A lot of what we buy depends on appearance. When we go to the store, we buy what looks good on us. It depends on color, cut, design, and various other factors that align with our overall desires. Purchasing jewelry can be a little different. There are certain people that are strictly devoted to silver jewelry and others who swear by gold, but which is right? Is it better to purchase gold jewelry or stick to silver.

Price

Gold is the more expensive option when comparing the two. Gold prices are always going up and the primary reason for this is the rarity of the metal. Silver is far more plentiful than gold making it less expensive. Although it is more plentiful, silver tarnishes. Gold can tarnish depending on what alloys it is mixed with, but pure gold will not tarnish. Silver will have to be cleaned regularly.

Diversification

This factor is relatively even for both gold and silver. Both metals can make amazing jewelry pieces that look great for any occasion. However, gold can be purchased based on purity.  Alloys are added to pure gold to strengthen the metal and bring about different characteristics. Gold is more malleable than silver and gold jewelry is often easier to fix than silver.

Tradition

Traditionally, gold is king here. Gold jewelry has been a part of our world for as long as humans have walked on the earth. It has been fashioned into both jewelry and currency throughout the ages making it a true sign of wealth. Almost all countries have had their fare share of golden ages and traditional ceremonies are often dripping with gold features. Gold is a common entity in weddings and royal tradition as well. Gold is simply the more traditional option.

Overall Value

Again, the clear winner here is gold. The silver market tends to be far more volatile than gold. Silver goes through times in which it is less popular. Gold remains constant. The market is always increasing when it comes to gold, so investing in gold, from an investor’s standpoint, is the better option.

Gold and silver have their place in our world and there will always be room for both, but gold seems to be the better investment overall. Gold holds its value, is a diverse metal, and can be shaped into practically anything.

Silver, although beautiful when first purchased, will tarnish overtime and with an up and down silver market, you never know when to purchase the metal.

Gold is a sign of wealth and always has been associated as such. Silver is the lesser of the two, so if you are purchasing a piece of jewelry for someone you love and you are torn between silver and gold, choose gold. A timeless piece of gold jewelry is something they can cherish for a lifetime and like your love, it will never tarnish. Everyone has their own opinion, but when placed against one another, gold investment seems to win every time.

Why do we buy gold? Why do we seek out the best place to sell gold? What is the obsession with gold? The truth is our human fascination with gold is nothing new. Throughout history gold has been a significant part of our human existence. Gold buyers have been highly prized since ancient times, so to help you understand a bit more about this beautiful yellow substance, here is a brief history of gold.

The First Evidence of Gold

Although it is likely humans had gold before 40,000 BC, but archeologists have dated the earliest discovery of gold to that time period. Evidence suggest that gold was not merely mined for its overall beauty, but the ease of the mining process. In today’s world, finding and mining gold is a difficult task, it was actually easier back then as it was more plentiful in natural mines across the globe. Gold is also among the least reactive metals in the periodic table, so those mining it were not overly concerned with the process of removing the precious metal.

How Does Gold Form?

Everything has to have a true origin story and for gold, it all comes down to water and pressure. Turns out, earthquakes and the movement of tectonic plates are what causes gold to form. When an earthquake happens, pressures are drastically altered inside liquid filled rocks. As the pressure decreases drastically when water is leaked out of the rock, gold forms in small deposits.

Do not think, however, that you will find instant gold after every earthquake. It takes centuries to build up enough gold deposits to make them large enough to mine. If you look at where gold is found, and it is found across the world, most deposits are found close to tectonic plate movement areas.

When Was Gold First Coined

It was not until 600 BC that gold first became a part of general currency. Both gold and silver coins were coined by Croesus, the Lydian king. This is the first official account of gold in currency, but it didn’t stop there. Soon many cultures began using gold as currency due to its rarity and value.

When Did the Gold Rush Begin in America?

Although we may think of the California Gold Rush as the very first gold rush in America, it actually was not. The year was 1799 in Cabarrus County North Carolina when a young boy discovered a 17 pound chunk of gold. Given what we have just learned about the formation of gold, that is a lot of pressure in that one area. 1848 was when the California Gold Rush actually began.  This rush was followed by the Australian Rush in the 1850s and the Klondike Rush that began in 1896.

How is Gold Used Today?

Gold has never vanished from modern use. It remains a form of currency throughout the globe, but we also have gold in our everyday products. The phones and computers that are utilized today actually have gold in them. Gold is a highly conductive metal, so that is primarily what makes your smartphone’s processors so fast. In 2015, Apple harvested 2,200 pounds of gold from discarded iPhones alone. That is a lot of gold!

What is your first thought when you hear the word gold? Likely, you think of gold bars, coins, or jewelry, but is that all gold truly is? Gold has been a part of our human obsession virtually forever and that fascination has never gone away. Today, gold is prized for its versatility in a variety of products, but what else is there to this amazing, natural element? Let’s find out more about gold.

The Only True Yellow Metal

The color of gold is striking and seems to ooze with opulence, but aren’t other metals yellow as well? No, in fact, gold is the only metal found in nature that is yellow. Other metals must be mixed to have the same hue as gold does naturally.

Why is the Element Symbol for Gold Au?

The periodic table is a little odd when it comes for element symbols, but the symbol for gold makes perfect sense when you know where it originated from. Au is a shortened version of Aurum which is the Latin name for gold. It means Shining Dawn, as ancient people attributed gold to the color of the sun.

Gold is Non-Toxic

Many metals within the periodic table are highly reactive and toxic. Gold is not and that is part of the reason it has been used for so many things throughout history. Gold can actually be eaten and gold flakes are often used in food. Restaurants use gold flakes as toppings for desserts and main dishes to increase their indulgent factor to patrons.

Nobel Metal

Gold is considered a Nobel Metal. This sounds very regal and important, and it truly is. Gold is one of the few metals that do not react with other elements making it easier to mine. It is also a non-corrosive metal and cannot be dissolved by general acid like other metals in the periodic table. The only acid that can dissolve gold is aqua regia which is a special mix of acids that specifically targets gold.

Does Gold Have a Flavor?

No, pure gold does not have a flavor. Gold that is mixed with other metals often has a flavor. That is why you see people taste gold to check if its real in older movies. So, even though gold is used in food, it doesn’t actually add any flavor content to the dish.

Gold is Highly Malleable

Gold can be made into a variety of different things from elements in electronics to the opulent gold necklace around your neck. The metal is so malleable, a 1 ounce piece can be beaten and flattened into a 300 square foot sheet of pure gold. When gold is beaten to this level, it can become almost transparent and may appear greenish or blue in color.

Gold is everywhere we look, if we are willing to look hard enough. Gold is used across the world and selling gold will never go out of style. Gold buyers and gold buying is something that has remained throughout history and will continue in our future. Gold is and will always be a valuable metal and now you know just a bit more about it.

Gold! Even the word sounds elite. Gold has been prized by humans since ancient times dating back to 40,000 B. C., so our obsession with gold is nothing new. Virtually every civilization has had a fascination with gold used for money, jewelry, gold buying, and selling gold. However, our fixation on gold is not simply due to its overall beauty. Behind the shining, opulent nature of gold lies a value far beyond its simple existence.

Difficult to Find

Gold is a natural substance and although the earth is large, there is only so much gold on the planet. Pure, unaltered gold, is found in caves, caverns, and riverbeds in specific areas of the world. Finding it takes a lot of time and effort. Although we live in an age where most of our existence is based on a digital marketplace, gold is one thing that remains a physical entity that must be taken from the source.

High Versatility

When we think of gold, images of large bars and exquisitely crafted jewelry come to mind. However, gold is among the most versatile elements on the periodic table. Gold is actually an incredible conductor. Although it is doubtful very many homes are wired with gold wiring, the potential to wire a home with this non-corrosive entity exists. Gold can be fashioned into any shape for a variety of purposes, so it’s not just a pretty face.

The Symbol of Wealth and Power

Gold has a lot of uses in our world. However, the most common use is to showcase wealth and power. Gold jewelry cascading down the arm of the neck of any individual instantly makes them look like someone special. Gold is traditionally among the most expensive metals, so naturally it has made its mark on royalty, celebrities, and wealthy individuals from all genres.

Gold Jewelry is Often Passed Down

We wish our family members and friends could live with us forever, but that simply is not the case. When someone passes on, they often leave their gold jewelry for the next person to enjoy. Gold rings, earrings, necklaces, bracelets, watches, and other forms of jewelry are highly prized by the family and not just because of their makeup, but for their sentimentality as well. How many of us have grown up looking at our grandmother’s gold jewelry and wishing just to wear it once.

Gold holds its value for a variety of reasons. When we buy gold, we are buying something important. Gold wedding bands symbolize the bond and endless love the couple has for one another. Gold necklaces can symbolize a budding romance and even gold watches are used for retirement to make the important passage of time.

Gold is important in our society and for that we should give it the respect it deserves. Gold is far more than just an impressive piece of jewelry. It is symbolic for so many reasons and when gold buying, always seek out the best places to sell gold. Those establishments may be more expensive, but for those that truly love gold, the quality will be unparalleled.

Gold is beautiful. This precious metal is prized by people throughout the globe, but what is unique about gold is how its cultural impact is represented as well. Where some see gold as just a mere precious metal, other cultures might regard it as more than just monetarily valuable.

Ancient Egypt

Egyptian history showcases an intense love for gold. Their emphasis on gold was primarily based on the representation the metal had for the sun god Ra. The brilliance and yellow hue of gold was the ideal representation for the sun to Ancient Egypt. Gold was so important, kings and royalty were buried with gold of all types and masks were made of the departed’s face to help them in the afterlife.

Ancient Greece

Stories throughout Greek history are full of mentions of gold. Among the most famous was the story of Midas. In the story, everything he touched turned to gold. Gold was used as both a symbol of power, but also as a warning within the story. Although Midas could be the most wealthy man through his touch, he could not embrace his family, eat, or drink, so the overabundance of gold was not what he had imagined when speaking to the oracle that granted him his gift. Ancient Greece is also noted for being the first people to fashion coins out of gold representing our modern currency.

Hinduism

Gold is highly prized in Hinduism and India is often referred to as the Golden Bird. Since India became a country, the purchase of gold for its citizens has been highly prized. Gold is used as a celebratory expression of wealth and power at weddings throughout the culture. Gold buying and selling gold in India is a way to keep wealth alive and therefore, the country thriving. Citizens are still encouraged to buy as much gold as possible. Even though gold prices fluctuate, the overall value remains strong.

Buddhism

Buddhists believe gold to be a symbol of enlightenment and radiance. Golden Budda statues are common throughout Buddhist countries. In fact, the largest Golden Buddha statue, located in the Wat Traimit Temple in Bangkok is continually covered with gold leaf to ensure it remains vibrant and presentable for followers to come see.

Christianity

Throughout the Bible, gold is used as an important part of civilization’s existence. When the Israelites were leaving Egypt, they were told to ask for gold and left with great wealth. Gold is used to represent power in Revelations when talking about the rapture and the end of days on earth.

As we can see, gold is significant in a variety of different cultures and religions throughout the world. Gold is regarded as power and wealth in virtually all civilizations primarily due to its opulence and rarity. We buy gold, in modern society for a variety of reasons and it is given as a symbol of everlasting love. Gold is and forever will be a symbol of wealth and opulence for humans in a variety of cultures.

Like most people, you’ve probably been to a pawn shop before. However, it is quite likely there are a few things about the pawnshop that you just wouldn’t know because most people don’t pay enough attention.

As an industry, there’s a lot that you probably don’t know about pawnshops and being able to get some of these trade secrets will deepen your appreciation of them. We’ve been doing this a while, so you know that we’ve got all the secrets you could need. Let’s look at what you need to know.

They’re Often Successful

One thing you probably don’t know about a typical pawn shop is just how successful they can be. Looks can often be deceiving after all.  The reality is that most pawn shops are quite successful because they have many regular people coming in to sell items and then people who are looking to take out a loan.

This is a well-established process in the US, so it shouldn’t be surprising to know that pawn shops are routinely bringing in large amounts of trade. Even the smaller shops operating in quiet towns manage to bring in a substantial revenue monthly.

There is No Pawn Limit

The Modern pawn shop industry is one which is prepared to take any type of goods and products these days. There is no real upper limit about what you can pawn and how much you can get for it, which is why a lot of people sell off family jewels that they don’t want or sporting equipment which has only been used once or twice. The only real limits are what the shop is prepared to offer you and even then, with the power of haggling you’re likely to get a good deal if you’ve done your research ahead of time.

Knowing The Value

If you’re going to successfully sell an item in a pawn shop, then you do need to know the value before you begin the negotiation process. It is often true that a good pawn shop will open with a lowball offer – they are in the business of making money, after all. You’ll need to be confident in your ability to haggle and this is just a case of confidence and a firm understanding of value for your items – don’t be afraid to stand your ground.

Final Thoughts

At the end of the day, a pawn shop is a resource which can offer a lot for anyone who wants to use their services, and as we can also tell, there are a lot of hidden edges to them that you probably don’t know about. The industry is wildly successful even in 2024 and shows no signs of changing anytime soon – being able to offer goods and services at a discounted rate and give out loans means that it is a core part of some people’s financial strategies. With that in mind, it is worth taking a look at what the pawn shop has to offer.

When we think about when the right time to sell a Rolex is, we must consider that there are a lot of factors to consider when debating parting with an old watch. It is not just as simple as waking and up and thinking ‘boy, I’d like to sell this watch’ – no, you need to make a few key decisions, and this involves a bit of industry knowledge. Luckily for you, we’re happy to share this wisdom with you, so let’s look at what you need to know.

Understanding Value

Making a sale of any Rolex hinges around the idea of understanding value and how it can change with time. A car is a good example of this – as soon as you buy a car, it begins to depreciate, which means that 20 years after you purchase it, it won’t be worth as much as it was new. It is hard with most items to get a good resale value unless it is kept in mint condition and is exceedingly rare.

It is worth noting that a good Rolex is a rare item made by a company which has a bespoke brand, therefore the products produced by it are worth exceptional amounts of money for years to come. This is an example of a brand which increases in value with time, running contrary to the normal idea of depreciation.

It’s All Timing

Timing is everything when you’re trying to make a sale, and it is not difficult to see why this is the case. If you sell at the right time in a lot of instances you can make more money.

For example, Christmas is a good time to make a sale because it is the season where people spend more money on gifts and the collectors are looking for the last few pieces for their watch collections. This is a good time to sell a Rolex privately, but honestly, that invites a whole slew of issues.

Contrastingly, consider something like the typical private sale to a company. These happen all across the year, and they are not affected by things like peak sale times. You are going to get a good deal whenever you choose to make a sale, which means that you’re free to pick and choose what works for you – there’s a lot of freedom in terms of what you do.

Selling a Rolex

As we can see, there are no real time limits on when a person can sell a Rolex. It is an event which can be done at any point and it opens up a lot of opportunities. A Rolex is an item which will remain relevant for years to come so it makes total sense that the product itself would be highly valuable. It is easy to pick and choose when to sell in a way that works for you, especially when you consider there are companies who will buy a Rolex all year round.

What makes a good pawn shop?

On the surface, this is an easy question. If you ask someone to describe a good pawn shop, it becomes difficult. Articulating what makes a pawn shop ‘good’ is harder than it may seem.

Generally speaking, there are a few key criteria for a ‘good’ pawn shop. These are factors which influence how successful it is, and we’ve seen enough pawn shops to be able to give you a little advice on the subject.

So, let’s talk about what makes a good pawn shop. We’ll go over some of the key characteristics and help you know if the pawn shop you plan to use is a good one.

Plenty of Merchandise

The first main consideration for a pawn shop is that it has plenty of merchandise. This should be the minimum you look for. A shop with plenty in it is a shop that is doing well – they’re acquiring new items all the time and receiving new items for sale. You can infer good levels of traffic from a busy pawn shop.

A good pawn shop has a healthy selection of goods across a range of categories. They will have sporting goods, electronics, trinkets, and many other options.

Flexible Loans

Part of the pawn shop experience is the art of the loan. If you want to get a temporary boost of cash, you need to look into a pawn loan. With this in mind, flexible options are a cornerstone of a good loan.

Flexibility, numerous options and the freedom to pay back at a pace that works for you are the telltale signs of a good pawn shop. They’re comfortable enough in their business to give you freedom, and loosen the rope a little. They’re the best shops by far.

Good Customer Service

Finally, we arrive at the last main component of a good pawn shop – the customer service. Anybody who uses a service wants to be treated well and given the support they deserve. Customer service is the backbone of any good pawn shop and you’ll spot the bad customer service in the lack of customers.

Don’t be afraid to look around for reviews and testimony about customer service. You’re trusting a pawn shop to give you a good deal so it needs to be a service you’re confident working with.

Using Pawn Shops

Don’t be afraid to use a good pawn shop when you find one – they’re a little elusive to find in the wild! However, when you do, it is a place you can use over and over again.

As is the case with any industry, there is a spectrum of quality when it comes to pawn shops so don’t be afraid to take a proper look around and see what you can find for yourself. Your best bet is to try a few and find one that works for you.

However, the pawn shop is something we always recommend. From finding great deals to getting the loans you need, there are so many options available.

So, you own a Rolex, and you want to sell it. That is pretty normal. The great thing about a Rolex is that it can be worth a lot of money. It’s not difficult to see why people like the idea of being able to make a sale, but how do you guarantee that you’ll drive up profits and make the highest amount of money possible? Well, it is all about getting the best results for your needs through a few clever tips and tricks. We’ve got some info you’ll want, so pay attention.

Box + Inserts + Watch = Happy Seller

When it comes to selling a Rolex and making a good amount of money in the process, it is all about the way you sell the watch and what you can add to it to bump up the value.

If you’ve got the original box for the watch, the inserts for the box and the paperwork like instruction manuals and warranty information, this all helps to improve the value of the Rolex and guarantee that you’ll get a better price for it when you decide to sell.

Private companies and collectors alike love being able to pick up a Rolex which contains all the original goodies. It boosts your sale and your overall profits, so it is well worth doing.

Going Private is Best

You might think that the fastest way to make a sale – and therefore, make money – is to go online and try your luck with the world of eBay or online public forums to make a sale.

You’d be forgiven if you assumed that this was the best way to try and sell a Rolex – after all, there are so many people out there who collect watches and want to add them to their collection. However, the web is not a good place for a sale – there are commission fees from the sites you use, and the chance of lowball offers and negotiations that go on for far too long.

Naturally, the best way to make a sale is to go private and work with a company who is prepared to give you the best kind of deals. There are a lot of private businesses who buy and sell Rolex watches as a legitimate business and they can give you the deals you want. It is worth taking a look at what they can offer.

Selling a Rolex

Ultimately, selling a Rolex isn’t as difficult as you might think. There are a lot of options to explore and you can sell in pretty much any way you see fit. It is worth looking at the professional companies because their prices are better and there is less hassle. Ultimately, the best tip we can offer for anyone looking to sell a Rolex would be to pick the path of least resistance. It will make such a big difference to your life if you can get this right.

Getting the most money at a pawnshop is an exercise in negotiation and persuasion. Pawn shops are here to make money, but savvy shoppers can go in, sell their items, and walk out with a lot of money, especially around payday.

As is the case with everything, you can do things to maximise profits and drive up the value of your items, so let’s look at everything you need to know. We have the tips and tricks you need to thrive, so let’s look.

1. Think About Your Starting Price

Your starting price will be important when you go into a pawnshop because you want it to be different from what you actually want from the transaction. A normal part of any transaction is haggling – called negotiating and dealing with some. The details are the same – you’re working with the pawn shop for the best price possible.

Your starting price is, therefore, a consideration. As you can expect the price to change, it is your decision whether you set your price higher or lower. Generally, you’ll want to set the price higher because the instinct of most pawn shop owners is to go lower when negotiating. For example, if you want $1000 for an item, start the price at $1200. Then, the negotiation, even if it doesn’t go in your favour, still gets you the price you need.

1. Learn to Sell Well

When selling anything in life, it’s all about your ability to persuade someone to make a purchase and buy your item from you. It can seem difficult at first, especially if you’re not confident. However, negotiating becomes easier if you look at things from the right perspective.

Your best bet is often to try and convince the pawn shop that a future buyer will pay more for the item based on its condition, rarity or features. The more compelling your argument is, the more likely you are to turn a profit.

1. Be Respectful

Negotiations about price can get out of hand if one or both parties lose their cool and start to get annoyed with the situation. If you have an item and you want to get a certain amount of money for it, you’ll naturally become more annoyed if you can’t get that price, and it goes on and on. However, you need to try and keep your cool. If you become disrespectful, you run the risk of ruining the negotiation, so be polite and respectful even if the lower offers annoy you a little.

Selling to Pawn Shops

Buying and selling from pawn shops is a legitimate and practical way to get a good price for your item. It’s perfectly normal to want to get a good rate for a beloved family heirloom or an item that you don’t want anymore. However, negotiating is a fine art and understanding that art is key to getting the right price. Don’t be afraid to negotiate – just be aware there is a natural stopping point for haggling.