If you’re in a financial crunch, pawning your jewelry is one option to consider for immediate cash. However, it’s important to understand how pawn shops determine value before making a decision.

Pawn shops for jewelry buy items outright and offer loans on them, as well as retail sales of unclaimed goods. Jewelry isn’t the only type of item that you can pawn, but it is often a popular choice. Jewelry tends to hold its value well and can yield a good return if a consumer is looking for quick cash.

Pawn Shop for Jewelry: Top Places to Sell Your Treasures

The most valuable pieces of jewelry tend to be those with precious metals and diamonds. These pieces are generally easier to resell as the demand for them remains high and they are more universally popular than other types of jewelry. Other items that are commonly pawned include firearms, electronics (like phones and tablets), real metal flatware, and collectibles.

Ultimately, the most significant factor in getting the highest price for your jewelry is being an expert negotiator. Pawn shop owners and employees are experts at finding small, imperceptible flaws in products to justify a lower price, especially if the customer is not an experienced negotiator.

When you decide to pawn your jewelry, be sure to get an appraisal beforehand from a jeweler or appraiser to understand its true value. This will help you avoid getting ripped off by a pawn shop and will ensure that you’re not leaving your jewelry with a fraction of its value behind.