Pawnshops6 of 7The scoop: Business is up at pawnshops since the recession started, but also since gold prices soared. They'll test your gold for authenticity and then offer a price.The benefits: If you suddenly decide you really didn't need to swap that brooch from your grandma for a few bucks, you can usually buy it back, although at a higher price.The drawbacks: Pawnshops aren't always in the best area of town, which can be a deterrent for some sellers, and there's no guarantee you'll earn top dollar.The bottom line: "You wouldn't sell a car, boat or any other asset without doing some homework and learning about what you're doing," says Montgomery. "If something doesn't seem right, it probably isn't." Related Articles:Selling gold jewelryBring your bling to a gold partyOld jewelry worth its weight?Ways to invest in goldRelated Links:Is it time to buy gold?Gold rush -- 21st century styleTools for survival4 dumb moves in the recession advertisement
The scoop: Business is up at pawnshops since the recession started, but also since gold prices soared. They'll test your gold for authenticity and then offer a price.
The benefits: If you suddenly decide you really didn't need to swap that brooch from your grandma for a few bucks, you can usually buy it back, although at a higher price.
The drawbacks: Pawnshops aren't always in the best area of town, which can be a deterrent for some sellers, and there's no guarantee you'll earn top dollar.
The bottom line: "You wouldn't sell a car, boat or any other asset without doing some homework and learning about what you're doing," says Montgomery. "If something doesn't seem right, it probably isn't."
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