Pawn shops have become a go-to solution for turning valuable items into quick cash. Whether you’re seeking a short-term loan or looking to sell outright, knowing what pawn shops are eager to buy can help you get the best bang for your buck.
In this article, we reveal the most sought-after items, insider tips to maximize your payout, and common mistakes to steer clear of. Discover how to make the most of your trip to the pawn shop—and why trusted names like Maxferd Jewelry & Loan are worth considering
- Jewelry
- Precious Metals
- Gemstones
- Electronics
- Watches
- Firearms (registered to you)
- Power Tools + Equipment
- Antiques / Collectibles
- Musical Instruments
- Sporting Goods
- Rare Coins
- Designer Handbags
- Cameras and Video Equipment
- Household Appliances
1. Jewelry
Jewelry is one of the most commonly pawned items due to its high resale value. Pawn shops accept gold, silver, and platinum pieces, often evaluating their worth based on weight, karat, and condition. Diamonds or other gemstones add extra value.
Popular Brands That Fetch Higher Returns: Tiffany & Co., Cartier, Harry Winston, and Bulgari.
Disclaimer: Ensure your jewelry is authentic and in clean condition. Misrepresentation or fake items can lead to rejection.
2. Precious Metals
Pawn shops buy gold, silver, platinum, and palladium in any form, from coins to scrap metal. Precious metals are appraised based on their weight and current market value.
Popular Items: Gold bullion, silver bars, and minted coins like American Eagles.
Note: Keep in mind that market fluctuations affect the value of precious metals, so check current rates before visiting a pawn shop.
3. Gemstones
High-quality loose gemstones, such as diamonds, sapphires, and rubies, are highly sought after by pawn shops. Their value depends on the 4Cs: carat, cut, color, and clarity.
Popular Gemstones: Certified diamonds (GIA or AGS), Burmese rubies, and Ceylon sapphires.
Note: Certification increases gemstone value significantly, so bring documentation if available.
4. Electronics
Pawn shops readily accept high-demand electronics like smartphones, laptops, gaming consoles, and smart TVs. Items must be in good working condition and include necessary accessories.
Popular Brands: Apple, Samsung, Sony, and Microsoft.
Note: Reset devices to factory settings and remove personal data before pawning to avoid security risks.
5. Watches
Luxury watches are another lucrative item for pawn shops, with value based on brand, condition, and rarity.
Popular Brands That Fetch Higher Returns: Rolex, Omega, Patek Philippe, and Tag Heuer.
Note: Original packaging and certificates of authenticity enhance the value of your watch.
6. Firearms (Registered to You)
Registered firearms are a niche but valuable category for pawn shops. Items like pistols, rifles, and shotguns are appraised for their make, model, and condition.
Popular Brands: Glock, Smith & Wesson, Ruger, and Remington.
Disclaimer: Ensure you comply with local and federal regulations. Pawn shops require proper documentation and registration for firearms.
7. Power Tools + Equipment
High-quality power tools and equipment from reputable brands are in demand, especially among contractors and DIY enthusiasts.
Popular Brands: DeWalt, Milwaukee, Makita, and Bosch.
Note: Tools must be in good working condition and free from significant wear or damage.
8. Antiques / Collectibles
Antiques and collectibles, such as vintage furniture, rare books, or limited-edition memorabilia, often command high value at pawn shops.
Popular Items: Antique furniture, sports memorabilia, and vintage comic books.
Note: Items with provenance (documentation proving authenticity and history) fetch higher prices.
9. Musical Instruments
From guitars to keyboards, musical instruments in good condition are always in demand at pawn shops.
Popular Brands That Fetch Higher Returns: Gibson, Fender, Yamaha, and Steinway & Sons.
Note: Ensure instruments are clean and functional. Missing parts or significant wear may reduce value.
10. Sporting Goods
High-quality sporting equipment, especially from recognized brands, can be pawned for decent returns.
Popular Items: Golf clubs, bicycles, and fitness equipment from brands like Callaway, Trek, and Peloton.
Note: Clean and maintain equipment to maximize its value before pawning.
11. Rare Coins
Pawn shops specializing in numismatics pay top dollar for rare coins. Their value is determined by rarity, condition, and demand.
Popular Coins: Morgan Silver Dollars, American Buffalo Gold Coins, and rare foreign currency.
Note: Coins with proper grading certificates (e.g., from PCGS or NGC) yield higher returns.
12. Designer Handbags
Luxury handbags from iconic brands can fetch significant amounts at pawn shops, especially if in excellent condition.
Popular Brands That Fetch Higher Returns: Louis Vuitton, Gucci, Chanel, and Hermès.
Disclaimer: Original receipts, authenticity certificates, and dust bags increase the value of handbags.
13. Cameras and Video Equipment
High-end cameras and accessories are valuable items for pawn shops, especially from leading brands.
Popular Brands: Canon, Nikon, Sony, and GoPro.
Note: Include lenses, chargers, and other accessories to boost the item’s value.
14. Household Appliances
Compact household appliances, such as vacuum cleaners, microwaves, and coffee machines, are commonly accepted if they are in good condition.
Popular Brands That Fetch Higher Returns: Dyson, KitchenAid, Breville, and Miele.
Note: Ensure appliances are clean and fully operational before pawning.
What Can You Pawn for $100 and $500?
Items Worth $100
- Basic gold or silver jewelry pieces
- Older smartphones (e.g., iPhone SE or Galaxy A-series)
- Mid-range power tools (e.g., drills or saws)
- Standard gaming consoles (e.g., PS4 or Xbox One)
Items Worth $500
- High-end smartphones (e.g., iPhone 13 or Samsung Galaxy S21)
- Designer handbags (e.g., Louis Vuitton or Gucci)
- High-quality musical instruments (e.g., Gibson guitars)
- Luxury watches (e.g., lower-tier Rolex models)
Your Takeaway
Pawn shops provide a quick and easy way to turn valuable items into cash. From jewelry to electronics, knowing what sells and how to present your items can significantly boost your returns.
Always research the current market value of your belongings, and ensure they are in the best possible condition. With the right approach and good pawning partners, such as Maxferd Jewelry & Loan, pawning items can be a practical solution for short-term financial needs.
Call us at (800) 888-7296 or visit one of their five locations in San Francisco and Los Angeles to find out how we can assist you.