several pocket watches and antique Victorian jewelry pieces in front of a vintage Mills Wizard Fortune Teller machine.

Save a piece of history and get a great deal in the process with our always-changing variety of estate jewelry for sale.  Many pieces that come into our store end up recycled; stones are removed from their settings and the gold is melted down to create something entirely different.  Every once in awhile, though, there will be a piece that really calls out for a second chance.  Those pieces end up in this section of our store, and we are always on the lookout for them.  If you ever have any old, unworn, or broken jewelry that you wish to sell, gather up any of the silver, gold, and platinum pieces and stop by for a visit.  We are always happy to take a good look and see what you might have!

 

~ Buy - Sell - Trade ~