Gold is valued worldwide, and it is precisely because of its high market cost that counterfeits and products of dubious quality are becoming increasingly common. Whether you are buying jewelry, investment coins, or small bars, knowing how to check their authenticity at home helps protect you from fraud and ensures that you are confident in the real value of your purchase.

Why Identifying Real Gold Matters

Gold-plated jewelry often looks convincing, even though it may only have a very thin coating or no real precious metal at all. Sometimes, items are made from an alloy of cheap metals and passed off as high-quality gold.

Knowing how to test gold at home can help you avoid such unpleasant situations:

• avoid falling for the tricks of unscrupulous sellers when buying jewelry or investment coins;

• understand whether it makes sense to sell old items;

• assess the approximate fineness in advance before visiting a jeweler;

• avoid spending extra money on an expert appraisal if you can perform a basic check yourself.

In other words, it saves you money and helps you avoid scams. If you don't know how to tell if gold is real, let's say right away - there's nothing complicated about it.

Quick At-Home Tests to Check If Gold Is Real

How to identify gold at home? Check out several methods and choose the one that suits you best. Follow the correct sequence to get the right results.

Visual Inspection and Hallmark Check

Professionals usually start their inspection with a visual examination. If you have visited a jewelry store, you have seen how they use a magnifying glass. Check for signs of wear, as real gold does not tarnish over time. Gold is dense, so you can compare its weight with other items. If you want to check coins or bars, you will need a caliper.

Magnet Test for Gold Purity

Checking with a magnet is one of the easiest ways to preliminarily assess the authenticity of a gold item. Since gold is a non-magnetic metal, it does not react to a magnetic field. 

If a piece of jewelry or coin shows noticeable attraction, it indicates the presence of cheap metals being passed off as gold or hidden beneath a thin layer of gold plating. Of course, the absence of a reaction to a magnet is not 100% proof of authenticity, but it allows you to quickly weed out obvious fakes and narrow down the circle of doubt.

Water Density (Float) Test

Gold has a high density, so a genuine item will always behave like a heavy metal in water. Here are the main features of this method:

• real gold sinks quickly due to its heavy weight;

• lightweight or hollow jewelry, even if gold-plated, can also sink, so the result is not always clear-cut;

• this method is mainly suitable for items with a high gold content.

If the item remains on the surface or floats slowly, this is a clear sign that it is not pure gold.

Ceramic Scratch Test

Another way how to tell real gold is to do a scratch test. Real gold has a characteristic softness, so when it comes into contact with rough, unglazed ceramics, it leaves a thin, warm golden trace on the surface. If a dark stripe appears instead of a light line, this indicates that the item is made of a different metal or is only covered with a thin layer of gold plating.

Skin Discoloration Test

Real gold is inert and does not react with the skin, so it should not leave any marks or cause skin discoloration when it comes into contact with it.

Skin test is based on the fact that alloys with impurities can interact with sweat and natural skin oils. If the jewelry contains non-precious metals, the skin may darken or take on a greenish tint at the point of contact. This is a characteristic reaction of copper, nickel, and other additives. If the skin remains clean and without marks, this indicates a high probability that the item is indeed gold.

It is worth noting that cosmetics can distort the result. Foundation and powder sometimes react even with real gold, leaving dark streaks.

Vinegar or Acid Reaction Test 

Testing gold with an acid reagent is considered one of the most reliable ways to determine its authenticity. When a drop of a special acid tester is applied to the surface of the item, alloys with impurities begin to change color, leaving greenish or cloudy marks. Real gold remains stable and does not react, retaining its color. 

Sometimes even ordinary vinegar is used for preliminary testing, but professional testers give much more accurate results. This approach requires accuracy and an understanding of metal chemistry, so it should only be used by those who handle reagents with care.

When to Visit a Professional Jeweler

Remember that some methods can be dangerous. If you don't want to inspect the item yourself and want to get the most accurate answer, consult a jeweler. They will answer all your questions, including the number of karats, value, and care instructions.

When people urgently need money, they may consider various options. Among the most popular is a pawnshop loan. It takes only 10-15 minutes to pawn something valuable and receive cash. The main thing is to know all the details and choose a reliable pawnshop.

What Is a Pawn Shop Loan?

To understand how pawn shop loans work, you first need to know what they are. What are pawn loans? Pawnshops are institutions that issue short-term cash loans secured by valuable items. When such a loan is issued, the item remains the customer's property, and the customer retains the right to return it after repaying the loan amount and any accrued payments. Jewelry, electronics, and other liquid items are usually accepted as collateral.

How Pawn Shop Loans Work Step-by-Step

Pawnshops decide whether to lend money based not on your financial reputation, but on how valuable and liquid the pawned item appears to be. Compared to banks, they turn down customers much less often here.

Bringing an Item for Evaluation

First, you need to choose a good pawn shop. You can visit several to compare terms and conditions. An appraiser at the pawn shop will carefully examine the item you bring in to determine its value and authenticity. They will check its:

• appearance;

• wear and tear; 

• materials;

• overall condition. 

To do this, they use professional tools such as magnifying glasses, precision scales, and electronic metal-testing devices. Based on this inspection, they will form an opinion of the item's true value, which will determine how much the pawnshop is willing to lend against it.

How Pawn Shops Determine Loan Value

The appraiser considers the item's condition, its current market value, and how easily it will sell. The amount given is usually only a fraction of the actual price. In different establishments, this can range from a quarter to half the item's value.

Receiving Cash and Loan Terms

When the appraisal is complete and the pawnshop is ready to issue funds, the customer is asked to sign an official document outlining all the terms and conditions of the transaction. This document specifies the amount to be issued, the loan servicing costs, the repayment terms, and other key parameters. An ID is required for registration, after which the customer signs the document to confirm their agreement with the terms and conditions.

The pawned item is transferred to secure storage and remains with the pawnshop until full repayment. The customer receives a special pawn ticket. It serves as confirmation that the item belongs to them and can be returned upon repayment of the loan.

Understanding Interest Rates and Fees

It is not enough to simply find out - do pawn shops give loans? It is worth evaluating the interest rates and fees that are offered to you. The amount of money lent by a pawnshop is usually only a fraction of the actual value of the item (approximately 25-60%). 

The term for which such a loan is issued is most often limited to a few weeks, a month, or two. The cost of using the money can be quite high: interest rates vary significantly from one pawnshop to another. Keep in mind that the final amount may include additional costs associated with storage, insurance, or maintenance of the pawned item.

Pros and Cons of Pawn Shop Loans

The process of obtaining a “credit” at a pawnshop may have both advantages and disadvantages. Let us begin with the advantages:

1. Repayment of a pawn loan is not mandatory. If the customer decides not to redeem the item, there are no legal consequences. Statistics show that a significant portion of such loans remain unpaid, without resulting in fines, legal proceedings, or the transfer of debt to collectors.

2. Such transactions do not affect your credit history in any way. Pawnshops do not request credit ratings and do not transfer information about loans to financial bureaus, so refusing to redeem an item does not affect your financial reputation.

3. Speed. Unlike bank procedures, which can take several days, receiving money against the collateral of an item is almost instantaneous.

4. The costs of such a loan are often lower than the penalties for late card payments or overdraft fees. Missing a payment on a bank product can ruin your credit history, whereas with a pawnshop, the maximum risk is losing the item you pawned.

The disadvantages can be summarized in a few key points. If you do not repay the loan on time, the pawned item will simply be transferred to the pawnshop. The cost of such a loan can also be high: interest rates in some regions are very high. And most importantly, such loans are only suitable for short-term situations, but do not solve financial problems with debt.

How to Get the Best Loan Value

Once you understand how loans work at a pawn shop, you will know how to find the most advantageous offers. It will be useful to analyze the market, and you should only choose reputable institutions with good reviews. Don't make fast decisions, and be sure to read all the terms and conditions of the contract you are signing. This will guarantee you peace of mind and honest cooperation with the pawnshop.

You might be selling or pawning collectibles, art, antiques, jewelry…but no matter what, you want to have some savvy negotiation skills under your belt to make a difference in how much money you’re offered. There are pawn shop negotiation tips that help you get the best value possible, and they’re not too difficult.

1. Know What You Have

Thanks to the internet, it’s fairly easy to research the item(s) you want to sell or pawn. Scroll around and see other people’s pricing. Remember that some things, like precious metals, have rapidly changing appraisals. This step helps you avoid underselling your item.

2. Sell or Pawn?

Depending on what you’ve chosen and your current financial situation, either option can work out. When you pawn something, it’s a loan. If you don’t pay it back within the allotted time frame, the item becomes the property of the store. This is the reason our professionals at Cash Express strongly discourage pawning things to which you have strong personal attachments.

3. Presentation Matters

In your toolbox of pawn negotiation tips,you will get the best value when your item looks cared for. When you go to a secondhand store, the clean, cared-for items are those that catch your eye. The same holds true at a pawnshop. Make sure the item is clean. If you have any of the original packaging or documentation (like authenticity certificates), it is VERY helpful. These papers are called provenance, and having them typically affords a better valuation. By the way, if you are aware of flaws, just lay them out to the shopkeeper. They will find those issues upon close examination anyway, so keep it honest.

4. Keep Your Financial Goal To Yourself

If you tell a store owner you want X amount, you could undervalue your item from the get-go. Let them make the first offer. Then, you can counter if you wish based on what you learned during research (you can even site the information). 

5. Remain Reasonable

Keep your expectations realistic. If the pawn shop doesn’t have a high demand for your item, they won’t offer as much, or may reject it altogether. If you’re not sure of what we want, call Cash Express (215-922-1560) before coming to the store and ask!  

Nonetheless, even when the item is marketable, the shop still needs to make a profit to keep the doors open. If you’re not happy with the final offer, just walk away. 

6. Manner Matter

A pawn shop is a professional establishment. When you come into our store there are trained staff to greet you and help with all your questions. Return the kindness with respect and friendly conversation. Courtesy goes a long way. 

Good negotiation at a pawn shop boils down to three key factors. Be prepared, present your item in the best possible way, and remain respectful. 

If you have questions about pawning or selling to Cash Express, don’t hesitate to reach out:

Email: info@pawnphiladelphia.com 

Online Contact Form and

Telephone: 215-922-1560

The first time you consider going to a pawnshop, it’s good to be cautious. You have little to worry about at stores like Cash Express, which has a history of excellence. However, not all pawn shops are created equal. Some have deceptive practices that you need to watch for. Here are some tips to avoid pawn shop scams, the notable red flags, and how to protect your interests. 

Under or Over Valuation

If you’re selling, you have to be aware of your value’s worth, or a shady operator could tell you a lower price than what you should receive. So research before you go, and if you have any concerns, it’s best to walk away.

Alternatively, if you’ve come to shop, the seller could claim the item you want has a higher karat or purer metal than it actually contains. If they start talking to you about units with which you’re unfamiliar, like a pennyweight, that’s a red flag.

Fee Fraud

This comes up when you’re pawning something. Read that loan paperwork carefully. If there are administrative fees, storage fees, or unreasonably high interest rates, stay away. All those hidden fees add up quickly, so you’ll owe a great deal more than you expected when you go to get your item back. At Cash Express, we make sure your agreements are clear and review every aspect before you sign on the dotted line. 

No Pawn Ticket

Part of a pawn transaction is getting a ticket to prove you are the owner of a specific item. If a seller does not offer one or has vague loan documents, just say no. A seller's inability to clearly explain their valuations and how they calculate interest payments is another red flag. 

Selling Stolen Goods

There are strict buying rules that cities and states have about the goods a pawnshop buys. The owner should track everything with local authorities to ensure they’re not getting an illicitly obtained item. Cash Express works with the Philadelphia Police Department, using an inventory-tracking system, to prevent this from ever happening. 

If It Sounds Too Good To Be True

Building on the selling of stolen goods, beware of prices that just don’t seem right. There’s a risk involved. Additionally, if a pawnshop is having a “sale” (or “as is” transactions) where everything is cash only, buyer beware. This red flag scam involves unbelievable offers without any appraisal or assurances. The seller may use high-pressure sales tactics to get you to buy. 

No Physical Location Or Unusual Payment Methods

If a buyer or seller wants to meet somewhere other than an actual shop, there’s mischief afoot. Also, if they lack any online reviews, there’s probably a reason. If there is a website, see how long it’s been up. An establishment like Cash Express with a solid reputation will have a website that didn’t just appear a month ago. 

When they want prepaid cards, wire transfers, or cryptocurrency, this makes payment untraceable. By the time you find out you’ve been scammed, they’ve disappeared. 

Protecting Yourself From Pawn Shop Scams

Going to a pawnshop is a simple way to get quick cash for a loan or to sell items you no longer need. But go in with your eyes peeled for the red flags detailed in this article to protect yourself.

Cash Express is always looking for high-end jewelry, watches, precious metals, and antiques. We are happy to answer any questions you have about our buying, selling, and pawning procedures. You can contact us in three ways:

Our online contact form

Email: info@pawnphiladelphia.com

Or call: 215-922-1560

Precious metals can fetch hefty returns if you know how the market works. You want to get the best prices, but there are important factors to consider in selling. In this article, we share tips on how to get the best price for your gold or precious metals at a pawn shop.

Perhaps the most important thing is knowing that you will not receive the full market value for your goods. One reason for this is that the market for precious metals fluctuates daily, even several times a day. A purchase or pawn transaction must take that into consideration. The other reason is making enough profit to keep the business afloat and financially healthy. 

At Cash Express, we consider buying gold, white gold, rose gold, silver, and platinum, not just in bars, but also in watches, coins, and jewelry. The trick with jewelry is evaluating the amount of precious metal in the item. With coins, there’s rarity. 

There are four basic evaluation points that every pawnshop uses to determine an offer.

1. Weight: Measured with precise scales in grams or pennyweights.

2. The metal’s purity. If your item has markings like '24K', that’s a good starting point.

3. Metals with stones: The gem plays a role in value determination

4. Current market prices. 

TIP:

 If the economy becomes uncertain, investors often want to purchase rare metals, especially gold.

5. Condition: If the piece is going to be resold rather than used for scrap, condition matters a lot. Think of the person who might want to buy your item. Is it immediately attractive? With a watch, is it working?

6. Demand: Precious metals go in and out of fashion. Your evaluation includes a sound understanding of whether there’s a demand for what you’re selling. 

7. Uniqueness & Rarity. Antiques made with precious metals may be uncommon or highly distinctive.

Our professional appraisers can provide a price for broken pieces, which have scrap value.

The Best Price for Your Gold or Precious Metals by Season

One way to get the most money for your precious metals at a pawnshop is through strategic timing. At Cash Express, we’ve observed that there are price peaks throughout the year that you can use to your advantage. The whole market shifts into high gear. Bear in mind, wedding season varies from culture to culture. In India, it’s November and one of the traditional gifts is elaborate gold jewelry. 

The holidays can be a catch-22. You have people buying special items from Christmas to Boxing Day. Just prior to this, consider selling necklaces, bracelets, earrings and other items perfect for gift-giving. On the other hand, in preparation for tax season, more people sell their precious metal assets. Then they start buying again in the new year. Having gold in stock in January is a good marketing practice. 

Preparing to Sell Your Precious Metals at a Pawn Shop

There are steps you can take to get the best price for your goods. These include:

1. Checking various sources regarding the metal’s price on the day you go in. This gives you a solid foundation for negotiations.

2. Spruce it up. With items other than bars, make sure what you're selling looks its best. 

3. Bring any associated paperwork like receipts, certificates of authenticity, other appraisals, name of the designer if applicable, original packaging, etc.. Provenance is very important in pawning. These documents prove ownership and trace the history of the precious metal.

4. It’s okay to haggle. There is usually some wiggle room, but be reasonable. If you’re planning to buy something after your sale, store credit sometimes yields a higher return. If you’re not happy with the deal presented, just walk away. 

The Cash Express Experience

Our friendly professionals at Cash Express make your sale or pawn transaction simple. Every step of the way, if you have questions we’re happy to answer them. We are the number one pawnbroker in Philadelphia for Quick Cash! Besides coming to our show room for more information (located at 731 Chestnut St. Philadelphia, PA), you can:

Call our office: 215-922-1560

Email us: info@pawnphiladephia.com

Or, use our online contact form

If you’ve been thinking of taking some of your items to a pawnshop for the first time, you might be somewhat unconfident as to how to go about things. That’s natural. Many people we see at Cash Express are just starting their pawn adventures and have little knowledge of how the pawn industry works. Taking a few moments of research will make you feel more at ease. 

Top 5 Mistakes People Make & Misunderstandings When Selling To A Pawn Shop

There are several common mistakes people make when selling to a pawnshop. This article examines some of them so you can prepare in advance. 

1. Misunderstanding: Market Prices Aren’t Fixed:

There are numerous factors that influence market values. These include the time of year (is it giftable?), popularity, and rarity, which are three common ones. You may love your old video game, but if dozens of them are available, you have a lot of pricing competition, for example. By far, the most volatile selling market is that of precious metals, where values can fluctuate several times in just one day. No matter what you’re selling, look around at sites like eBay. It’s not always a perfect measure, but it helps. 

2. Misunderstanding: Not All Pawn Shops Buy All Things

Some pawn shops specialize, while others cater to a broad-based industry, and still others focus on key items they watch out for. So don’t feel insulted if a shopkeeper says, “No.” At Cash Express, we carry high-end watches, jewelry, antiques, precious metals, gemstones, and collectibles. Having said that, we’re often interested in tools, cameras, musical instruments, computers, and designer handbags. To save a little time, give us a call before you visit at (215) 922-1560 and ask about the items you have in mind. 

3. Mistake: Over-Negotiating

Nearly everything in a paw transaction is negotiable, so it’s worth haggling a bit. BUT, don’t press your luck. Pawnshops have a bottom line, just like any other business, so they know what they can (and cannot) offer. You can refuse, but also be prepared if the store can't offer you the amount you anticipated. At Cash Express, we offer fair pricing from the get-go. After all, we want you to come back and bring a friend!

4. BIG Mistake: 

Trying to sell stolen goods. If you suspect something may have been stolen at any time in the past, just don’t do it. Pawnshops are required to follow certain procedures and cooperate with law enforcement. There’s documentation with descriptions for every transaction. Should you really want to try to sell, be upfront about the history you know. The store may be able to unravel a mystery!

5. Misunderstanding: Selling “as-is:” 

Don’t just grab your goods and run to the store. You will generally receive more for your Item by taking a few moments to tidy it up. If you have the original box, put it in there. Bring any remaining provenance (evidence of where it came from, price, and when), too. One word of caution. Take care with polishing. Patina, in many cases, is valuable as-is. It’s also easy to scratch items without proper knowledge of polishing techniques.

Pawning or Selling at Cash Express

One of the top mistakes people make when selling items to a pawnshop is not dealing with the right store. They are not all created equal. When you come to Cash Express, friendly service personnel await you. They will be happy to answer any questions you may have. If you’re bringing jewelry, our on-site appraiser can provide you with greater insight into the value of your item on the spot. Once we agree on a price, you get quick cash immediately. 
Besides calling, you can also reach us using our online contact form or our email info@pawnphiladephia.com.

At Cash Express, we are very diligent about following the City of Philadelphia’s and the State of Pennsylvania's requirements for being pawnbrokers. There are many that are in place for consumer protection. Having a pawnbroker’s licence with both the city and the state is the primary step. Without that, a pawnshop is operating illegally. 

City of Philadelphia Regulations and Requirements for Pawnshops

Like other companies, Cash Express obtained its licence from the City of Philadelphia’s Business Office. We had to provide income and receipts tax ID, our commercial activity licence, and zoning approval (also from the City’s Business Office.) 

The application process includes an application fee, which you can handle online or in person at the Permit and Licence Center.

Pawn Shop Regulations After Licensure

1. Cash Express registered itself with the Philadelphia Police Department and uses an approved inventory tracking system. This ensures they do not buy or sell stolen goods. 

2. Mandatory hours of operation are from 8:30 am to 5 pm (not before or after). There are no business transactions on Sundays.

Buying and Selling at Pawn Shops

1. We require a valid personal photo ID (State or Government) from you before we can purchase anything from you. Please ensure you bring it with you when visiting.

2. Once we’ve agreed on a value, we’ll take a picture of you and then take an imprint of your left thumb, per PA guidelines. 

3. We will issue you a ticket if you are pawning your item. This ticket is vital. It proves your ownership when you pay off your Cash Express Quick Cash loan.

4. Afterward, we will register and report the transaction managed by the Philadelphia Police Department.

State of Pennsylvania Regulations and Requirements for Pawnshops

On a state level, the pawnbroker must obtain a license through the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania Department of Securities. The fees and bond apply to EACH business location. There are also capitalisation rules, with a minimum capitalization of $10,000 per location. A shop owner must renew their licence annually, submitting their request at least a month in advance.

If our store were ever to relocate, we would have to get prior approval via application. Any changes in the originally reported business structure require a new license. Stores must have:

• Adequate security measures

• A vault

• A means of tracking tickets effectively.

All three of these mandates protect consumers’ property.

Failure to follow any of the rules can result in fines, a suspension of the license to operate, and even Cease Operation Orders.

Cash Express 

Cash Express believes in being an active part of our community. That means abiding by city and state laws and regulations, and keeping abreast of changes. You can come here secure in the knowledge that we have all applicable licences up to date.

Whether you’re buying or selling jewelry, antiques, computers, smartphones, tools, etc., our professionals are ready to lend a helping hand. If you’d like more information, you can contact us in three ways:

Our online contact form 

Email us at info@pawnphiladephia.com, or Call our office at 215-922-1560

If you own gold or high-end electronics you’d like to sell, you may wonder if there are windows of opportunity to get a better return on your investment. The answer is yes. Like any other market, both gold and electronics have market trends and seasonal prices.

Gold

At Cash Express, we see people selling various assets in December, hoping to decrease their taxes, so you have some competition at this time of year. Nonetheless, come January, people want to buy again, so gold dealers will want to have reliable stock for their customers. In the gold industry, this is called the “January Effect.”

Wedding Season

No matter where you are in the world, selling gold during the wedding season is a great idea. There’s a bump in demand. An example of this is in India, where gold has cultural significance. Their wedding season is November, and the demand for gold goes through the roof. In Hindu tradition, gold brings blessings from the Goddess of Wealth, Lakshmi. The more gold jewelry, the more elaborate, the better. The effect in the US is tamer and depends on:

• The Economy: In times of uncertainty, investors often turn to gold as a safe asset.

• Gold Prices: These fluctuate all the time. Look for upticks for a better return. 

• Gold with Valuable Stones: If you’re selling gold jewelry, a quality stone improves the price you should get. 

• Uniqueness: If you have rare gold coins, for example, they may be in high demand throughout the year.

The Glitter of Holidays

The time leading up to the winter holidays through Boxing Day is prime time for gold. Giftable items like earrings, bracelets, and necklaces are ideal. People are also looking for gold rings to propose on Christmas Eve or Christmas Day.

Lunar New Year (China)

Gold gifts are widespread as gifts on the Lunar New Year, as they represent kind wishes for prosperity in the coming year. In this market, it's best to sell in December and January.

Summer Slowdown

At Cash Express, we’ve noticed a decrease in people looking for gold items. But if you’re looking to buy, now’s the time. 

Electronics:

Like gold, electronics have seasonal price peaks and market-driven changes, making it a little harder to know when the best time to sell electronics is. Much depends on what you have to sell. For example, just before the school season begins, parents seek out tablets, laptops, and smart watches. 

Come the holidays, folks want all manner of electronic gifts. Individuals looking to upgrade their electronics tend to make purchases more readily after receiving their tax return. Make sure to sell your electronics before the newer model comes out. After that, your return decreases.

Sell at Cash Express

No matter what time of year, Cash Express is looking for quality gold items (like jewelry) and electronics in good condition. You can get quick cash by bringing in your item(s) and having us check pricing for you. We especially love one-of-a-kind pieces. Give us a call at 215-922-1560 for any questions you may have. Alternatively, use our online contact form or email us at info@pawnphiladephia.com.

Gold is an incredibly valuable asset in any form, whether it be jewelry, bars, coins, or bullion. When the price of gold goes up, or when you need extra cash, it might be time to consider selling. But where? What is more profitable - to sell gold to a pawnshop or jewelry store?

There are many factors involved in your choices. Do you have pressing needs? Are you looking for convenience? Is the market value for precious metals high? Let’s take a closer look.

What Type of Gold do Pawn Shops Want?

At Cash Express, we specialize in high-end jewelry and other items made of precious metals - silver, titanium, platinum, copper, and (of course) gold. You can have gold coins that not only have value for the metal, but also for the age and rarity. 

While a jewelry store may offer you a higher price, pawn shops have higher overhead, so you’ll probably get a little less. But stores do not provide quick cash with no hassles. Additionally, the store is typically very picky about the condition of your gold. By comparison, you can bring Cash Express broken or outdated pieces, and we can appraise them for the value of the gold alone. The exception would be plated gold items, which typically contain only a small percentage of gold in the mix. 

Is Selling Gold to a Pawn Shop Safe?

There was a time when pawn shops had little oversight, but that situation changed. In Philadelphia, PA, all pawn shops have to have a license. They need proper identification, inventory tracking, to follow financial regulations, and to comply with anti-theft procedures.

Having said that, just like jewelry stores, not all pawnshops are created equal. Some carry low-level merchandise, specialize in specific items, or have less-than-friendly staff. At Cash Express, things are different. Our staff is welcoming and knowledgeable. You also have the advantage of an on-site appraiser. You will find out the value of your gold right away. There is no pressure. You can accept the offer or walk away and wait until another time. We want to build a culture of trust with our clients. 

Benefits of Selling Gold to a Pawn Shop Instead of a Jewelry Store.

There are specific benefits to bringing your jewelry and other gold items to Cash Express. For one, we’re easily accessible. The convenience means getting in and out quickly.

You receive immediate payment for your gold. When something happens, and you need money right away, you’ll get it on the spot. No banks. No credit checks. It’s a no-nonsense process.

If you’re looking for something new or a gift, you can trade your gold for store credit. There’s also an option that jewelry stores don’t provide: getting a loan (pawning) for your gold. If you have a valuable item but really don’t want to sell it, perhaps it’s a family antique, you can use it as collateral in the short term. At the end of that term, you repay what you owe with agreed-upon interest. 

The Caveat

There are two cautions. One, if you are unable to repay the loan, the store reserves the right to sell your item. If you’re getting close to the deadline, see if you can get an extension. Two: Don’t lose your pawn ticket. Without it, you’ll need to provide ID, a complete description of the item, and proof of ownership. 

Cash Express

At Cash Express, we take pride in being the number one pawn broker in Philadelphia for quick cash. We’d welcome the opportunity to look at your gold and give you a more personalized experience than a jewelry store. You can use our online contact form or email (info@pawnphiladephia.com) to open a discussion and ask questions. Or, call our office at 215-922-1560

Have you been thinking about pawning your Apple Watch or iPhone? It’s not that difficult. In fact, both Apple Watches and iPhones are highly sought-after items at shops like Cash Express. Our professionals are experienced in evaluating both, and can provide you with a competitive price on the spot. Walk in with a phone. Walk out with cash.

The Value of Apple Watches and iPhones

Smartwatches have grown in popularity. They have an impressive presence in the market, in part due to their brand recognition. If you have an Apple Watch or iPhone in great condition with accessories, you may be surprised at the appraised value. 

Original packaging improves the amount you receive. There are other factors that affect the amount you can receive from Cash Express for your Apple Watch or iPhone. Here are some things we evaluate.

• Age: While you might think an older version would be valuable, that’s not typically the case. It’s hard to get updates and replacement parts for these items. If it’s in mint condition with original accessories, you have a better chance at a good sale.

• Band: The newer the band looks, the better price you’ll get

• Buttons: Apple watches and iPhones have somewhat delicate buttons. They’re essential to using the watch effectively, including inspecting the condition of your screen.

• Charger: Without a charger, it's impossible to assess the phone correctly. If you have accessories that work, that improves the value.

• Cosmetic condition: It’s easier to sell a phone whose exterior is in good condition (no scratches or dents)

• Screen: Scratches and cracks significantly decrease the value. 

How to Prepare Apple Watch and iPhone for Pawn Shop

It’s essential to protect your personal data when you're ready to pawn your Apple Watch and iPhone. At Cash Express, we suggest following these steps.

iPhone

1. Sign out of iCloud. You will need to enter your Apple ID and password. This will allow the buyer to activate the phone. 

2. Go to Settings and back up your information on iCloud. This also backs up your Apple Watch.

3. Reset the phone. Go to Settings (General), Reset iPhone, Erase all Content and Settings.

4. Remove the SIM card

Apple Watch

1. Go to the Watch app and tap all watches

2. Unpair the Apple Watch (you may be asked for ID and password

3. Reset the watch. Go to Settings (General), Reset, Erase all Content and Settings.

For Both

1. Clean everything off thoroughly with a screen or a glasses cloth.

2. Take off any stickers, cases, or screen protectors

3. Put everything you have together, including boxes, cables, any accessories, the owner’s manual, and receipts (if you have them), 

Generally speaking, preparing the Apple Watch and iPhone for pawning in this way may lead to a better offer.

The Cash Express Difference

In providing fast cash to our customers, Cash Express is the number one pawn broker in Philadelphia, PA. Good quality watches and phones are two of the things we’re always on the lookout for. We’re happy to answer any questions you may have. You can reach us in three ways, besides visiting our store in person:

Our online contact form

Email us at info@pawnphiladephia.com, or 

Call our office at 215-922-1560