Estimate a loan on jewelry
We do not guess resale prices. Check recent sold listings for the same model and condition, then type the figure.
| Share of value | Loan | Max 1st-month charge |
|---|---|---|
| 30% | — | — |
| 50% | — | — |
| 70% | — | — |
Scenarios, not offers. Each shop sets its own percentage; the charge column is the maximum your state allows.
How pawn shops value jewelry
- Gold, silver and platinum are tested and weighed.
- Stones are checked for type, size and certificates; small stones add little.
- Known designer brands are valued closer to their resale price.
- Costume jewelry, plated pieces and damaged items get low offers or none.
What to bring
- A government-issued photo ID.
- Certificates (GIA, IGI) and appraisals for diamonds.
- Original boxes, receipts and cards for brand-name pieces.
Ask the shop to tell you separately what it pays for the metal and for the stones. For plain gold, check the metal value in the gold calculator before you go.
How much of the value will they lend?
There is no standard percentage. FirstCash, which runs Cash America, First Cash and other pawn chains, says in its annual report that the loan "typically is based on a percentage of the estimated sale value of the collateral", that it does not use a standard or mandated percentage, and that store employees set it item by item (FirstCash 2012 Form 10-K). That is why offers for the same item vary from shop to shop. The calculator above shows scenarios so you can compare offers you get.
What the loan costs
The charge is set by state law, whatever you pawn. Check the maximum for your state and amount:
Pawn loan cost by state
$40
maximum charge for the first month
- Total charges
- $40
- To get your item back
- $240
- Monthly rate
- 20.0%
Maximum allowed by state law. A pawn shop can charge less; your pawn ticket shows the real amount.
Pawn shops near you
Results
Enter a ZIP code or use your location to see the nearest pawn shops, with open-now status. Or browse a city: Las Vegas, San Antonio, Albuquerque, Tampa, Lincoln, Lubbock, Sioux Falls, Houston, Dallas, Columbus.
Questions
Will a pawn shop take costume jewelry?
Rarely. Shops lend on items they can resell, and costume or plated jewelry has little resale value.
Do I need the receipt?
No, but receipts, certificates and boxes help prove authenticity and usually raise the offer.