As we have seen in previous posts, pawn shops are great places to find everything from power tools to paintings and designer handbags. But what about engagement rings? In this post we discuss if it’s a good idea to buy an engagement ring from a pawn shop and give you some useful tips if you decide to do so.
Is It a Good Idea to Buy an Engagement Ring From a Pawn Shop?
With a pandemic going on and other global issues unfolding, it’s no secret that the economy isn’t exactly at its best right now.
In this challenging landscape, a lot of people are considering buying their engagement ring from a pawn shop. But is this a good idea?
The answer is that buying your engagement ring from a pawn shop is a great idea as long as certain conditions are met.
In the next sections, we’ll take a closer look at those conditions one by one.
Make Sure Your Partner Is OK With It
Before you invest time and resources into researching pawn shops and hammering out a deal, make sure your partner is OK with an engagement ring bought from a pawn shop.
Some people don’t like the idea of wearing pre-owned jewelry and that’s perfectly fine. You just need to know where you stand before you do your research and, eventually, a purchase.
This conversation doesn’t have to be awkward. Everyone knows that the economy is straining and — let’s admit it — everyone loves to get a better engagement ring for their money.
Just ask a straightforward question to get a straightforward answer. If your partner confirms that they are OK with you buying their engagement ring from a pawn shop, then you can get down to work.
Choose a Trustworthy Pawn Shop
The next step if you decide to purchase an engagement ring from a pawn shop is to choose a pawn shop with a proven track record of reliability and trustworthiness.
Ask around to find out if some of your acquaintances have bought stuff from a local pawn shop and inquire about their experience. Was the price fair? Did the item they bought work as promised?
Next, use the internet and social media. Check user ratings online, visit a pawn shop’s social media profiles, and read the comments on their posts. Are customers happy? If there are too many negative comments, that’s a red flag you shouldn’t ignore.
Do Your Homework
Now it’s time to educate yourself in the nooks and crannies of jewelry.
Also in this case, the internet is your friend. From videos to blogs, there are a ton of resources out there to learn about jewelry and make sure you buy the high-quality ring your partner deserves.
However, we know that doing your own research can be a little daunting if this is your first time purchasing fine jewelry. If you don’t know where to begin, don’t worry. Just keep reading for a quick guide with the basic facts and tips you need to know when purchasing an engagement ring from a pawn shop.
Buying an Engagement Ring From a Pawn Shop: a Quick Guide
This is your crash course for buying an engagement ring from your local pawn shop. From markings on gold and silver rings to some general tips on how to inspect a ring, this section will provide you with the basic knowledge you need to kick off your search.
What Is a Karat? (Gold Rings)
When it comes to gold, one of the terms you have to understand is “karat.” karat (also spelled “karat”) is a measure of the purity of gold. For example, 24k gold (the “k” is for karat) is pure gold with no other metals. The lower the karatage, the higher the portion of other metals other than gold in a ring.
Markings on Gold Rings
Gold rings usually have markings indicating their karatage. These markings can be hard to read for the uninitiated, so here’s how to make sense of them:
- 333 = 8 karat
- 375 = 9 karat
- 585 = 14 karat
- 750 = 18 karat
- 916 = 22 karat
- 999 = 24 karat
Markings on Silver Rings
Silver rings have similar markings to gold rings. In both cases, the idea is to give a measure of the purity of the gold used to make the ring. Here’s how to read the purity markings on a silver ring.
- 800 = 80% silver, 20% alloy
- 925 = Sterling silver; 92.5% pure silver
- 958 = Britannia; 95.8% pure silver
- 999 = 99.9% pure silver
General Tips
- Shop around, just like you would for any other item. This is the best way to find deals and get a sense of your options.
- As you shop for your ring, know what you want, but be open to alternatives. If a specific ring has been at the pawn shop for too long, they may be able to offer you a good deal for it. Consider taking it, even if the ring isn’t 100% what you had in mind.
- Don’t rush into a purchase even if you feel that you found the perfect ring. Enthusiasm is what makes the process fun, but it shouldn’t be the factor driving your decisions.
- Take your time to inspect the ring closely and look for scratches, loose or missing diamonds/gemstones, and other types of damage.
- Also, look for inscriptions. If there are any, ask the pawn shop if they can remove them and what the additional cost would be.
- After purchasing an engagement ring from a pawn shop is always a good idea to have it cleaned professionally. Ask if the pawn shop can do it at a cost, or if they can refer you to a reputable jeweler.
Want to Get a Better Engagement Ring for Your Budget? AJ’s Super Pawn Can Help!
If you are looking for a dependable, trustworthy pawn shop in Southern California, look no further than AJ’s Super Pawn.
We have locations in Pomona and Chino California. Give us a call today (Pomona: (909) 622-0334 , Chino: (909) 465 5456) or fill out the contact form to get in touch with our team!