If you’re in the market for a new piece of local pawn shop, you may be surprised to find out that your local pawn shop might have what you want—at a fraction of the price. EZPAWN and other pawn shops source their jewelry from a variety of sources, including forfeited collateral from pawn loans as well as purchases from customers. That’s how they can offer such high-quality pieces at a lower cost than traditional jewelry stores.

The jewelry items that usually rake in the most cash at a pawn shop include gold and diamond pieces. The resale value of a diamond depends on its four C’s: cut, color, clarity and carat weight. It is also influenced by the brand of the diamond, and designer pieces like those from Cartier, Van Cleef & Arpels and Bulgari will usually have greater value. To increase the resale value of your gem, keep it clean and present it in its original packaging.

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Other items that can rake in the big bucks at a pawn shop include luxury watches, especially those from Rolex and Omega. The resale value of these luxury watch brands is based on their reputation for quality craftsmanship and exclusivity. To increase the resale of your watch, bring it in its original box and with its certificates of authenticity.

A pawnbroker will inspect your item and determine its value by checking its condition, the brand and current demand. He will then make an offer. It could be a loan with interest, or you might choose to sell it outright. The offer will be less than you paid for the item, because pawnshops are gauging resale potential rather than sentimental worth.