Have you ever bought a diamond from a pawn shop?

I am a pawnbroker in WA. I can only speak for my shop, but I will tell you how I sell and examine diamonds. All of my associates are extensively trained in jewelry. We test the gold and can determine whether it is 10k, 14k, 18k, or platinum with a simple acid scratch test that does not harm the gold. I don't accept gold plated or silver or copper or brass jewelry. We can tell whether it's plated usually just by looking at it. Solid gold doesn't flake or tarnish. We also use the magnetic test. Gold is not feromagnetic, so if it is attracted to the magnet, it's not solid, it's plated over another metal. Diamonds are tricky to an untrained eye. On all diamonds quarter-carat and above, I require a supervisor to double-check my associate's findings. We use a scale that measures the diamond's width, length, and depth. These measurements are put into a formula to determine the diamond's exact size. We look at the color and grade it on a scale from A-K (we don't take yellow or colored diamonds), 'A' being colorless and 'K' being tinted slightly yellow. Most of my diamonds fall in between 'F' and 'J' because A-E are very rare and VERY expensive. We also grade on clarity. Most of my larger (three-quarter carat and above) diamonds are SI1 or SI2, although I have one 1.5 carat that is graded a VS2. The diamonds you see at Zales and Weisfield and other jewelry chains are usually SI. They may have one or two VS, but these are over $10000. My brother is a manager at Zales. We also examine the cut of the diamond. The more facets, or edges, the diamond has, the more the light will be reflected through it, making it have a "fire" and sparkle. I price my diamonds based on this data, called the 4 C's. Color, clarity, cut, and carat. The nicer the diamond, the more it'll cost you, but pawn shop prices are always negotiable. I sold a 1.25 carat SI1 J-K in an 18K white gold setting the other day for $2500. Try to beat that price at a jewelry chain. I do offer 30-day guarantees on all my merchandise, because I want my customers to know that if they change their mind, or their sweetie wants something a little different, or if it's defective, that I will readily refund or exchange their item because I want them to have the best. That's what makes a good pawn shop.

Just like buying anything used you can get an awesome deal...you can also be easily fleeced. You need to be able to know exactly what you are looking at or the diamond needs to have it's GIA certification papers included, otherwise you are taking the salesman's word for it which is never the best route. You can also make the sale dependant on conformation by a third party appriaser that the diamond is the same cut, clarity, color, and carat that the pawn shop is claiming. There is also the issue of them telling you it's platinum and it's sterling silver, or they say it's 18k gold but is really only plated...thing like that.

Personally, I don't buy pawn shop jewelry. Two reasons neither of which have anything to do with wanting "brand name" or "bad luck".

1. If the ring was stolen and the cops trace the ring to that pawnshop and then to you, the ring has to be given back to the orginal owner and you are out however much you spent on it. I've seen that happen a few times

2. (and this is my major reason) Pawn shops do not offer lifetime warranties on their jewelry or any warranty at all. When you buy from a chainstore the ring is insured so if it ever needs resizing, a stone falls out, it needs a general repair...anything....you are covered. In fact, many offer a plan where if you decide later on you want to upgrade they will give you a portion of the first diamond you purchased as credit towards the bigger/better quality rock. If it turns out she doesn't like the ring...sucks to be you. No exchanges.

I'm sure you can get a good deal, but do take someone with you who knows what they're looking at, or at least be sure you can take the ring back within a few days so you can take it to a reputable jeweler to be appraised (that will cost you a little bit, but in the end, it might be worth it). Also, some women would feel funny about wearing a pawned ring (a sense of it being bad luck, or at least a sad circumstance). You might consider buying the ring at a pawn shop, but then having the diamond remounted into a new setting.

A good friend of mine had here diamond purchased that way. Make sure you are up on the 4 c's. The diamond can be bought in a ring and put into a new set, they got a great deal on a one ct ring for under $1000

My husband and I picked my rings out together at a pawn shop. Just being smart shoppers from the get go! If the bride to be likes the ring,.. whats the problem??

But I know many "materialistic" women that would crucify a man for it. I figured the less we spent on rings, honeymoon etc.,.. the more I have to put back for a "home" which is an investment!

You probably could get a good deal if the pawn shop were honest and the ring not stolen.

I would take someone who knows something about diamonds, but you can probably get a good deal. Of course you can always negotiate in a real store too.

I would just really know something about diamonds or have someone who knows something about diamonds so you don't get ripped off.

My ex got one from the jewelry store and got rip off. I ended up pawning it. It all depends on the honesty of the people who run that business, check them out thoroughly first.

that's romantic...