Every week, people walk into pawn shops across Upstate South Carolina and walk out with a fraction of what their gold jewelry is actually worth. It happens because most people do not know there is a better option — and that option is right here in Pendleton, SC.
This guide explains exactly why coin and precious metal dealers pay more than pawn shops, and what you should expect when you sell your gold jewelry.
How Pawn Shops Price Gold Jewelry
Pawn shops are generalists. They buy and sell everything from guitars to power tools to televisions. Gold jewelry is just one of hundreds of categories they deal in, and most pawn shop staff are not precious metals experts.
Here is how most pawn shops price gold:
They usually offer you 20% to 40% of melt value on a pawn and slightly higher for outright purchase.
That is not a typo. Most pawn shops offer 20–40 cents on the dollar of what your gold is actually worth in raw metal value alone when you are pawning — before any consideration of craftsmanship, brand, or gemstones. For outright purchases their payout is usually higher.
How Clemson Coins Prices Gold Jewelry
We are precious metals specialists. Gold, silver, coins, and bullion are our entire business. Here is our process:
We also consider:
- Designer and brand pieces — Tiffany, Cartier, David Yurman, and other designer jewelry is worth more than melt value and we pay accordingly
- Gemstones — diamonds and precious stones add value
- Condition and craftsmanship — some pieces are worth more intact than melted
The Real-World Difference
Say you have a 14K gold necklace weighing 20 grams.
- Melt value at current gold prices: approximately $800
- Pawn shop offer (30% of melt): $240
- Clemson Coins offer: significantly more — we pay a much higher percentage of actual melt value and we won't state it here but we will WOW you. Get offers from other pawn shops, gold dealers or coin dealers so that we can pay you more. (hint: it will be very close to the $800 value with a little room to allow us a small profit)
Rachel, one of our clients, drove from Charlotte, NC to sell her jewelry to us in Pendleton SC. Here is what she wrote in our reviews on Google:
"I went to a few other places that were enroute to Clemson Coins — let's just say I was offered between 20% and 40% melt value at the other places. Within 5 minutes and no goofing around with acid tests (they have an XRF machine) I was offered more than a reasonable percentage of melt value from Clemson Coins. Don't get GOT at the other places! Worth the drive from Charlotte, NC if that tells you anything!"
What We Buy
We buy all gold jewelry including:
- Gold rings — wedding bands, engagement rings, fashion rings
- Gold necklaces and chains — all styles and karats
- Gold bracelets and bangles
- Gold earrings
- Gold watches — Rolex, Omega, and other luxury brands
- Broken or damaged gold jewelry — we buy it all
- Gold dental work — crowns, bridges, fillings
- Sterling silver jewelry & Sterling Flatware
Don't Pawn — Sell
When you pawn jewelry, you are taking a short-term loan using your jewelry as collateral. You pay high interest and fees, and if you cannot repay the loan, you lose your jewelry anyway — for a fraction of its value. If you do pawn and are not able to repay it, contact us as we can buy your pawn ticket and pay you the difference. Don't default.
When you sell to Clemson Coins, you get immediate cash at the best possible price. No loans, no interest, no risk.
Is Your Jewelry Stuck at a Pawn Shop?
If you already pawned your jewelry and want to sell it for what it is actually worth — contact us. We will buy your pawn ticket and pay you the difference. Call us at 864-502-0100.
Come See Us
Located in Pendleton, South Carolina — just a short drive from Greenville, Anderson, Spartanburg, Easley, Seneca, and all of Upstate SC. Also convenient from Asheville and Hendersonville, NC.
Walk in any time Tuesday through Saturday, 10am–5pm. No appointment needed.
864-502-0100
Clemson Coins, Currency and Bullion Pendleton, South Carolina
We Pay More, Always.