Do Pawn Shops Buy Broken Jewelry?

Whether you’re cleaning out your collection or you need to raise cash fast, many people wonder whether pawn shops are willing to buy broken jewelry.

If it’s not a piece you wear on a regular basis, you might want to simply get rid of it. After all, it can be expensive to repair fine jewelry, and jewelry stores are unlikely to take it off your hands for a fair price. Selling to private individuals can also be difficult.

If you’re struggling to offload your broken jewelry, a pawn shop may be the answer. Keep in mind that intact pieces are more likely to be accepted. However, jewelry made from precious metals and stones is usually a safe bet, even if it needs some repair.

Here’s what you need to know about selling broken jewelry to pawn shops.

Why your broken jewelry retains value

While many people buy intact jewelry from pawn shops with the intention of wearing it as is, the appraisal value is not based on how attractive the item is or its value in its current setting. Instead, broken jewelry is appraised by the stones and precious metals used. These retain their value and can be melted down or reset to create new pieces.

If you don’t know what kind of metal was used, check the clasp or back of the piece for markings. You should be able to find out what the markings mean using a quick Google search.

When it comes to precious stones, certain types (like diamonds and emeralds) are always in demand; however, the pawnbroker may be willing to take on other gems. To make an offer, the piece needs to be sellable as is or broken down into its components. When determining value, they’ll consider the carat, cut, clarity and color of the gemstone. For example, a completely clear diamond with no inclusions is going to be more valuable than a larger, cloudy diamond with visible inclusions.

How to get the most out of your broken jewelry

To get the best offer from your broken jewelry, follow these easy steps:

1. Bring as many pieces as possible: Depending on how the jewelry is broken, you might have just two pieces, or it may be broken in several places. Bring as many pieces of the item as you can find.
2. Clean each piece: Cleaning the piece will show off its beauty and make it easier to appraise.
3. Do your research: Understanding the basics of how metals are weighed and valued will ensure that you don’t accept a lowball offer.
4. Be prepared to negotiate: Many pawnbrokers will negotiate within reason. While you should still have realistic expectations for how much a broken piece will garner, there’s no harm in finding out whether you can get a better deal. If it still seems low, you can always try again later.

Sydmor’s Jewelry & Pawn Shop buys broken jewelry. If you’re looking to offload jewelry made from precious metals and stones, stop by today to find out what they’re worth.

Categorised in: Jewelry Store

This post was written by Writer