If you are on the hunt for an
engagement ring, one place you should check is a pawnshop. Pawnshops
are often overlooked when it is time to buy a special piece of
jewelry. But you can find gorgeous and rare pieces at a good price at
a pawnshop. However, you need to know what you should expect prior to
a pawnshop purchase. Here are some things to consider.
Know What You Want
Do not walk into a pawnshop with the
hopes you will immediately find what you want. Pawnshops can have
hundreds of rings available for sale at any time, and you may feel
overwhelmed. You need to have a general idea of the ring you want
before you go to the shop.
You should first consider what your
future fiancée would like. For instance, would they prefer diamonds,
or is another gemstone an option? Find out if you should look for
yellow gold, white gold, platinum, or some other metal. Once you have
a basic framework, you can then narrow down the search more easily.
Do Your Research
Once you have a general idea of what to
look for, do some research. Search online and search for rings that
are comparable to what you want to purchase. Get an idea of the
average cost of the ring you want so you know about how much you can
expect to pay if you were to go to a jewelry store. You can then go
to the pawnshop ready to negotiate.
Plan to Negotiate
One of the fun things about a pawnshop
is the negotiations. Once you know the market value of the ring you
want and the shop has something close to what you are looking for,
you can more easily negotiate the price.
As you negotiate, try not to go too
far. While you want to get a good deal, do not expect to leave with a
ring for next to nothing. You will have to pay a fair amount for the
ring, but possibly hundreds less than what you would pay at a
traditional jewelry store.
Remain Open Minded
You should stay open minded when it
comes to price. If the pawnshop has the perfect ring and the shop is
not willing to come to a price that is best for you, consider passing
for now. If you go back a few weeks later and the ring is still in
the store, you have more leverage to negotiate a smaller price.
If a ring sits in a pawnshop for a long
time, the broker will be more likely to give you a good deal. Also,
check on other rings in the shop that have been in the inventory for
a long time. You never know what you can find. Perhaps a ring has the
perfect cut gem but not the right setting. You may be able to
negotiate a good deal on that ring, then have it reset with the money
you saved.
Be Ready to Walk Away
If the pawnbroker is not willing to
come down to a price you find reasonable, do not hesitate to walk.
You can always try another shop with more selections. You may find
the exact ring you want at a different location that is willing to
give you the deal you want.
Buying a ring at a pawnshop can be a
very smart course of action. Once you purchase your ring, make sure
to have it cleaned an appraised right away. If you are in the market
for an engagement ring, please visit us at Gardena
Jewelry & Loan Company. We'll help you find the perfect ring
at a fair price.
