If you have ever bought or sold jewelry at a pawn shop, then you likely have questions about how it is valued. Today at South Bay Jewelry & Loan we are offering a look behind the curtain so you can see exactly how we do it. Call us at (310) 371-4571 with questions or stop by to buy or sell jewelry.
The Composition of the Jewelry is Very Important
The first thing we are going to look at is the composition. This refers to the specific type of metal that was used to create the jewelry. Whether it is made with silver or gold, what karat it is, and other aspects of the composition will have a big impact on the value of the jewelry.
In most cases, gold is going to be worth more than silver – though silver is extremely scratch resistant so a piece made with silver in great shape could be worth more than a gold piece that shows advanced signs of wear and tear. As far as purity goes, the higher the karat of the gold, the more valuable it will be.
Remember too that there are sub-types of gold within the category of gold. For example, we buy yellow gold, white gold, green gold, and rose gold. Which sub-type your jewelry is will make a difference in its value. Yellow gold is the purest, and therefore generally comes at the highest price. Rose gold is an affordable option, because it is blended with copper, but it is extremely popular so its value is higher than it has been in recent years.
The Stones Will Have a Great Impact on the Value
Another of the major factors in the value of jewelry is the stones. Of course, diamonds are popular on all jewelry types and will bring a higher price than you will get compared to most other jewels. That said, you can expect that selling a used diamond is not going to bring you the same prices it was when it was new.
Other precious stones that can add value include rubies, emeralds, and sapphires. The next level down is semiprecious stones, which include amber, amethyst, turquoise, pearl, and blue topaz. Due to the fact that precious stones are much rarer than most semiprecious stones, precious stones are generally worth much more.
However, the type of stone is not the only factor that affects its value. We will also take into consideration the coloring of the stone and the weight of it. One large stone is generally worth more than several small stones. Different gems have different values based on whether they are lighter or darker.
If you have a stone and you want to know what it is worth, your best option is to contact South Bay Jewelry & Loan at (310) 371-4571 or stop by our shop and get an offer.
