Which jewelry can help you release the most dollars?

Among the items sold and purchased in pawnshops, jewelry is one of the most widely accepted and generally known. A lot of people who bring jewelry to pawn shops generally do so to get quick cash which may or may not match the value that a pawnbroker gives. 

With this in mind, how exactly do pawnbrokers determine the value of jewelry? This is something that we will be taking a closer look at today. 

If you need cash and you need it fast, selling your jewelry offers a quick and easy way of doing this. Here at Florida Pawn, we can help you get what you need because we deal with a wide variety of jewelry throughout the years. Our team is made up of highly experienced professionals that can thoroughly inspect your valued pieces and give you a fair appraisal.

So if you are considering selling some of your jewelry, which of your pieces would be the best ones to sell? We will also tackle the various factors that affect its value. 

Jewelry that we handle

We accept a wide range of jewelry such as:

• Rings including wedding rings, engagement rings, eternity rings
• Earrings
• Necklaces, chains and pendants
• Bracelets
• Anklets
• Brooches
• Cuff links

Composition

The metal and jewels used in the making of your jewelry piece are important elements that contribute to its value. To help you determine its value, take note of the following aspects:

• Hallmarks. This will show the material used and the maker of the jewelry. This is usually present in precious metals that are manufactured in the last century, unless it has worn off through time. 
• Weight. Different kinds of metals have various weights, with heavier ones given more value by appraisers. For instance, gold is heavier than brass and silver is heavier than pewter, making gold and silver more valuable than brass and pewter. 
• Signs of discoloration. Jewelry that is made from gold or platinum should not fade or discolor, unless it is gold-plated. Gold-plated jewelry is considered less valuable. 
• Prongs. Taking a closer look at the prongs can help you determine your jewelry’s value. For instance, if your piece is held purely by prongs, it is considered more valuable than those that are held by glue, which could indicate that it’s only a cosmetic piece.

As we have mentioned earlier, the composition of the jewelry is a big factor in finding out its value. Specific metals are used in creating jewelry and some are considered more valuable than others: the demand for jewelry of a specific make and composition is what drives the market. For instance, gold is generally considered more valuable than silver, but the latter is considered valuable because of its wonderful resistance against scratches. Gold, on the other hand, is also scratch-resistant, durable and does not tarnish, making it more valuable than silver. 

The purity of the jewelry’s metal is also a big factor. For instance, gold jewelry with higher karat will have a greater value as compared to those with lesser karats.

The sub-types of gold will also influence the value of your piece. Yellow gold, green gold, white gold and rose gold have different values. Yellow gold has the highest value among them because it is the purest. Rose gold is more affordable because it is blended with other metals like copper but this type of gold is popular at the moment. Purity and popularity will both determine the value of your jewelry. 

Another big factor you should take note of is the presence of precious stones. Diamonds are very popular and will give you the most value, although the cash you will receive is only a fraction of its purchase value. Other precious stones commonly bought and sold at pawn shops are emeralds, sapphires and rubies. Semi precious stones like pearl, turquoise, jade, amber, topaz, and amethyst are also accepted. Precious stones are rarer than semi precious stones, thus fetching a higher price. 

The kind of stone your jewelry has isn’t the only factor that pawnbrokers look at. They will also determine its weight and colour. For instance, a single large stone has a higher value compared to smaller stones due to its quality and rarity. 

Condition

To command a higher value, your jewelry must be in good condition. If your piece shows any signs of wear and tear such as discolouration or scratches, pawnbrokers would likely offer you a lesser value as compared to showing them a piece of  jewelry in immaculate condition. 

Make

The brand of your jewelry has a big impact on its value, as some brands can hold better value than others. This is especially true for high-end jewelry. If you want to command a higher value from the pawnbrokers, bring your jewelry along with everything it came in when you purchased it (warranty card, certificate of authenticity, box, receipt, etc.). If your jewelry is a popular designer piece, it can also fetch a higher price. 

Age and family history

Antique jewelry pieces in good condition that have been passed down from one generation to another may be offered a good value. If it is a family heirloom, you may want to consider its value to your family and relatives before you decide to sell it. 

Some antique pieces of jewelry are made of lower quality materials and meant for cosmetic purposes. These pieces do not hold much value compared to high-end jewelry however, some cosmetic jewelry may have home value depending on their popularity and market trends.  

Market value

The market value of the materials used in jewelry will also affect the value of your jewelry. Whenever you bring your piece to the pawn shop, take into consideration the current market value of its composition and make. Pawnbrokers are highly knowledgeable about market trends and are not likely to accept inflated appraisals. 

There may be times when you need quick cash and going to the pawn shop is the only option you can think of. Remember that we are in the business of loaning money against items with perceived value which we get to keep if you cannot pay the loan. Among the items that we exchange for a loan is jewelry. While going to a pawnshop may not give you cash that your jewelry is worth, going to our shop armed with a bit of knowledge can help you get the best deal possible.

First, it pays to know the value of your piece before visiting the pawn shop. Although doing this will not get you the money that the item is worth, knowing its actual price on the market will give you the power to bargain for a higher price. 

Second, pawnbrokers will offer you a price for your jewelry and tell you that it is the highest that they can go. You can actually get more than what is being offered, as long as you know the value of your item. You cannot ask for more cash if you have no idea how much your jewelry is worth. Do not expect to get the full value of your jewelry but with a little persistence during the negotiation process, it is possible to get a higher offer than what was initially offered to you upfront. 

Third, no matter how badly you need cash, don’t be desperate. If you show desperation on your face, the pawnbrokers are likely to offer you a lower bargaining price and assume that you are willing to settle for it.

Fourth, make your items look as presentable as possible. If possible, bring the complete package. Taking all the components it came in when you bought it will increase its perceived price. Therefore, the probability of getting a higher price is very possible. To make an attractive presentation, have your jewelry cleaned. A lot of pawnbrokers know how to judge the worth of jewelry but even the most expensive ones will not command a high price if it comes dirty or in poor quality.

Fifth, you need to update yourself on the current market prices of gold. If you need quick cash and you have a piece of jewelry with you, visit our pawn shop and you will be likely to get more cash if the market price of gold is high.

Why choose us?

At Florida Pawn, we believe we are the perfect choice for you to sell your jewelry because:

• We are your trusted pawnbrokers in South Florida.
• We have the ability to offer the most for your items.
• Our two locations are open six days a week to offer you the best possible deal for your goods.
• We can turn your heirlooms into money in your pocket.
• For times between paydays, we also offer collateral loans to help you get money in your hand.

So it is important to manage your expectations and understand that your items may not be worth the amount you initially paid for but if you are looking for a quick way to get cash the same day, find the most valuable piece in your collection and consider bringing it to us today!