It’s one thing to visit a professional jeweler to buy jewelry. It’s another matter entirely to buy jewelry at a pawn shop. There is certainly nothing wrong with buying jewelry at a pawn shop. After all, plenty of pawn shops have high-quality luxury goods available. In fact, an estimated 3.9% of all Americans pawn a luxury watch when they’re in need of quick funds. But with that being said, you should do your research before buying jewelry from a pawn shop. Let’s look into the process of buying jewelry from pawn shops. It’s very possible that you could buy some of your best jewelry from a pawn shop — you just need to know what you’re doing!

1. Be Open To Variety

You shouldn’t go to a pawn shop with a specific piece in mind, because it’s quite possible that you won’t find it. There is no guarantee that a pawn shop will have a sapphire ring that fits your finger perfectly. Rather, you should go to a pawn shop with a level of openness. Be ready to look at a variety of different pieces, from necklaces to bracelets, in gold and silver and with an array of different gemstones. Think less about buying a piece that is perfect for your intentions, and more about buying a piece that has value. You may not even be looking to buy jewelry from a pawn shop for yourself, but you may be looking to resell a piece in the future.

2. Consider Customization

Similarly, you should look at pieces at a pawn shop with the idea that you could use them for customization in the future. You could potentially take a high-quality stone out of a ring that doesn’t fit your finger, and use it for a pendant. Many custom pieces of jewelry are made using preexisting components from other pieces.

3. Do Your Research

Don’t rely on the pawn shop employees to know everything about jewelry. Do your research, and be ready to identify stones and metals for yourself. The more you’re able to research for yourself, the easier it will be for you to make quick decisions about great deals.

Don’t forget to ask for a piece’s credentials before making a big investment. You can find great deals at a pawn shop, but you’ve got to be sure about what you’re buying!