Shopping for jewelry at a pawnshop is a great way to find high-quality gold and silver pieces at a fraction of retail prices. Whether you’re searching for vintage estate jewelry, designer brands, or classic gold chains and rings, pawnshops offer a wide selection without the markup of traditional jewelry stores.
At Dixie Pawn, we specialize in solid gold, sterling silver, and unique jewelry finds, offering both modern and vintage pieces. If you want to make sure you’re getting a good deal and a quality piece, here’s what to look for when shopping for pawnshop jewelry.
1. How to Spot High-Quality Gold and Silver Jewelry
Gold Purity Stamps & Hallmarks
Authentic gold jewelry is stamped with a purity mark that tells you its composition. Look for:
- 10K (417) – Durable and budget-friendly
- 14K (585) – A great balance of strength and value
- 18K (750) – Higher purity, often found in luxury and European pieces
- 22K (916) & 24K (999) – Higher-end, softer gold, usually for investment pieces
Sterling Silver Stamps
Authentic sterling silver jewelry will have hallmarks like:
- 925 – Standard sterling silver (92.5% silver)
- 950 – Higher purity silver, often seen in artisan and designer pieces
Designer Hallmarks & Maker’s Marks
A designer stamp or jeweler’s mark can significantly increase a piece’s value. Some well-known hallmarks include:
- David Yurman – Features a DY stamp along with gold or silver purity marks
- Tiffany & Co. – Always marked with T&Co. and purity stamps
- Cartier – Engraved with the brand name, serial number, and gold purity or platinum purity
If a piece lacks a visible stamp, it doesn’t necessarily mean it’s fake. Some older or custom pieces might not be stamped, which is why it’s helpful to shop at a trusted pawnshop where items are properly tested.
2. Vintage vs. Modern Jewelry: What to Look For
One of the biggest advantages of buying jewelry at a pawnshop is the opportunity to find well-crafted vintage pieces. Older jewelry is often made with better materials and craftsmanship than mass-produced modern designs. Here’s how to identify vintage pieces:
- Jewelry Clasps & Fastenings – The style of a clasp can indicate the age of a piece.
- Screw-back earrings – Common in early 20th-century designs
- Butterfly clasps – A more modern style, widely used today
- Box clasps & Barrel clasps – Typically found in vintage bracelets and necklaces
- Hook clasps – Frequently seen on mid-century gold chains
- Handcrafted vs. Machine-Made – Vintage jewelry often has slight imperfections from handcrafting, while modern mass-produced pieces are too uniform.
- Patina & Wear – Real vintage gold and silver develop a natural patina over time, which adds to their character and uniqueness.
If you’re looking for a unique or rare jewelry piece, vintage designs are often higher quality and more valuable than today’s mass-produced jewelry.
3. Tools & Tips to Verify Jewelry Quality
Using simple tools and technology can help you make an informed purchase.
Basic Tools to Bring with You
- Jeweler’s Loupe – A magnifier to inspect small details like hallmarks and stone settings
- Gold Testing Kit – Useful for verifying gold purity, especially for vintage jewelry
- Built-in Blacklight – Some loupes include blacklight features to check for diamond fluorescence
Tech Tools for Jewelry Buyers
- Google Lens – Snap a photo of a ring or necklace and search for similar items online
- Pinterest Image Search – Great for identifying vintage and designer jewelry
- eBay & WorthPoint – Check past sales to estimate a piece’s resale value
Using these tools ensures you’re getting authentic gold and silver jewelry at a fair price.
4. Understanding Gold Colors & Alloys
Not all gold jewelry is yellow—different alloys create unique colors and characteristics:
- Yellow Gold – The most classic and traditional option
- White Gold – Alloyed with nickel, zinc, or palladium, often rhodium-plated for a bright silver finish
- Rose Gold – Mixed with copper, creating a warm pinkish hue
A high-quality pawnshop will carry a variety of gold colors and alloys, giving customers more choices for unique pieces.
5. At Dixie Pawn, We Only Sell Solid Gold & Sterling Silver
Many jewelry items on the market are gold-filled or gold-plated, but at Dixie Pawn, we only sell solid gold and sterling silver jewelry.
Here’s the difference:
- Solid Gold – The most valuable and durable, with consistent gold content throughout
- Gold-Filled (GF) – A thick layer of gold over a base metal (not sold at Dixie Pawn)
- Gold-Plated (GP) – A thin layer of gold that wears off over time (not sold at Dixie Pawn)
Every piece at Dixie Pawn is thoroughly tested to ensure it meets quality and authenticity standards.
6. A Trusted Pawnshop for Gold & Silver Jewelry
If you’re looking for quality gold and silver jewelry, it’s important to buy from a reliable pawnshop. At Dixie Pawn, we offer:
- Authentic solid gold and sterling silver jewelry
- Competitive pricing with flexible payment options
- A curated selection of designer and vintage jewelry
Conveniently located near I-95 and Sheridan Street, Dixie Pawn is just minutes from Fort Lauderdale-Hollywood International Airport, making it easily accessible from all parts of South Florida.
For the best selection of solid gold, sterling silver, and designer jewelry, visit Dixie Pawn today.
Visit us at:
2316 N Dixie Highway, Hollywood, FL 33020
Call us at 954-927-8400
Looking to buy or sell gold, silver, or designer jewelry? Stop by today—we’re happy to help.