Frequently Asked Questions

No. At La Fontaine we appraise at no cost and with no obligation to sell. You can send us photos on WhatsApp for an initial estimate and, if you want to continue, we arrange an in-person assessment 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 recognized brands); gold coins and bars; loose and mounted diamonds; silverware, silver cutlery, artwork and valuable antiques. If you are not sure whether your piece is of interest, send us photos on WhatsApp.

The value depends mainly on the type of metal and its karat (9k, 14k, 18k, 24k), the weight in grams and the international price of gold or platinum that day. For special jewelry, the design, the maker's mark, the era, the gemstones and current market demand also matter. At La Fontaine we value each piece individually.

Yes, and this is mainly what we specialize in. We assess antique and family jewelry, signed or unsigned, with and without stones. We understand that it can be a difficult decision, which is why we offer confidential service, with no pressure and with time to decide. The process starts with a no-obligation consultation, in person or by photos.

We pay on the spot, in dollars. Payment can be made in cash, bank transfer or check, 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 main brands: Rolex, Omega, Patek Philippe, Audemars Piguet, Cartier, IWC, Jaeger-LeCoultre, Breitling, TAG Heuer and other recognized brands. The value depends on the model and reference, the cosmetic and mechanical condition, the documentation (box and papers) and the current price in the international secondary market.

Yes, you can sell a watch even if you do not have the original documentation. The box and papers add value but are not required. What matters most is the condition of the watch and the authenticity of its parts. We recommend bringing it in person for a full, no-obligation assessment.

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

Physical gold —bars or coins— is a tangible asset with no counterparty risk that has historically held its value against inflation and local currency devaluations. Unlike financial instruments, the metal is in your possession. At La Fontaine we also offer preferential buyback of the pieces we sell, at the reference price in effect at the time of the transaction.

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

Yes. One of the advantages of buying at La Fontaine is that we offer preferential buyback of the metals we sell. The buyback price is determined by the international price in effect at the time of the transaction. Ask us about the current conditions in store or on WhatsApp.

Yes. Our workshop repairs jewelry (resizing, soldering, stone setting, cleaning and restoration of antique pieces) and services watches (service, battery replacement, strap 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 quote.

Yes. We create custom jewelry in gold and platinum, with and without stones. You can bring us an idea, a reference or a sketch and our team works with you to define the design, the materials and the 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 reference gemological institution. For pieces that require a formal appraisal, for example for insurance or estates, we can guide you on the appropriate certification process for each case.

Our store in Montevideo:

• Ciudad Vieja: Peatonal Sarandí 635, steps from the Ciudadela gate.

We are open Monday to Friday from 10:30 to 18:00 and Saturdays from 10:30 to 14:00. We have parking for customers.

The fastest way is to send us photos of your piece on WhatsApp at +598 93 912 205 for an initial no-cost estimate. If you want to continue, we arrange an in-person visit at the store of your choice. You can also fill in the appraisal form in our Buy 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.