Purchasing the perfect diamond ring from a pawn shop requires a little bit of patience, luck, and knowledge. The great news is that pawn shops are always getting new diamond rings, so you never know what you will find each time you visit. Because of this, it is something of an exciting adventure to go into a pawn shop in search of a ring.
But there are some things you should do in advance so that you get your money’s worth. These tips will help you out in finding the perfect pawn shop diamond ring.
1. Do Your Research
This is the most important thing you can do for yourself when going to buy from a pawn shop. The first point in your research will be learning as much as you can learn about diamonds. If you are not familiar with diamonds, then you can go to a nearby jeweler and study the pieces there. Ask questions. Feel the weight of each of the diamonds and their classes. Ensure you leave with a sense of their pricing so that you can make comparisons when you get to the pawn shop.
The next point of action in your research will be to search for reviews of the pawn shops you may want to consider. Google your best options and read up all their reviews. Your research should be comprehensive enough so that you feel confident about the pawn shop you’re going to visit. (Obviously, if you’re in the Chicago Heights area, you’re always welcome to come visit our selection at Shane’s. And if you’re not local, you can view our selection online.)
2. Don’t Hesitate to Negotiate
Negotiation is one good thing about purchasing jewelry from a pawn shop. You don’t have the opportunity to do that when purchasing from a jeweler. It is advisable that you take advantage of this opportunity. You never know what wonderful bargains you can get.
3. Ask for Proof
Real diamond accessories usually come with a legitimate record from a gemologist. These records are to certify that these products are original and worth a higher sum. You should ask for such records when you walk into a pawn shop. Not all high-quality pawn shop diamond rings have these papers, as the previous owners may have lost them. If you really love a piece and would love to buy it, then you can arrange to have it appraised by a third party.
4. Don’t Rush
Every pawn shop you go to will certainly have an interesting piece that will grab your attention. Don’t be in a hurry to hand over your money. There are possibly a thousand better pieces out there. When hunting for the perfect diamond ring, it is advisable that you relax and take your time. Set out enough time for you to visit different shops and go through their stock at the moment. Being in a rush will sometimes lead to frustration at the end.
5. Stick to Your Budget
While hunting for a beautiful piece of jewelry at different pawn shops, you will want to maintain discipline. Don’t run over your budget because of the excitement of finding something new and different. Keep your purchasing impulse under control. You can achieve this by setting your budget before beginning your hunt. A budget will help you stay in check throughout the process.
6. Use What You Have to Get What You Want
At a pawn shop, you can trade in your old jewelry plus a little extra money in order to get the diamond ring you want. If you don’t have any jewelry that you feel is worth pawning, don’t worry. There is room for improvising. One thing you can do is to pawn two pieces that are worth the value. Or, you can take a valuable part of one piece and add it to another. After making a selection, the seller will assess your old piece and tell you how much more money you will need to deposit for the new piece.
7. Choose a Reputable Pawn Shop
To make sure you get a genuine diamond ring for a realistic price, only do business with a pawn shop you can trust. Pawn shops that are reputable will never pressure you into making a purchase and will be happy to work with you to verify authenticity or show paperwork. Read online reviews to get a feel for a pawn shop’s reputation before you stop in for a visit.
Curious about the kind of rings you can find in a pawn shop? Visit our online store to browse our current selection, or visit our Chicago Heights location to see the newest arrivals.