Pawn gold jewelry
Gold and jewelry are by far the best things to pawn at First Cash. In early 2026, jewelry made up around 75% of all the collateral pawned in its US stores: it is the most liquid category, the one that gets the most consistent offers and the one that best holds its value. In this guide you will see how to pawn gold, silver, diamonds and jewelry at First Cash, how the offer is calculated and how to get the best possible loan for your pieces.
How First Cash values gold and jewelry
First Cash does not apply a public per-gram rate. The offer is calculated as a percentage of the estimated resale or melt value of the piece, using its internal system that looks at the prices it sells similar merchandise for in its stores. For gold, several factors come into play:
- The weight in grams and the purity (karats): 10k, 14k, 18k or 24k. The higher the karat, the more pure gold and the greater the value.
- The market price of gold that day: when gold goes up, the amount offered per piece goes up.
- The type of piece: jewelry with a recognizable design or brand can be worth its resale value, not just its metal.
- The stones: certified diamonds and gems can add value, though they are usually appraised conservatively.
Estimated loan ranges
These ranges are an estimate for the US market, calibrated against First Cash's valuation methodology, the industry's average ticket and public pawn guides. They are not an official rate or a guaranteed offer: each piece is appraised individually.
| Type of piece | Typical loan | Appraisal basis | In-store resale |
|---|---|---|---|
| Gold & jewelry (incl. scrap gold) | $50 – $800 | 25–60% of melt/resale value | $100 – $1,400 |
| Diamond jewelry | $100 – $2,500 | Gold value + limited premium for the stone | $250 – $4,000 |
Heavier, higher-purity gold pieces tend toward the high end of the range; small or low-karat ones, toward the low end. Diamonds can raise the loan quite a bit, though the premium for the stone is usually conservative except for certified quality gems.
What gold and jewelry you can pawn
What moves best
Gold chains, rings and bracelets in 14k and 18k, gold coins and bars, jewelry with certified diamonds and investment gold.
What is accepted with a more conservative appraisal
10k gold, sterling silver, jewelry with many small or costume stones, and very worn pieces (valued mainly for the metal).
Tips to get more for your gold
- Bring paperwork if you have it: diamond certificates, receipts or original boxes can improve the offer.
- Don't sell on impulse: if you only need money temporarily, pawning lets you get the piece back; selling is final.
- Know your karat: knowing whether your piece is 10k, 14k or 18k helps you understand the offer.
- Take advantage when gold is high: the amount per piece goes up with the market price of gold.
- Compare resale vs. pawn: if you don't plan to redeem the piece, also ask the outright sale price; sometimes it pays off more.
Pawn your gold at your First Cash store
Find the nearest First Cash store —with the address, phone and hours— to bring your gold or jewelry pieces and ask for an appraisal with no obligation.
Frequently asked questions
How much can I get for gold at First Cash?
It depends on the weight, the karat purity and that day's gold price. The offer is a percentage of the estimated resale or melt value. As an industry benchmark, loans for gold jewelry usually run between $50 and $800, and more for large pieces or those with diamonds.
Can I pawn gold without a certificate?
Yes. A certificate helps with diamonds, but gold is valued by its weight and purity, which the store checks on the spot. You don't need a receipt to pawn a gold piece.
Should I pawn or sell my gold?
If you want to keep the piece, pawn it: you get your gold back by paying the loan plus interest. If you don't care about getting it back, selling usually gives you a slightly higher amount. Ask about both options at the store.
Do they accept silver and diamonds?
Yes. Sterling silver is accepted, usually at a lower appraisal than gold, and diamonds can add value to the piece, especially if they are certified.
This page is an independent informational guide. It is not First Cash and is not affiliated with FirstCash Holdings, Inc.; the trademarks mentioned belong to their respective owners. The loan ranges are industry estimates, not an official rate or a guaranteed offer. Each piece is appraised individually at the store.