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Pawning Jewelry: How to Prepare Your Pieces for Resale

Written by Anna Currell
May 9, 2023

If you have pieces that you no longer wear or want to sell for some extra cash, pawning jewelry can be a great option. However, before you take your jewelry to a pawn shop, proper preparation will help ensure that you get the best possible price. Here are some tips on how to get ready to pawn jewelry and how to prepare your jewelry for resale.

#1: Clean and Polish Your Jewelry

The first step in preparing your jewelry for resale is to clean and polish it. Over time, jewelry can become dull and tarnished, which can affect its overall appearance and value. To clean your jewelry, you can use mild dish soap, warm water, and a soft-bristled brush to gently scrub away any dirt or grime that has accumulated. Once your jewelry is clean, be sure to dry it thoroughly and use a microfiber polishing cloth to restore its shine. 

scratched-gemstone-dirty

The aquamarine in this rose gold ring needed a good cleaning to show off its original beauty.

#2: Identify the Metal and Gemstones

The second step is to identify the metal and gemstones in your jewelry. Knowing what materials are included in your jewelry can help you determine its value and ensure that you get a fair price. For example, pure gold and platinum jewelry are generally worth much more than other metal types, and diamonds are typically more valuable than other gemstones. 

Use the color of your gemstones as a starting point to research what they might be online, and look for stamps to find out what metal your jewelry is made of. If your piece doesn’t have any stamps or you’re unsure about what materials are included, you can have your piece metal tested or fully appraised by a professional jeweler. 

#3: Research the Current Market Value

The third step in pawning jewelry is to research the current market value of your piece. You can use online resources, such as jewelry appraisal websites and auction sites, to get an idea of how much your jewelry is worth. Look for jewelry that is made of similar materials or designed by the same brand; their listed prices will be a good indicator of what your jewelry might be worth. It's also a good idea to compare prices of similar pieces online to ensure that you get the best possible price.

#4: Determine the Selling Price

Once you have a good idea of how much your jewelry is worth, you can determine the selling price you’re comfortable with. It's important to set a realistic selling price that reflects the actual value of your jewelry. Setting a price that is too high can make it difficult to sell, while setting a price that is too low can mean that you don't get the full value of your jewelry. Walking into a pawn shop with a clear idea of your selling price will give you a starting point so you don’t end up relying on incorrect information or plain bad advice. 

#5: Bring All Documentation

If you have any documentation, such as certificates of authenticity or appraisals, bring them with you to the pawn shop. This can help the pawn shop staff verify the authenticity of your jewelry and calculate a fair price based on factors like the materials included, jewelry brand or designer, and the piece’s age.

appraisal-document-example

Example Jewelry Appraisal

#6: Choose the Right Pawn Shop

When choosing a pawn shop, it's important to do your research and choose a reputable dealer. Look for a pawn shop that has a good reputation and is licensed to operate in your area. Many pawn shops will have online reviews; take a look to see what customers have said about their experiences both selling and shopping there. You can also ask for recommendations from friends or family members who have sold jewelry in the past.

Pawning jewelry can be a great way to get some extra cash, but it's important to prepare your pieces for resale properly. By following these tips, you can ensure that you get the best possible price for your jewelry and have a smooth and successful selling experience. The Quick Jewelry Repairs team is here to help you with all the metal testing, cleaning, and polishing services you need to ensure your jewelry is in its best shape for resale.

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