Need Cash Fast? What You Need to Know about Pawning Your Valuable Jewelry
Most people, at some point or another, experience monetary troubles during their lifetime. While you can apply for a bank loan or open a credit line to help cover your expenses, if your credit is not stellar or if a bank denies your loan request, you must find other ways to raise funds. Pawning your valuable jewelry is one way to quickly get the money you need. Even well-off people use pawn shops to raise cash. The following guide outlines the basics of what you need to know when you are ready to pawn your jewelry.
Clean and Fix the Jewelry
In order to get the best price or loan offer for your jewelry items, you need to make sure that they are clean and do not have any defects. For pieces that are missing clasps or have major scratches, it might be worth it to take them to a jeweler for repair. However, you can clean jewelry on your own with household items and inexpensive supplies.
For gold jewelry without gemstones, you can drop the pieces in apple cider vinegar to loosen up dirt, oil, and other grime. After about 15 minutes you can wipe the items with soft toothbrush followed up with polishing with a lint-free cloth. You can purchase inexpensive jewelry polishing solutions to brighten up tarnished silver jewelry.
For diamonds, emeralds, and other hard gemstones, use a few drops of vodka or window cleaner and a soft cloth to wipe off grime. For opaque and organic stones such as pearl, coral, turquoise and opal, use a solution of mild soap and water. Harsher solutions may damage and dull surface of the gemstones.
Provide Documentation
In order to verify that the precious metal and gemstones of your jewelry are real, provide the pawn shop with any documentation that came with the items when they were purchased. This includes receipts, certificates of authenticity, and manufacturer serial numbers.
If you decide to get the jewelry appraised before you sell it or use it as collateral for a loan, make sure to include the appraiser's report as well.
Some pawnshops provide in-house appraisers, but if you have documentation with you, you will not have to wait for the pawn shop to verify the authenticity of your items.
Choose between Selling for Quick Cash or a Loan
If you have no sentimental attachments to your jewelry, you can simply sell your items outright to a pawn shop. You will get your cash quickly and will not have to sign any agreements. In addition, if you are in dire financial straits and do not think you will have the funds to pay off a short-term loan, selling for cash will be your best option.
However, if you do not want to part with your jewelry, you can use your valued items as collateral for a loan. If you are not eligible for a traditional loan from a bank or credit union, using a pawn shop to get the funds you need is a viable solution for getting yourself out of a financial bind.
The pawn shop will set the interest rate, fees, and other terms of your loan agreement in accordance with state and federal laws.
Know the Law
Pawn shops are highly regulated entities. Owners of the businesses must abide by state and federal laws that govern consumer financial services.
Each state has its own set of laws that determine loan rates, terms, and fees. Before you pawn your jewelry for cash or a loan, make sure to educate yourself on your state's pawn shop laws.
In addition, pawn shops must abide by federal regulations that stipulate that customers prove their identity when pawning items. This helps deter thieves from pawning stolen items. Consequently, when you submit your jewelry, you need to show a government-issued photo ID. If you'd like to move forward with your loan or transaction, contact a representative from an establishment like Desert Jewelry Mart & Coins.