When it comes to pawning gold jewelry, preparation makes a real difference. Here are five things you can do before walking in to maximize your offer.
1. Know your karat purity. Look for hallmarks stamped on the piece — 10k, 14k, 18k, or 24k. Higher karat means more gold content and a higher offer. If you can't find a stamp, bring it in anyway — we have testing equipment to determine purity on the spot.
2. Clean your jewelry first. A clean piece presents better and allows for accurate assessment. Gentle soap and warm water works for most gold pieces. Avoid abrasive cleaners that could damage the surface.
3. Gather documentation if you have it. Receipts, certificates of authenticity, or original packaging can support a higher valuation — especially for designer or high-end pieces.
4. Know the current gold spot price. Check the current gold price online before your visit. This gives you context for the offer you receive. Offers are based on the metal's weight and purity relative to spot price.
5. Don't be afraid to ask questions. At International Pawn, we'll explain exactly how we arrived at your offer — metal weight, purity, current market price. Transparency is how we do business.