Frequently Asked Questions

No. At La Fontaine we carry out appraisals at no cost and with no obligation to sell. You can send us photos via WhatsApp for an initial assessment, and if you wish to proceed, we'll arrange an in-person evaluation at the store of your choice. The final appraisal is always done in person.

We buy gold and platinum jewelry with stones; high-end watches (Rolex, Omega, Patek Philippe, Cartier and other renowned brands); gold coins and bars; loose and mounted diamonds; silverware, silver cutlery, works of art and valuable antiques. If you're unsure whether your piece is of interest, send us photos via WhatsApp.

The value depends mainly on the type of metal and its purity (9k, 14k, 18k, 24k), the weight in grams and the international gold or platinum quote that day. For special jewelry, the design, the maker's signature, the era, any precious stones and current market demand also play a part. At La Fontaine we appraise each piece individually.

Yes, and we specialise mainly in these cases. We assess antique, family, signed or unsigned jewelry, with or without stones. We understand it can be a difficult decision, which is why we offer confidential service, with no pressure and time to decide. The process begins with a no-obligation assessment, in person or by photos.

We pay on the spot, in US dollars. Payment can be made in cash, bank transfer or cheque, as you prefer. There are no delays or extra paperwork. Once the price is agreed at the in-person appraisal, payment is made immediately.

We buy high-end watches from the leading brands: Rolex, Omega, Patek Philippe, Audemars Piguet, Cartier, IWC, Jaeger-LeCoultre, Breitling, TAG Heuer and other renowned brands. The value depends on the model and reference, the cosmetic and mechanical condition, the documentation (box and papers) and the current international secondary-market price.

Yes, you can sell a watch even without the original documentation. The box and papers add value but are not essential. What matters most is the condition of the watch and the authenticity of its parts. We recommend bringing it in person for a complete, no-obligation evaluation.

Yes. We offer gold, silver and platinum bars and coins for investment. Available formats vary with stock: from 1 gram up to larger bars, and coins such as the Krugerrand, the Maple Leaf and the American Eagle, among others. The price is set based on the day's international quote. Check availability via WhatsApp or at any of our stores.

Physical gold — bars or coins — is a tangible asset with no counterparty risk, which has historically held its value against inflation and local-currency devaluations. Unlike financial instruments, the metal is in your hands. At La Fontaine we also buy back the pieces we sell, at the reference price in force at the time of the transaction.

The price of gold is referenced to the international market quote (London Bullion Market Association), expressed in US dollars per troy ounce. We use Kitco.com as a real-time reference for international prices. In Uruguay it is converted at the day's exchange rate. The final buying or selling price of each piece also factors in the metal's purity and weight.

Yes. One of the advantages of buying at La Fontaine is that we offer preferential buy-back of the metals we sell. The buy-back price is set by the international quote in force at the time of the transaction. Ask us about current terms in store or via WhatsApp.

Yes. Our workshop carries out jewelry repairs (resizing, soldering, stone setting, cleaning and restoration of antique pieces) and watch servicing (overhaul, battery change, bracelet adjustment, movement check). Times and costs depend on the piece and the work required. We invite you to bring your piece in for a free estimate.

Yes. We create custom jewelry in gold and platinum, with or without stones. You can bring us an idea, a reference or a sketch, and our team works with you to define the design, materials and budget. We can also recreate or adapt existing pieces.

Many of the diamonds we sell are certified by the GIA (Gemological Institute of America), the world's leading gemological institution. For pieces that require a formal appraisal — for insurance or estate purposes, for example — we can guide you on the appropriate certification process for each case.

We have two stores in Montevideo:

• Ciudad Vieja: Peatonal Sarandí 635, steps from the Puerta de la Ciudadela.
• Arocena: Arocena 1554.

Both are open Monday to Friday, 10:30 to 18:00 and Saturdays, 10:30 to 14:00. Customer parking available.

The fastest way is to send us photos of your piece via WhatsApp at +598 93 912 205 for an initial assessment at no cost. If you wish to proceed, we'll arrange an in-person visit at the store of your choice. You can also fill out the appraisal form in our Buying section or call us directly at +598 2916 0158.

Confidentiality is one of our core values. All inquiries, appraisals and transactions are handled privately and discreetly. We do not share information about the pieces or about our clients. This is especially important for those selling inherited jewelry or pieces of personal value.