Cartier, Gucci, Bvlgari and Tiffany - all designers we love at Queen of PAWNS, and jewelry we sell based on pennyweight. What is a pennyweight, you ask? Read on and we’ll explain in a moment.

With all due respect to designer jewelry, when it comes to reselling, there is an inherent depreciation. The jewelry is just as spectacular as it was brand new, only as a resell item, there is no overhead of marketing. When we purchase precious items, we pay market value of the materials within each piece. We inspect diamonds and gems, determine authenticity of the metals and take into consideration any obvious signs of wear and tear. One of the most reliable methods we use to determine the authenticity of, gold for example, is the nitric acid test; performed right in front of the seller. (See our previous post, “Don’t Be Fooled, Know Your Gold, Part I”.)

Not to create confusion, but luxury watches are another story. Certain designers and manufacturers have established standards and quality in the construction of their watches that have come to be expected from them. Names DO make a difference in the world of luxury watches. That said, Queen of Pawns has gorgeous, luxury watches, of all kinds, at unbeatable prices. For more insight to what makes a watch a luxury item, see our post, “How Watches Tell Time.”

Now about pennyweight.

Once we determine the percentage of alloy and authenticity of a precious metal, we can then find the current market value after using a scale that measures in pennyweight. One pennyweight equates approximately 1.555 grams. It is a common weight used amongst jewelers in the valuation and measurement of precious metals. It’s abbreviation is usually dwt. On a daily basis we are familiar with the market value of metals and gems. Jewelry is put in our showcases priced accordingly, with only a small percentage more to cover our expenses.

The good news is, at Queen of PAWNS, you can have the designer jewelry without the designer price tag! Keep this in mind as you shop for your Valentine these next few days. Get the “Wow!” without making your wallet say, “Ow!”