If you've been purchasing designer handbags for quite a while, you know that it is much more than just the brand. Unlike cheaper bags out there, designer handbags tend to be more durable and come with plenty of different designs. In other words, it'll last you for many years and will keep looking great at the same time!

 

That said, did you know that one of the places you can purchase a designer handbag is from a pawn shop? Do note, however, that if you do find a designer handbag here for sale for a fraction of the original cost, it is vital that you put a little effort into making sure that you're not getting scammed and end up purchase a bag with no value.

 

If you are looking to purchase designer bags from pawnshops, here are three tips to help you:

 

While this isn't a "make or break a deal" factor, it would help if you can find a pawnshop that specializes in selling designer handbags, or at the least bags.

 

The reason you'd want to do this is that it would be easier for you to research about the shop, particularly about the handbags that they offer. As a plus, they'll be offering a wide array of handbags that you can choose from, while a general pawnshop might be extremely limited.

 

Remember, not everything that you'll find at these shops might be what they say it is. As a result, you might even come out with a handbag that isn't what you expected it to be.

 

That said, whether you're shopping online or even at the store itself, make sure that it has a good reputation among the community it serves. If it specializes in a handbag, make sure that it has a good name within the designer-handbag community as well.

 

If possible, go to a shop that has a designer-handbag expert employed to guide people, including you, through their purchasing decision. This is especially useful if you don't have an idea of what kind of designer handbag you're looking for or if you need some expert advice on what you should buy to fit your style.  

 

The best place you can check out reviews on your prospective pawnshop is through review websites. There, while you might not fully know whether or not the reviewer is truthful in their statement, at least you know that the reviews there are not picked and polished by the shop. Social media is also an excellent way to figure out how people respond to the shop's service.

 

Remember that every store out there is going to have some negative reviews because, after all, the reviews are subjective. What you'll need to do then is to figure out how serious the negative reviews are. If the shop did respond to the review, find out how well they answered it as well.

 

Purchasing a designer handbag doesn't have to drain your entire wallet. Shops like pawn and consignment shops all offer you a chance at landing one for a fraction of the cost. That said, remember the tips we've shared above, and you can be confident that your designer handbag purchase is genuine and suits your style! Looking for a pawnshop in NYC? Get in touch with us today to see how we can help!

Selling loose diamonds can be challenging yet fulfilling, especially when it comes to the game of getting the most value for your money. Here are a few tips that you can use to get as much as possible for what your loose diamonds are worth: 

Running a background check on your buyer can protect you, your jewelry, and your returns as best as possible. By doing so, you’re essentially buying yourself a significant amount of security with a pre-deal check to gauge whether or not someone is worth dealing with. For instance, checking if a prospective buyer has a GIA-certified gemologist with them will tremendously help with ensuring that they’re accompanied by an expert who can properly appraise your diamonds using the four C’s: cut, clarity, color, and carat.

Additionally, talking to your buyer can also help with gauging their trustworthiness, given the extent of their knowledge and expertise. You can ask them questions and use their answers to assess their level of skill as well.

To ensure that you’re getting the best value for your lot, calm yourself down and head into the selling process with a whole lot of patience. 

Unless you’re selling to fund an emergency, it’s essential to understand that rushing into a decision when offloading your loose diamonds will not properly maximize their value. Before you finally meet up with your buyer, get in talks of making the sale, and agree on a final number for your loose diamonds, it is essential to put yourself in the right headspace and take as much time as possible. As soon as negotiations are underway, it is vital to avoid any unnecessary pressure and only allow yourself to settle for a price or agreement if you feel comfortable with it. 

Selling your loose diamonds and getting the best value for your assets is knowing what you’ve got on you. What better way to do this than by studying and understanding your project in all aspects?

In the days leading up to the actual deal, it is first important to inspect your diamonds. Assess them for the following:

The size of the diamond in carats (which can be either weighed or inspected by a GIA-certified gemologist)

The origin of the diamond

The type of diamond that you have

The cut that your diamond was shaped after

The associated trademark your diamond has (e.g., Tiffany or Cartier trademarking)

A presence of any deformities or cosmetic blemishes (such as nicks or chips) that can decrease its value

It is also recommended that you spend a bit of time on the internet and research on market prices for your product according to various conditions to come up with a proper final figure you’ll work with. Other important factors that can increase the total value of your loose diamonds are supporting documents and paperwork. You’ll be able to pair your set of loose diamonds with a well-documented history that fully captures each gem’s backstory and adds value to the whole lot. 

By following the tips mentioned in this article, you can ensure that you’ll be getting top-dollar for the entire lot of loose diamonds that you’re looking to part ways with. If you’re looking for a reputable specialist in diamonds and all sorts of gems, get in touch with New York’s foremost experts at East Village Buyers today! 

The terms antique and vintage are used to date older pieces of fine jewelry; however, it does not mean the same thing, nor do both reach the same estimate in terms of value. To put it simply, antique jewelry dates back to at least 100 years or older. Such pieces are usually family heirlooms or pieces that were made from the 1920s. 

On the other hand, jewelry that is at least 20 to 30 years old is considered vintage, dating during the 1990s. Nevertheless, if you are on the hunt for the perfect engagement ring or want something to add to your collection, something vintage or antique may be an ideal choice. Here are the reasons why “something old” is an invaluable addition to your collection:

Antique, vintage, or second-hand jewelry less expensive than modern pieces as these are considered sales-tax exempt. This is because the stones used are cheaper as it no longer has any manufacturing costs involved, allowing you to have a taste of pure luxury without spending too much money.

Many rings, both old and new, are eye-catching by default. However, antique or vintage rings are often crafted by hand or at the very least, hand-finished. This gives it a unique design with intricate details giving it a timeless look that is meant to impress the generations to come after it’s passed down. 

Depending on where you visit, you can find classic silver and pearl pieces of the 1920s art deco necklaces to gilt and acrylic collector’s pins from the 1950s. The options seem limitless, but all are built with a higher and personalized quality of artistry that may be lacking in some modern jewelry today. As people say, they don’t make it like they used to!

If you’re planning to sell modern jewelry, it’s important to remember that such pieces are often exchanged for a lower price. This is because its value is based on the costs of metal and gemstones separately from the wholesale market. 

On the other hand, you can buy antique or vintage jewelry at a lower price and sell it to collectors or appraisers for a higher rate as its value is worth more than the sum of its parts. East Village Buyers, for instance, is a pawn shop that offers hot deals for your collection.

This is because each piece can no longer be duplicated using modern production methods, making it truly a one-of-a-kind piece that surpasses even the test of time. 

If you’re looking for a unique engagement ring to represent your love and commitment for a partner, you may be thinking of investing in a personalized ring. However, such pieces can be costly when you consider how expensive standard rings are already in the market. In that regard, vintage or antique jewelry is crafted with elaborate and romantic designs. 

From the outrageous to the sophisticated, these old pieces capture different eras in time, making it vary in style including open-worked galleries, carved shanks, hand-done Milgrain work, and caliber cut accent stones. It includes the intricate, golden filigree and precious gemstones from the Victorian period, down to the flora and fauna-inspired pieces from the Art Nouveau period.

If you’re looking for a pawn shop in Brooklyn, New York that sells jewelry, East Village Buyers is where you need to go. Get in touch with us today, we’re happy to help.

Telling the difference between fashion jewelry and fine jewelry can be quite tricky, especially for the untrained eye. Expert authenticators can distinguish the two types of jewelry by the quality of gemstones and metals used to create the jewelry. The two types of jewelry might appear equally remarkable; however, they have distinct characteristics. Determining what category a piece of jewelry belongs to all boils down to the type of materials used to create the piece. 

For every jewelry collector, it’s crucial to get to know each type of jewelry beyond its aesthetic appearance. It will help if you have a deeper understanding of how fine and fashion jewelry is sourced and made. 

To give you an insight into the different characteristics of the two categories, read on ahead for some enlightening tips and guidelines.

Fine jewelry is made entirely out of solid precious metals and gemstones. Precious metals, such as gold, sterling silver, palladium, and platinum, are rare to find, which justifies the price point of exceptional jewelry. Precious gemstones include real diamonds, rubies, and sapphires. 

The advantage of this type of jewelry is that it will last much longer due to the strength of its material. With proper care and storage, it will not tarnish easily nor tarnish at all, depending on the level of care involved. Additionally, in case it does get broken or damaged, fine jewelry, such as gold, can be melted and brought back into a renewed state.

Fashion jewelry is made completely or partially out of base metals, textiles, or simulated stones. This type of jewelry is also referred to as costume jewelry. The most common kind of fashion jewelry are rings, necklaces, earrings, and bracelets that are made with Swarovski crystals or beads. Textiles such as leather in the form of chokers or bracelets are also quite common. 

The advantage of fashion jewelry is that the prices are not that high, which gives you the chance to collect and explore more items. However, most ceramic fashion jewelry is prone to bending or tarnishing. Some of the jewelry that can easily tarnish are brass, copper, aluminum, base metal alloys, or metals that are plated with gold or silver.

There has been a long line of discussion on whether or not there is a third type of jewelry. Some people think that “semi-fine” is another category by itself. Semi-fine jewelry is also made up of real gemstones that belong to the lower price range, such as opals and morganite. However, despite the insistence of some collectors, experts and authenticators do not agree with the third category of jewelry. In their perspective, semi-fine jewelry is better categorized as fashion jewelry due to the incorporation of base metals.

Now you have a better idea of what type of jewelry to buy. To help you with your decision, feel free to consult with an expert authenticator to guide you in verifying the nature of the stone or metals. Keep in mind the pros and cons of each type of jewelry. While fashion jewelry is less expensive, it can easily tarnish or bend after frequent wear and tear. Meanwhile, fine jewelry is a better investment as they last longer. If you’re looking for fine jewelry that will fit your budget, you may want to look into pre-owned jewelry. 

If you’re looking for a pawn shop in Brooklyn, New York that sells jewelry, East Village Buyers is where you need to go. Get in touch with us today for more information.

There are four characteristics to look for when shopping for diamond jewelry: carat, cut, color, and clarity. Out of these 4Cs, most buyers pay the most attention to the stone's carat. While bigger is not necessarily better, it can't be denied that many people—especially brides-to-be—give much weight on the size of their diamond.

Diamonds can be expensive, and their price shoots up according to the carat. Some celebrity engagement rings are even known to cost millions of dollars! If budget is your concern, there are a few tricks to make a diamond look much larger than it truly is. Here are our tips:

The shape of the diamond dramatically affects its appearance. Princess cut diamonds, which are known for their perfect square, are tightly set together that they appear to be one massive rock. Irregularly shaped diamonds also look larger than round ones of equal weight. Some popular choices these days include oval, pear-shaped, and marquis diamonds. 

Aside from the cut, pay attention to the jewelry's setting. Many vintage diamond rings from the 1940s come in an illusion setting. It uses metal prongs to keep the center stone in place while making it look bigger. 

A halo setting is also an excellent option for those who want larger-looking diamonds. It features tiny gemstones surrounding the center stone in a concentric circle or square, adding the overall sparkle of the ring. From afar, the expanded diameter of the ring makes the rocks look like one big piece. Pavé-set rings are another dazzling choice for the size-conscious buyer. It features small individual stones that line up towards the center diamond. It literally means that the ring is paved with diamonds. 

A popular trend among diamond engagement rings these days is having smaller stones surround the center rock. It's an excellent way to emphasize the central diamond and make it look bigger. An example of this is Meghan Markle's three-stone diamond ring, designed by Prince Harry. It features a beautiful cushion diamond in the middle accented by two smaller round ones on each side. Aside from its classic elegance, this style holds meaningful symbolism—the three gemstones symbolize the couple's past, present, and future. 

Having the right band is crucial to how your diamond sparkles. Platinum or white gold enhances white or clear diamonds, while a gold band can conceal a yellowish diamond. Aside from the ring's color, pay attention to its thickness. If your diamond is on the smaller side, make sure to flaunt it by setting it in a thinner, daintier band. 

Diamond enhancers are thin bands that are sold separately. They are sometimes lined with tiny gems. These can be worn to complement an important piece of jewelry, such as an engagement or wedding ring. You can slide it underneath or above a solitaire diamond ring, or you can wear two enhancers to flank your ring in between for a more dazzling effect. 

Bonus Tip: Keeping your diamonds clean allows it to shine brighter and look more brilliant. Make sure to give your precious jewelry regular cleanings at home, or take them to a trusted jewelry store to keep its luster. 

When it comes to diamonds, size doesn't always matter. With these clever tips, you can make a smaller stone look more radiant, giving you the most sparkle for your investment!

If you’re looking for a diamond dealer in Brooklyn, New York, East Village Buyers is where you need to go. Contact us today for more information.

One of the most cherished and expensive pieces of jewelry is a diamond ring, but its worth more if you consider its sentimental value. That’s why it’s essential to clean and maintain your ring to ensure that it can stay in tip-top shape for years to come. They are, after all, a girl’s best friend. 

Cleaning it regularly is a must, so we’re here to give you a rundown on how to keep your diamond ring in pristine condition. The tips below should help make the process easier for you, in the long run, allowing you to keep your ring sparkling brand new even after years to come. 

With the right tips on the proper procedure, cleaning diamond rings can be a breeze. Keep in mind that there are various ways to approach this for different types of stones and precious metals, but the steps below highlight a universally safe method for cleaning a diamond ring. 

-  Warm water

-  A few drops of mild dish soap

-  A clean and soft toothbrush 

-  Soft, lint-free cloth

Step #1: Mix a few drops of mild dish soap to the warm water to create a safe cleaning solution. 

Step #2: Place your ring into the cleaning solution and let it soak for 20 minutes.

Step #3: Use a clean and soft toothbrush to remove dirt and stains gently. It’s also a good tool for reaching tight spots that tend to collect the most dirt and oil, such as the back of the diamond. Be sure that the toothbrush is reserved only for cleaning your diamond ring. 

Step #4: Rings off your soapy diamond ring using warm, clean water. Next, dry it off with a soft, lint-free cloth and be sure to do it carefully to avoid snagging the material on any of the pongs, which warp your ring as a result. 

To that end, be sure to avoid harmful solutions like bleach, toothpaste, or other household cleaners as the porous, precious metals can deteriorate when you expose it to the mentioned chemicals. 

If you’re constantly wearing your diamond ring, it’s at high risk of wearing and tearing if you leave it unkempt for a while. With that in mind, the best times to clean your ring is between once or twice a week. 

To ensure its quality, you can also seek the help of a professional ring cleaner a few times a year for better results. Professionals can also detect any loose or out-of-shape prongs, allowing you to fix it before it gets worse. 

Diamond rings are forever, so be sure to maximize their lifespan and make it look good as new by cleaning it regularly. The process varies depending on the type of metal, but for diamond rings, there’s no other way but to clean it as gently and thoroughly as possible. To that end, taking care of your ring is essential if you want to have it last for a lifetime.

If you’re looking for a diamond dealer in Brooklyn, New York, East Village Buyers is where you need to go. Contact us today for more information.

A pavé setting in jewelry, pronounced as “pa-vay,” is a French word that means “to pave.” Quite literally, it refers to the style of having smaller gemstones set jointly together as if they’re paving the way to a larger center stone. Diamonds are considered to have a pavé setting when they’re between .01 and .02 carats. Smaller diamonds are called micro-pavé and are often used in thin bands. 

When buying diamond rings, the pavé setting is an excellent choice because it offers lots of sparkle and elegance at a more affordable price point. Because the individual gems are cut smaller, they are less expensive. Pavé detailing is also incredibly versatile and pairs well with other types of settings, such as the halo and solitaire.

If you’re looking for an exquisite and timeless engagement ring, a pavé diamond ring could be your best option. Read on to know more about this classic style, and see if it’s the perfect choice for your loved one.

Buyers often confuse pavé settings with caliber-cut settings. These two styles may look similar but offer different effects. Caliber-cut rings are those with smaller gems surrounding the main stone to create an illusion of a bigger rock. 

Jewelers can mix and match different gemstones to create a unique design. For instance, small rubies can be used to surround center diamond to make a majestic ring, or aquamarine stones can be wrapped around a darker sapphire for a bluer-than-blue design. Pavé setting can be used with caliber-cut rings to add more drama and opulence. 

Pavé settings complement almost any diamond shape. Famous engagement rings include the emerald cut, which flaunts a rectangular center diamond with chiseled lines. Surround the band with tiny dotted diamonds, and you’ll get the effect of endless sparkles. 

Another popular choice for engagement rings is the classic cushion cut, which features a square center stone that’s rounded off in the corners. A pavé cushion setting makes the ring unique and less solitary. 

The halo setting is also popular among women. It features a row of tiny sparklers surrounding the center stone to give the illusion of a larger diamond. When paired with the pavé setting, diamond halos look grander and more brilliant. 

While pavé jewelry is generally low-maintenance, you should pay attention to a few factors when shopping for rings in this setting. First, look at the stones—yes, even the tiniest ones. Use a magnifying glass to see if there are chipped or cracked ones. 

Also, make sure that the metal prongs are holding the pieces in place. There shouldn’t be any loose stones, and they should all line up neatly. Take note if there are any crooked or overlapping gems. Lastly, you want those prongs or brackets not to be too high, or else the stones will be more prone to damage.

Choosing the perfect engagement ring depends on your budget and your partner’s style. Remember the four C’s of diamond shopping: cut, color, clarity, and carat. Ultimately, go with trusted jewelers to make the most of your investment. 

If you’re looking for a diamond dealer in Brooklyn, New York, East Village Buyers is where you need to go. Contact us today for more information.

When it comes to jewelry cleaning, there are many different ways to do so. One of the most effective ways to clean jewelry is through the use of ammonia. Take note, however, that cleaning using ammonia must be done with proper precaution. Chances are, excessive use of ammonia can actually do more damage and end up discoloring your metal and wear down your gemstones.

For this reason, we’ve rounded up seven tips on how to clean your jewelry properly using ammonia. This guide applies to natural diamond jewelry with no fracture-filled diamonds. This also works for gold or silver jewelry that has no stones. Follow the basic steps below:

Before you get started, you may need to prepare the following materials:

Soft bristle toothbrush

Ammonia

Lint-free cloth

Lukewarm and cool water

The next thing to do is to create a cleaning solution. This entails mixing one part of ammonia to six parts of lukewarm water. Make sure that you follow this ratio, as too much ammonia can make the solution too strong. This, in turn, can potentially discolor or damage your jewelry.

After having prepared the cleaning solution, soak your piece of jewelry in the solution for about ten minutes. Make sure that you wear a pair of dish gloves when handling jewelry using the ammonia solution.

After ten minutes of soaking, you can take out the piece of jewelry. Start brushing it with a soft-bristled toothbrush and make sure that you do the brushing gently yet thoroughly. Pay particular attention to the back of the stones. This area is where dirt and grime commonly build-up and prevent your diamonds from shining. Never brush too aggressively, unless you want to loosen the diamond or scratch your metal.

Repeat the process of soaking for ten minutes as well as brushing thereafter. This step will help dislodge any stubborn grime and dirt that was leftover from the first scrub session. 

After the repeated soaking and brushing process, you can then polish the metal. You can use a lint-free cloth to gently buff and shine the metal. This works best on gold or silver, as well. 

After polishing, pat and dry your piece of jewelry with a clean, lint-free cloth. Make sure to allow your jewelry to dry before you store it away.

Buying and owning a piece of jewelry can be such a great investment. Not only does wearing jewelry augment your overall look and appearance, but it can also exude class and elegance and build your social status. However, as much as you want your jewelry to look aesthetically appealing and last for as long as possible, it can get dirty and might even be prone to wear and tear. 

For this reason, cleaning your jewelry regularly is a must. Follow the steps mentioned above to maintain your jewelry for as long as possible.

If you’re looking for a pawn shop to sell your jewelry in Brooklyn, New York, East Village Buyers is where you need to go. Contact us today for more information.

Jewelry is a common present during wedding anniversaries because certain milestones correspond with specific gemstones or metals. Each element depicts the strength of their union, and couples can possess quite a collection if they remain committed to the vows that they exchanged during their wedding day. 

Shower your appreciation to your significant other with these anniversary gifts.

During your first year after marriage, you are still dealing with expenses from the new living arrangements and wedding-related events during the honeymoon stage. The tight budget gives credence to peridot being a popular alternative, but a gold-toned watch is a cheaper option than a robust gold timepiece. It’s also a gentle reminder of how fast the time has flown during your first year and the countless minutes you are about to spend together.

Sapphire is a common choice during the fifth anniversary because it comes in various colors. However, why not give your significant other a stunning alternative like a pink tourmaline that dazzles as much as the preferred gemstone? Attaching it to a pendant will be a lovely touch.

A fancy dinner is a beautiful prelude for the diamond stud earrings that you will reveal later. Since these are considered as the black dress of the jewelry world, you will be pleased to see her eyes sparkle upon seeing your gift.

This precious gemstone is appropriate for a marriage that has defied several odds. However, emeralds are tricky to purchase, and the loose ones are difficult to alter. You can take the stone to a jeweler, but they will ask you to sign a waiver form to clear them from liabilities for excessive chipping. Save yourself the hassle and buy mounted emeralds with ample protection.

Renewal of wedding vows often occurs during this milestone, which traditional gift guides refer to as the silver anniversary. What better way to mark the celebration by purchasing silver-toned bands made from platinum or white gold? Jubilee means special, and this accessory is an extraordinary touch to highlight the quarter-century of your love story.

While your commitment to each other goes beyond 50 years, your original wedding bands might not last due to wear and tear. Daily use subjects the rings to imminent damage, leaving you with no choice but to safe keep these bands and replace them with new ones. Golden rings are perfect for the occasion because your union has become as precious and as valuable as gold.

Don’t be tied up to the presents identified in this list. There are plenty of other meaningful jewelry ideas like birthstones, lockets, and bracelets that you can explore. If your budget is tight, you can purchase discounted jewelry from East Village Buyers. 

Beyond the items that you can come up with, making your partner feel significant and precious is the best gift you can ever give.

If you’re looking for a pawn shop to sell your jewelry in Bronx, New York, East Village Buyers is where you need to go. Contact us today for more information.

Jewelers purchase used jewelry to repurpose it and sell it for a higher price. A used diamond ring, for instance, can be melted and then meld to become a new ring or bracelet. Meanwhile, the diamond can be placed onto a new jewelry piece or sold separately. The jeweler can also keep the ring intact and clean it for resale. Used jewelry can be worth 50-70 percent less than its original price.

Purchasing used jewelry is a practical option if you have no plans to resell it. You can get discounts for as much as 50 percent for pieces that are comparable to brand new ones. Finding used jewelry is easy because sellers label it as either used jewelry or estate jewelry. These items can also be tagged as previously owned or refurbished. These classifications and the huge price drop indicate that they are secondhand.

There are sellers that will try to con you in buying refurbished jewelry as “new”. They will jack up the prices and fool an uninitiated buyer that they are getting a brand new item. The jewelry’s paint can be retouched with a similar color to hide fades or scratches. The original gems can be replaced by fake ones as well

When purchasing any type of jewelry, you must assess the jewels being sold to determine if they are trying to pull off a scam. Otherwise, you will have wasted money on something that you cannot sell for profit. Signs of wear are manifestations of used pieces. Scratches on the metal part or the gemstones immediately reduce its worth to refurbished prices. Worn-out prongs are also a red flag.

Examine every angle of the jewel to see the concerns that the seller may be hiding from you. Likewise, don’t buy “new” jewels if sellers cannot authenticate their condition. It’s always better to stay out of the transaction if you are in doubt.

There are used jewels that are beyond repair. These items have worn out prongs, tarnished chain links, and deformed rings. The faulty parts can cause the jewelry to break loose even while you are wearing it. But while there are jewels beyond repair, there are pieces of jewelry that can be restored to its usual glow.

Finding quality used jewelry is not easy. You have to visit rows of shops to arrive at the one you desire. There are even times when you will settle for less because you can’t find what you want. 

Use a jewelry loupe to assess the jewels and check for anomalies. Inspect the parts where the glow has eroded and ask the jeweler about the cost for restoring the item’s beauty. You must factor that into the purchase cost along with the discounted price.

Prop artists are highly interested in used jewels because they can use these items for their shows. Instead of getting brand new jewelry, they can settle with a used alternative that is just as good, simply retouching it to give a good register to the camera. Buy the jewel only if you are satisfied with its condition.

If you’re looking for a pawn shop to sell your jewelry in Bronx, New York, East Village Buyers is where you need to go. Contact us today for more information.

When it comes to purchasing jewelry, you might start saving for it immediately once you have an eye on either an expensive piece or a cheaper one. However, do you know the differences between the two? Although there is no issue with going for the latter, it is a good idea to know what you're buying. Here are the features that you may find with cheaper alternatives:

A big reason why cheap jewelry is cheap is because of the gemstone itself. Low-quality gems are likely to have flaws, which hurts the overall aesthetics of the piece. Remember that the more apparent these flaws are in a gemstone, the more prone it is to break when bumped. Some gems are already chipped from the beginning. Also, the color of the stone may not be as pleasing as a high-quality gemstone, pushing demand down along with the price.

Some pieces of jewelry may even contain fake diamonds. Jewelers use droplets of metal to imitate a group of precious stones which are noticeable upon closer inspection. However, from a distance, they can have an appearance similar to real diamonds.

Sometimes, a jeweler may mix in small bits of real diamond among the metal droplets to create a sense of authenticity. It means that when you're looking at a piece of cheap diamond jewelry, what may seem like diamonds to you may actually be merely metal droplets. You may think of this as being a scam. However, you will get what you paid for. 

Prongs are what hold the precious stone in place, and cheap rings have fragile prongs. If the prongs break or bend, the stone can get damaged and even fall off. Thin prongs contribute to the affordable price of jewelry because less metal is used in its construction.

If you're allergic to metals, such as nickel, it will be best if you purchase more expensive higher-karat gold rings. Low-karat gold pieces contain less gold and more of other metals. 10K gold alloys usually contain metals, such as nickel. You may need to purchase a piece of at least 14k gold to avoid other metals.

The round body of the ring, referred to as the shank, is much slimmer on cheap jewelry. As previously mentioned, this is due to the lesser amount of metals used in the construction to cut costs. Over time, when you continually wear the ring, it will wear down the shank. If it gets too thin, it can bend or even break.

If you’re finding it hard to decide between purchasing an expensive piece of jewelry or opt for a cheaper alternative, you first need to think about how you’ll use it. If you're planning to wear the piece every day, it is best to buy a more expensive one, as they have higher durability and will last longer.

If you’re looking for a pawn shop to sell your jewelry in Bronx, New York, East Village Buyers is where you need to go. Contact us today for more information.

With new practices taking the jewelry industry by storm, chances are that you’ve probably heard of this common practice that most jewelers use: scrap gold. Whether you already own a piece, have heard of one, or have been offered one, there’s no denying that the allure of scrap gold jewelry is undeniable. 

Not only is it affordable, but you can hardly tell the difference between it and real gold. However, while your local jeweler or trader might suggest that you get scrap gold jewelry as an alternative that can get you the best possible return, it’s important to know what it actually is in the first place:

Scrap gold jewelry is often used by jewellers and other industry professionals to refer to items that are sent to gold refineries to be broken or melted down. The gold from those items is then extracted. 

This process is a way to “recycle” formed gold and recast it into new pieces that can be sold again through jewellers. The idea of scrap gold is very attractive, and it’s something that can help alleviate the negative effects of mining on the environment while conserving the world’s gold supply. 

Although the option of selling off your old gold pieces to jewelers so they can be turned into scrap gold is something you should definitely consider, here’s one question that might be on your mind: how can you calculate the weight of pure gold in a scrap necklace?

Whether you’re a frugal seller or someone just trying to make a quick, yet worthwhile buck off of some old jewelry, you’d do well to ask about value in terms of selling items for scrap gold. With the right knowledge and a bit of research, you can get your money’s worth from selling old gold pieces. You’ll do even better when you follow these steps:

Before anything else, you’ll have to figure out the purity of the piece that you’re trying to sell off. In this case, “purity” refers to how much pure gold there is in a certain piece of jewelry. It’s often paired up in terms of ratios with other alloys or metals, like silver, zinc, nickel, and copper. The reason alloys are added to pure gold is to create a more durable finished product that is harder than pure gold. 

When trying to find out how pure your piece is, you’ll have to look out for karat marks, which are often denoted as 10K, 14K, 18K, or 20K stamps somewhere on the piece. However, if you can’t find any karat marks or stamps, you’ll have to get your piece tested for purity. Bring it to a local jeweler or expert, or get a testing kit that you can use at home.

Once you know how pure your gold piece is, you’ll have to weigh it in order to determine the specific numbers that you’re working with. Typically, a scale or any other type of measuring device will suffice, but you should know that the more accurate and precise your measurements are, the better the final result will be.

Now that you’ve got your weight and purity values, you’ll be able to determine the weight of pure gold in your piece. To get the weight of pure gold in a piece, determine the percentage equivalents of purity ratings or markers (karats, in this case) and multiply that by the total weight of the piece in order to get its total weight in pure gold. 

For example, if your gold purity is 84 percent, and your piece weighs 100 grams, then your total pure gold weight is 84 grams, and your equation should look like this:

84 percent (0.84) x 100 grams = 84 grams (in pure gold)

If you’re looking for a pawn shop to sell your jewelry in Bronx, New York, East Village Buyers is where you need to go. Contact us today for more information.

When you look at your piece of jewelry and see a few scratches here and there, chances are you might want to have it polished immediately. If you think jewelry polishing is the right solution, you might want to think again. Did you know that polishing can be bad for your jewelry? Keep reading to find out why.

It is said that you should have your jewelry polished not more than twice a year. However, what happens when you take your ring or any other piece of jewelry for a polish? First, most jewelers use some abrasive material to smoothen the surface of your piece. Second, polishing is performed using a machine that has a rotating polishing wheel. In the process, the microscopic layer of metal is said to be removed from the piece until the surface becomes even.

Jewelry polishing entails the process of wearing down your jewelry. Sure, the metal removed in the process is a tiny amount. One polishing session cannot do damage to it. Now, what if your jewelry has been polished multiple times? Imagine how many times your piece of jewelry has been worn off. Chances are, the structure of your piece of jewelry will become rather weak over time. 

As for your ring, the most affected area brought by polishing is the setting. This is because it is made up of small parts that are often very thin. For instance, every time you have your ring polished, the prongs will get thinner and shorter. This will happen to other parts of your setting as well, and its construction will become weak over time. The gemstone that it holds will then become loose. In a matter of time, it might eventually fall off from your ring. 

It’s worth knowing that polishing your jewelry isn’t a bad idea. You can always do so, by all means. Chances are your jewelry will always have some scratches, especially if it is made from a softer metal such as gold or silver. Having it polished will make its surface even and looks better.

However, if there’s one thing that you should be wary of, it is the frequency of polishing. Experts suggest that you should have your jewelry polished not more than twice a year. If you do so, you will start noticing the adverse effects of polishing.

As an alternative, you can consider buying a jewelry polishing kit if you want to have your jewelry polished more often. A jewelry cleaning kit includes a polishing solution, polishing cream and tarnish remover. The good thing about this is that it is not the same as professional polishing. However, buffing your piece with a polishing cloth will restore some of the original lusters of your jewelry. 

We hope this article has enlightened you about the detrimental effects of frequent polishing of your jewelry. The bottom line is, you can have your ring or any piece of jewelry polished. However, you might as well limit it to once or twice a year, and that can make a difference to your jewelry’s life span.

If you’re looking for a pawn shop to sell your jewelry in Bronx, New York, East Village Buyers is where you need to go. Contact us today for more information.

When buying a ring, diamonds and other stones are elements that may take the spotlight, but the base that holds the bracelet together deserves just as much attention. This material that forms the ring is made of precious metals - gold, silver, titanium, platinum, and other contemporary metals, each one making a distinguished statement about your style.

Beyond your choice of metal having an aesthetic impact, the cost, sturdiness, and overall design would also change drastically depending on what type of metal you choose. In this article, we are breaking down the difference between white gold and titanium to help nudge you to the precious metal that suits your style the most.

Factors to Consider

Titanium is widely known for its durability and is significantly stronger than gold, which is known for its malleability. Although a white gold alloy contains metals that generally make it harder, it is still prone to wear-and-tear, bend, or even break compared to the toughness and long lifespan of a titanium ring. In that regard, titanium is also highly corrosion resistant, which means that it does not tarnish quickly compared to high-polished finish jewelry like white gold. However, both metals can be polished again to bring back its shine.

When comparing the precious metal itself, white gold is typically costlier than titanium. However, titanium is known to be a challenge to work with as it is not as malleable as white gold. This means that workers may require extensive effort to create eye-catching jewelry out of titanium, making it increase its price tag a notch higher than that of a white gold ring due to the additional labor costs.

As mentioned above, titanium is highly sought-after for its resistance to corrosion, which means that its grayish, platinum-like hue stays the same even when put under the test of time. White gold, on the other hand, has a metallic color due to the rhodium plating coating the alloy. This tends to fade, even when properly stored in a jewelry box as the exposure to oxygen causes the metal to lose its luster as a chemical reaction. 

It also loses its shine more quickly when it is worn daily as the body temperature acts as a catalyst to the chemical process that causes white gold to become lack-luster over time. On the other hand, titanium has been increasing in popularity due to its versatility as the alloy can be anodized through electricity, which means it can be colored into blue, red, black, and other hues for a more trend-setting look. 

Titanium is known to have a high strength to weight ratio, meaning that in spite of it being significantly stronger than white gold, gold, silver jewelry, even steel, it is surprisingly lightweight and generally more comfortable to wear than a white gold ring.

One of the most notable things about titanium is that it is hypoallergenic, which means that little to no people will be sensitive to it. Gold and silver, on the other hand, contains an additional material called a nickel, which is what causes an allergic outbreak to some who are sensitive from such alloys.

If you’re looking for a pawn shop to sell your jewelry in Bronx, New York, East Village Buyers is where you need to go. Contact us today for more information.

Have you ever found yourself a white gold necklace and wondering why it isn’t yellow? Do not be surprised. Gold doesn’t only refer to that yellow metal we all think of when someone mentions gold. Gold can mean different alloys made by mixing a type of metal with gold. Here is a list of the different types of gold and how they are made:

This is the most common gold used to produce jewelry. Although yellow like gold, it is not the same as pure gold. Pure gold is incredibly soft, thus not ideal for creating jewelry. Metals are added to strengthen the material to make it much more robust. If you’re looking for items made with purer golds, you can check its karat. The lower the karat number, the lower the percentage of gold in the piece of jewelry. Similarly, the higher the karat, the higher the percentage. Also, low karat items usually mean more robust and durable jewelry compared to its purer counterparts.

Colored gold is simply any gold that isn’t yellow. If it is of a different hue, then it is considered colored gold. Below is a list of the different types of colored gold:

White gold is considered the most popular type of gold used. The white color is achieved by mixing the gold with either palladium or nickel. This, however, isn’t enough to turn the alloy completely white. Instead, it stays a yellowish hue and is plated with rhodium to give the jewelry its white color and shine.

Copper gives rose gold its distinctive red hues. The more the copper, the redder it gets. Red golds are high-copper rose gold alloys, while pink gold contains less copper. 

There are several ways of how gold can be turned black. The first way is to cover the gold jewelry with black rhodium (or another black metal). Another way is to apply certain chemicals to the surface of the jewelry to change its color. Gold alloys that contain cobalt, copper, titanium, or iron can also turn black if exposed to heat and oxidized.

Unlike the other color golds, green gold is more of yellow gold with a slightly green hue. It is created by mixing gold with silver or even cadmium, a rarer material. 

An alloy consisting of silver, copper, manganese, and, of course, gold creates grey gold.

Purple gold is created by mixing aluminum and pure gold. This alloy, however, isn’t the most desirable for jewelry, as it is very brittle and can break easily.

There are a few ways to make blue gold. The first way consists of mixing of pure gold and indium. Unfortunately, this method makes the alloy very brittle, just like purple gold. The more desirable way to make the alloy is to mix gold with iron or rhodium. Following the mixture is a treatment with heat, oxidizing the metal and forming a blue layer on top.

With this in mind, your next purchase decision might be more comfortable. Go, buy that perfect piece of jewelry for yourself or even a loved one. They will appreciate the time and money you put into that precious gift.

If you’re looking for a pawn shop to sell your jewelry in Bronx, New York, East Village Buyers is where you need to go. Contact us today for more information.

Recognized by many as a symbol of class, power, and wealth, gold rings are definitely a good investment because they can be passed down to future generations. If buying a gold ring is on your agenda and you have the budget for it, you can go to a jeweler near you. Chances are they will ask you a question that will make you think. It's not supposed to stump you, but you may find yourself scrambling for an answer to this question: white gold or yellow gold?

Both are known for their illustrious beauty and unmistakable finish. White gold and yellow gold rings are two of the most popular pieces of jewelry on the market. Either one will add a significant amount of sophistication and style to your outfit. That said, they are also different from each other.

In the next section, we'll go over the basics of white gold and yellow gold to help you find out which one is a better fit for you and your tastes.

Some people think white gold and yellow gold are interchangeable. But after seeing samples of each up close, they realize how different white gold and yellow gold really are. Each has its own appeal, finish, and luster, which can make it difficult for you to choose a ring. In order to help you make an informed choice while you're in the jewelry store, here are a few things you need to know about white and yellow gold:

White gold: White gold rings are made with yellow gold that was mixed with metals like manganese and palladium. The resulting alloy is often coated with a layer of rhodium to make it even whiter, which yields the type of finish that is unlike that of any other material.

Yellow gold: Yellow gold rings are made of actual yellow gold, which is mixed with other metals to make the resulting alloy used in rings more durable. The levels of purity in a yellow gold ring are measured in karats. These determine just how much pure gold is in the ring, compared to the other metals that are in the mix.

If you want to be sure that you’ll make the right choice when buying a gold ring, there are some factors that you should keep in mind: maintenance, durability, and nickel content.

Because the material used to make them is much softer material, yellow gold rings are more prone to scratches compared to white gold rings, and you need to polish them regularly to keep them in good condition. Yellow gold rings also have to be repaired more often, as they are more prone to bending or breaking due to the softer nature of the material used to make them. That said, white gold also requires a certain level of care and maintenance. The rhodium layer on most white gold rings will wear off over time, depending on how often you wear them. When that happens, you will need to have your white gold ring replated with another layer of rhodium.

If you have a nickel allergy, you’ll definitely want to consider this aspect when choosing between white and yellow gold rings. While gold rings are a more suitable option, as the rhodium layer will act as a barrier between the nickel and your skin, but you’ll have to replate a white gold ring regularly in order to avoid discomfort during use. Sadly, yellow gold rings are out of the question. Because there won’t be any plating between the ring and your finger, you’ll definitely experience allergic reactions when you wear it. Sucking it up or going for a white gold ring instead are the only options you have.

If you’re looking for a pawn shop to sell your jewelry in Bronx, New York, East Village Buyers is where you need to go. Contact us today for more information.

Gold jewelry has become a fashion statement. Chances are you buy gold chains to keep up with the trend. You may also want to keep them as a lucrative investment. But before you take the plunge, here’s the caveat: how can you possibly be sure that the gold chain you’re planning to buy is really made of gold? How can you tell if a particular gold chain is fake? There are many ways to spot fake gold chains. Below are some of them.

To begin with, what exactly are fake gold chains? Simply put, fake gold chains are those that aren’t made of solid gold. This means that they were made using another metal or an alloy of non-gold metals. They are usually gold-plated, which means that they are covered with a thin layer of gold to make them appear as though they are real. There are also gold-filled chains which can pass as pieces of solid gold. 

They are made of non-gold metals too. But unlike gold-plated items, they are wrapped in a thin sheet of gold which is attached to the core metal under high temperature. Please be advised, however, that jewelry with less than ten karats pure cannot be considered and sold as gold. So you should be careful when buying gold chains, lest you end up with a fake.

Knowing how to identify fake gold chains can help you make a good decision when you’re buying pieces of jewelry. Below are three tips on how to spot a fake gold chain.

In most cases, pieces of jewelry have gold stamps or hallmarks showing the karat of the items. The simplest way to determine the purity of a piece of gold jewelry is through its gold marking. Karat is the measure of purity, and it indicates how much of the piece is made up of gold and how much was made of non-gold metal. The highest measurement is 24 karats, which means the item is made up of pure gold. The karat shown in the marking is usually expressed in numbers followed by the letters K, KT, or KP. For instance, a 14K stamp means that the gold item is 14 karats. This also implies that the item is made up of 58.33 percent gold, and the remaining are other types of metal.

If there’s no marking on the piece of jewelry, another way to check for the presence of gold is to use acid testing. Testing jewelry with nitric acid is said to be a reliable way to find out how much gold an item contains. All you have to do is to visit a jewelry shop for testing. The jeweler will simply apply nitric acid to the scratch mark and observe the chemical reaction in order to determine how much gold is in the item. You can also do acid testing at home. Buy a gold testing kit and follow the instructions that come with it.

Color and discoloration have a lot to say about the gold purity of a chain. They can tell you whether a chain is made of gold or not. Chains that are as yellow as pure gold are most likely gold-filled or gold-plated. They are merely covered with 24-karat gold. Meanwhile, discoloration is a strong indication that a gold chain may be fake. A fake gold chain becomes apparent when the gold plating starts to wear off, and the underlying metal becomes visible. You will see the metallic color of its non-gold core, whether the item is gold-filled or gold-plated.

If you’re looking for a pawn shop to sell your jewelry in Bronx, New York, East Village Buyers is where you need to go. Contact us today for more information.

Gold chains are quite popular nowadays. Why not go for white gold chains instead? You’ve probably seen the pieces of jewelry we're talking about, the ones resplendent in white or yellowish hues. They aren’t pure gold or silver—they're made of white gold. 

White gold is commonly used to make bracelets, necklaces, and other pieces of jewelry. We’ll talk more about white gold chains in the following section. If you’re planning to buy one, here’s what you need to know about white gold.

The question is, what is a white gold chain made of? A white gold chain is made of a mixture of yellow gold and other metals, which produces a whitish alloy. This alloy also appears rather yellowish. It is typically coated with rhodium which has an entirely white color to augment its whiteness. The only problem with this is that rhodium plating wears away with time. When this happens, your white gold chain will need to be replated.

The karat of a white gold chain is determined the same way you measure a karat of typical gold jewelry. We know that pure gold consists of 24 karats. When checking the markings on your gold chains, you have to divide the number of karats by 24. This means that a 14-karat white gold chain has 58 percent pure gold, same with a 14-karat yellow gold necklace.

In general, pure gold is a malleable metal. This means that the higher the karat of your chain, the softer it will be. If your gold chain has higher gold content, chances are this item's rhodium plating will compensate for its softness. This means a white gold chain’s surface is a bit harder than that of a similar yellow gold piece.

As mentioned, a white gold chain with no gold purity is also made of other metals such as nickel. Nickel is sometimes used in white gold jewelry. Some people are allergic to this metal, but fortunately, the rhodium plating of your chain will protect your skin. However, you should still be careful. If the plating wears off and the exposed white gold alloy touches your skin, you might end up with a rash. Better yet, just look for a white gold chain that is certified nickel-free.

You might also be wondering if a white gold chain is solid or hollow. Well, a white gold chain is usually hollow, which is why it is remarkably light and cheap. Since it isn’t a solid piece, please be advised that a white gold chain is also easier to damage. You could dent or even break a hollow chain if you're not careful with it. So if you buy one, you should take very good care of it every time you put it on. Now, if durability is an issue, you should get a more solid white gold chain instead.

Finally, there is a wide array of white gold chains you can choose from. White gold chains have different designs such as the anchor chain, box chain, curb chain, Figaro chain, mariner chain, and the rope chain. They are said to be flexible and not easy to break. 

Other designs include the herringbone chain, omega chain, and snake chain. However, they are more likely to twist and are prone to kinking and catching on your clothes or hair.

If you’re looking for a pawn shop to sell your jewelry in Bronx, New York, East Village Buyers is where you need to go. Contact us today for more information.

We love jewelry. Who doesn’t? But after a while, certain pieces can break and might need to be repaired. That said, most people don’t know that repairing your jewelry may actually cause them more harm than good. 

Jewelry that has been repaired will be more likely to break again. That’s why some say jewelry repairs aren’t worth your money. Most jewelry repairs require soldering, which can weaken the jewelry and lessen its lifetime, especially if the piece in question is made of a weaker metal. Here’s why jewelry repairs can be problematic.

To change the size of a bracelet or ring, a jewelry repairman will have to cut up the piece. Then he’ll reattach the pieces to each other with a soldering iron The problem with that is that once your jewelry has been fixed, the place where it was soldered will become a weak spot. Putting a broken object together again won’t restore its original integrity. 

In fact, doing so will actually make it even weaker than it was before. The more times you repair a ring this way, the more likely it will be to break again, especially if the jewelry is made of a softer metal. Soldering it will cause the older part to wear thin more quickly. For example, gold or silver deteriorate at a faster pace compared to platinum jewelry.

Chains are at great risk for any damage because they are often pulled, tugged on, or yanked when they’re worn. The stress can cause their links to weaken and break. Depending on the design of your chain, some chains may be easier to break than others. Repairing them will often involve soldering if the chain link cannot be rejoined in any other way.

Like rings and chains, repair methods can vary depending on the type of necklace and the breakage. If a necklace needs to be re-linked, soldering may be needed which, as mentioned before, can make your necklace weaker. Some necklaces might just need a small part replaced, which wouldn’t be too much of a big deal. However, if the chain of your necklace is completely broken, you may need to replace it with a new one. Doing so will be a lot cheaper than soldering it many times over anyway.

If possible, what you want to do is try to steer clear of repairs in general to avoid doing more harm to your jewelry. Fortunately, there are some ways that you can avoid having to get your jewelry repaired at all. By handling your jewelry more carefully and storing them correctly, you should be able to keep your favorite wearables safe. It is also important for you to examine a piece carefully before buying. Consider the materials used to make it. Don’t settle for cheap jewelry, especially if you want the pieces you buy to last as long as possible. If you can afford to buy high-quality jewelry, do so because that will be better in the long run. Jewelry will break often, so you should invest in something that will last longer. Think about the price of a cheap ring, then consider how many times you’ll need to have it repaired for it to last.

If you’re looking for a pawn shop to sell your jewelry in Bronx, New York, East Village Buyers is where you need to go. Contact us today for more information.

If you have broken or damaged golden jewelry that is 10K and above in purity that you no longer wear, you can get much more value from it than just leaving it idle in storage. Gold items such as chains, bracelets, anklets, and earrings are better sold for cash instead of just sitting around in your home gathering dust.

In fact, now is the best opportunity to say goodbye to gold in exchange for a decent amount of money. Compared to its $300 per ounce value 25 years ago, gold is now being traded at around $1,100 per troy ounce. But if you plan to sell your scrap gold now, you should first know how to value and sell your gold in order to reap the most benefits from the increased price.

It doesn’t help to be as naive as most people who sell their scrap gold without any inkling of how much their gold is really worth. Once you understand how to determine your scrap gold’s value, you will be surprised by how much it is really worth.

Before you grab your gold, you should first check what the market price is. Be aware though that the price of your gold when scrapped and melted is different from the market price it may have when it’s solid. This applies for more intricate broken jewelry, old coins, or gold artefacts with historical provenance. It will be wise to have these items appraised by an independent evaluator before you turn these into cash.

It also helps to anticipate when gold prices will spike. Read the world news to monitor political and economic developments that are expected to drive prices up in the following weeks to come.

The published market price of gold only applies to pure or 24K gold. If the purity of your gold items is less than 24K, it will have less value than the published market price. Gather your gold items and sort them into groups of known and unknown purity & take them to an expert or to the mint for a purity evaluation. 

You may borrow an analytical balance to determine the accurate weights of your gold. By this time, you should have sorted your gold by purity. Next up is to note the weight of each purity group, then convert all weights in troy ounces. One troy ounce is exactly 31.10348 grams in metric units, you can use online converters to make this easier. What’s important is that you are aware of how much your scrap gold items weigh. 

To get an estimate of your gold’s true value, you will need to first obtain the purity factor. Remember that the market price of gold applies only for pure gold, so if you want to know your less pure gold’s value, you need to find the purity factor. To get the purity factor, divide your gold’s purity (in karats) by 24. The resulting quotient basically means “x % pure gold,” with x being “100” if your gold is 24 karats or pure. Then multiply this decimal with the weight of the group of gold’s purity and then by the market price of gold to get the true value.

At this juncture, you should also be aware that you will not receive the full true value. The gold buyer will be deducting a fee that can be up to 20 percent of the value so that they can resell it at a higher value for profit. 

If you’re looking for a pawn shop to sell your goods at in Bronx, New York, East Village Buyers is where you need to go. Contact us today for more information.

Jewelry is a piece of metal that makes a statement. Wearing a piece, whether it’s solid gold or merely gold-plated, does not only add aesthetic beauty to an individual but gives one a sense of elegance and class.

Most women hope to wear a genuine gold piece of jewelry, be it a necklace or a bracelet, to complement an outfit or enhance their overall look, particularly during special occasions. Men can uplift his status if he’s able to give this to someone he’s pursuing. In fact, he might even end up winning her heart.

For others who cannot afford the expensive gold jewelry, there’s nothing wrong with settling for gold-plated jewelry. These do not make much of a difference in terms of look if one does not know how much it cost. So how will you actually know if a piece of jewelry is genuinely gold or merely gold-plated?

Let’s start with the difference between a solid-gold and gold-plated jewelry. Solid-gold jewelry is entirely made up of gold alloy. Gold-plated jewelry, on the other hand, is basically a piece of ordinary metal that is covered with a thin film of gold. This thin film is wrapped on the outer surface of a non-gold metal to make it appear as though it is genuinely gold. Thus, it all boils down basically to the metal composition of both. 

Here are four ways to determine if the piece of jewelry is gold-plated.

Most pieces of jewelry have markings indicating if it’s gold-plated or not. The most common stamp used is a GP mark that stands for Gold-Plated. Other markings are GEP which means Gold Electroplated, RGP for Rolled Gold Plate, and HGE for Heavy Gold Electroplate. It’s a standard requirement that jewelry is indicated with markings so buyers won’t get confused. However, it does not necessarily mean that a piece of jewelry without any markings is pure gold. Be wary that it may not have been stamped.

Apart from the markings or just the look itself, the most reliable way to find out if a piece of jewelry is gold plated is through an acid test. How does this work? The jeweler will take a sample from your jewelry and apply acid to check its color change. The change in color indicates what is present on the metal sample. While acid testing is primarily used to determine the karat of solid gold jewelry, it can also be used to determine if a piece of jewelry is gold plated or not.

Magnet testing is another way to check if a piece of jewelry is gold plated or not. It is as simple as checking if the piece of jewelry gets attracted to a magnet. If it does, the piece is some sort of metal that is not gold. Pure gold is not magnetic on its own. 

However, this test is not 100 percent effective and cannot be conclusive for a number of reasons. Jewelry that attracts to a magnet may not automatically mean it’s plated. It can still be solid gold with low purity and might contain a magnetic metal.

Finally, the gold color of jewelry can be an indicator if it’s gold plated or not. This is because gold-plated jewelry is covered with 24-karat gold whereas the solid gold is made up of gold alloy. Hence, if your jewelry has an intense yellow color similar to pure gold, chances are it has just been plated with gold. Be wary of an uneven surface as it might get worn off in time, thus showing the true color and tone of metal that your jewelry is made up of.

If you’re looking for a pawn shop to sell your goods at in Bronx, New York, East Village Buyers is where you need to go. Contact us today for more information.

We all need money, and sometimes, quick cash is necessary to get through some rough times. One of the best ways that you can get some money quickly is by pawning your goods. Pawn shops aren’t picky, and they will buy just about anything with value. However, there are some things that they like more than others. That’s what we’ll be talking about today. Here is a list of a few things that you can sell to a pawn shop incredibly quickly:

Diamonds and precious gemstones are some of the most valuable objects, and there’s always a demand for them. This makes pawn shops very eager to buy them off of you because they can be sold quickly to make a profit. If you have a piece of diamond, ruby, jade, or other precious gemstones that you want to sell, bring them down to your local pawn shop. Make sure that you have some sort of evidence that validates the authenticity and history of the piece, as that will ensure that you get the best price for your precious stones.

Jewelry is another item that pawn shops will be more than willing to accept, much for the same reason as gemstones. They are easy to sell, and there’s always a demand for it. If worse comes to worst, they can pick out the gems and smelt down the materials to sell individually. Although this is not a likely scenario, it’s an option if they ever have to do it. As with diamonds and precious gemstones, make sure that you have all the evidence of authenticity, as that will have an impact on the quoted price, especially if it’s an antique piece.

Wristwatches are valuable accessories that have quite a high demand, and it’s not hard to see why a pawn shop would be eager to buy them. Like you would have to with jewelry, make sure that you have all the parts intact, and don’t forget to bring evidence of authenticity. Bootleg watches are everywhere, and pawn shops don’t want to risk buying something that may not be genuine. Therefore, you need to bring the box, serial number, documents, and everything else that can tie the watch to its manufacturer.

The best watch brands can sell for quite a hefty sum of money, even if it’s a secondhand watch, especially if it’s a limited edition or a rare discontinued model. If you have a Rolex, Omega, Hublot, or Rado sitting in your shelf, remember that they can fetch a high price at a pawn shop.

People are always looking to buy cheap second-hand tools for their projects at home, which is why power tools such as drills, bench grinders, and power saws sell so well. The top models of high-grade brands such as Bosch can sell for over a hundred dollars, which is a lot of money for a second hand power tool. Make sure you keep these tools at its peak condition, as when you’re looking to sell them, they can make you quite a bit of money.

Electronics like computers, laptops, and smart TVs can sell for quite a bit of money, depending on the model and the condition of the piece. For example, if you’re looking to sell a top-notch, custom-built PC, you can make quite a sum. On the other hand, if you’re looking to sell a generic model with little-to-no upgrades done, you will be lucky to get $100.

New smartphones come out every year, several times a year, so it’s understandable that the price for these phones will drop drastically with each new model that comes out. You shouldn’t expect to get more than $100 for a second-hand smartphone, despite its condition and year of production.

If you’re looking for a pawn shop to sell your goods at in Bronx, New York, East Village Buyers is where you need to go. Contact us today for more information.

The gold market is a lucrative place for those seeking easy money. However, the market is unpredictable, and one mistake has the potential to wipe out years of your hard-earned dough. To become a prudent gold buyer or seller, it helps to have an overview of the gold market and what factors influence its instability so that you can make the right choices at the right times. Here’s what you should keep in mind:

People usually associate central banks with printed money and stacks of gold bars stored in heavily-guarded vaults. However, it has not occurred to most of them to ask why government central banks keep gold at all. These banks can own land, resources, and factories to diversify the sources of their reserve holdings. Moreover, these assets don’t need to be kept in a vault equipped with a byzantine level of security that can cost 1% of the value of the gold that these vaults contain in a year. 

When a war breaks out globally, paper money loses its worth and gold becomes the only currency that international traders accept, especially if it would involve procuring war materials. Governments need gold to buy these essential materials to endure or win a war, so they ensure that they always have gold reserves ready for use at any time war strikes. This was why a president of South Vietnam tried to smuggle gold to Switzerland during the Vietnam War when his army was already being defeated by the North Vietnamese communists, who eventually won and reunited that country.

After World War II, the U.S. displaced the old European colonial masters as the world’s leading power when it ended up with most of the world’s gold. It had so much gold that it was able to support covert operations and proxy wars across the globe against its perceived enemies, from the communists of yesteryears to the Islamists of today. In a sense, gold is an economic instrument of any government’s military might which in turn is used to enforce that government’s set of political agenda upon its people and even the world.

Gold prices can swing at any time without notice. Therefore, the skill of getting the timing right will help you rake in handsome profits if you are a seller and get you more gold while spending less money if you are a buyer. War and severe economic crises cause gold prices to swing even more wildly, making the identification of the right time risky and difficult for buyers and sellers. Keeping yourself abreast of important developments in the world might help improve your chances of striking gold in the buy-and-sell industry.

Unlike the fish we catch and the sugar we consume, gold does not and cannot dissolve in our bowls. It can also be recycled. This is why even if gold production lags far behind than demand (mainly because of gold’s rarity in the Earth’s crust and the difficulty of mining it), the supply of gold appears as if it is not decreasing much. Around 700 tons of gold gets recycled annually. On the other hand, the amount of gold that gets lost forever is hard to determine but the amounts lost are probably negligible to make a serious dent on the world’s gold supply. In fact, gold that ends up in the landfill by way of discarded gadgets and broken jewelry which contain them can turn these landfills as the proverbial “cash in trash” when the technology for urban mining further matures for mass industrial use in the future. 

Only around 300 tons of newly-produced gold become “trapped gold” when they become used to make or are incorporated in other products. The rest of gold production are made into gold bars as well as the necklaces, rings, anklets, tiaras, brooches, or even shredded toppings for the world’s most expensive pizza (you can’t still digest the shredded gold toppings, though). All of this free gold (in contrast with “trapped gold”) is essentially available for sale when the price and timing are right. These free gold amount to $9 trillion, giving gold buyers and sellers plenty of opportunities to make a windfall.

Since time immemorial, from the Spanish colonial plunderers to today’s treasure hunters, people everywhere have been madly in love with gold. The obsession is so severe that merely speculating on the market value of gold that possibly hides beneath a yet-to-be-studied mountain deep in the thick Indonesian jungles is itself becoming a money magnet. Gold speculation can lead to a bubble. History has seen bubbles that have popped and shattered investors’ lives. Bubbles can even be blown by unscrupulous fraudsters riding on gold’s propensity to attract greedy investors as demonstrated by cases like the Bre-X scandal. Gold still remains a potential source of future bubbles.

But despite the fragility of financial speculation surrounding gold, buyers and sellers may exploit speculation to have gold prices reach digits that would be to their advantage. For those speculators, the rewards are worth the risk, and there will be always grown, greedy men who will be willing to take that risk.

Money has no inherent value even if it is made up of gold. What it does have is its ‘exchange value.’ A dollar, or any form of money for that matter, derives its exchange value from how much of it is being used as a means to exchange a commodity with actual value with another. Money’s exchange value comes from the convenience that goes along with its elimination of the need to do physical barter. 

Thus, gold becomes a hedge, or a guarantor, for the exchange value of dollars being held by banks, investors, and governments, although gold itself is not a static standard of value, with yearly production inflating its value as if it was also a currency. But if the dollar becomes a less desirable means of exchange in the world markets, those banks, investors, and governments holding dollars may demand the U.S. government to replace their paper money with gold bars. The increased demand for gold resulting from the weakening of a dollar would ratchet up gold prices. A weak dollar is a good time to sell your gold.

On the other hand, if other currencies such as the Japanese Yen, the British Pound, and the Euro are devalued by the respective central banks that issue them, these currencies become more attractive to use as a means of exchange than the dollar is since it would entail lower interest rates for those who use them. Fewer dollars will be used by businesses and governments in the world and the decreased demand for dollars will strengthen that currency. With the dollar becoming a strong currency, those who already hold dollars are less inclined to get gold. Thus, a strong dollar will mean a weak demand for gold. Weak demand means lower gold prices. What does that mean? It’s cheaper to buy gold!

Are you looking to sell your gold to help build savings? Pawn your gold in NYC & get in touch with us today! We’re happy to help.

Everyone is different when it comes to how they manage their money, including their saving and spending habits. More often than not, people spend more than what they can make without paying attention to their savings at all. This can put them in a difficult financial situation that can be hard to get out of. Some people may need to make a small loan to get themselves back on track. However, there are others who are in a much bigger mess - to the point that a single loan is not enough to solve their problems. If you don’t want to be in this situation, you need to find a way to break out of bad spending habits and promote more effective saving habits as soon as you can. Here are some tips to help you get started:

Every time you receive your paycheck, you should allocate a portion of this money to your savings account. Once you deposit the money into your account, leave it there without touching any of the amount saved. Keep doing this and notice the total amount of your savings will continue to grow significantly. This is a very effective saving habit to develop.

Similar to the first point, you should also put some money in an emergency accountl. By saving the money little by little, it can accumulate to become a big sum that you can use the amount to pay for any emergencies, such as a car repair due to an accident or a surge of power bill in the winter. This way, you don’t have to spend all of your hard-earned savings just to pay for some unexpected expenses that may incur in the future.

In order to save more money, you should be able to manage your spending habit first. Before you spend money on anything, think carefully about whether you need the item. Envision yourself living without this item in your life, and if you find that it has no effect on you, then you might want to put it back on the shelf. By adopting this habit, you will be able to cut back on your expenses.

Try to cut back on luxury, such as expensive clothing items. When it comes to superficial things, you are better off saving your money for more meaningful purchases, including property, a new car, and other things that will have an impact on your future.

You should plan your budget for each month so that you can determine which purchase is more of a priority to you. For example, your credit card debt should be taken into account before you decide whether you have the budget to go on a vacation. By factoring in the most important payments in your monthly planning, you will have some idea of the budget that you have to work with for the month.

No one wants to struggle with financial problems. Therefore, while you don’t have full control of your income, you still have, to some extent, control over your spending and saving habits. By following the tips mentioned above, your financial situation can be improved, and you are less likely to find yourself in a huge pile of debts that you can’t pay off fast enough every end of the month! 

Are you looking to sell your spare items to help build savings? Pawn your goods in NYC & get in touch with us today! We’re happy to help.

If you’re planning on selling your diamonds to a pawn shop, you may have a lot of questions in mind. One of your biggest questions probably will be: how do pawn shops price diamonds? The simple answer is that diamonds are priced based on their rarity. The size also matters; large diamonds are much rarer than smaller diamonds, which is why they’re worth a lot more.

The fact is that diamonds are much rarer than gold and silver, which puts them pretty high on the price range. To elaborate, the value of a diamond can be evaluated based on what is called the 4 C’s:

Carat: the weight of the diamond

Color: the amount of tan or yellow tones in the diamond

Clarity: the defects in the diamond that make it less clear

Cut: the manufacturing quality of the diamond when it was cut into a shape

Quality diamonds are clear, almost transparent, with no cloudiness, marks, or any defects in them. These diamonds will be priced at a high amount. However, many diamonds have a slight tan or yellow tone to them, and some have inclusions or carbon in them. Inclusions are the white marks inside the diamond, almost as if they are bubbles frozen in an ice cube. Carbon refers to tiny dark flakes or spots in your diamond. Both of these things are what make your diamond less valuable. Pawn shops will take these factors into account when estimating the value on your diamond. Now that you know the basics, let’s get more in-depth to the real question.

As mentioned, the first thing a pawn shop will do when you bring in your diamond is to determine its value. They will look at the 4 C’s to come up with the estimated price for your diamond.

Aside from their size, diamonds are valued based on their rarity. Because the larger diamonds are rarer, their prices are also much higher. Below are some guidelines for your information:

In general, your diamond could worth between a range of 100 to 600 dollars if the carat weight is more than .25, but this also depends on the color and clarity of your diamond. If your diamond is greater than 1.01 carats, however, then the price significantly increases. In fact, if your diamond is over 3 carats and the color is transparent, it could be worth anywhere between 3,000 to 10,000 dollars per carat weight! One important thing to note is that even if your diamond is the biggest size, but if the color is off or the clarity is poor, the value can easily drop in half.

For diamonds that weigh less than .25 carats, the value is much lower as they are more common. What is important here is whether the stone is full-cut. If your diamond is what is known as a “chip stone,” then the value is negligible. A chip stone is typically collected when a bigger and higher quality diamond is being cut and formed into a piece of jewelry. In other words, a chip stone is merely a leftover of a bigger stone. This kind of diamond has little to no value in the second-hand market.

Whether you are planning to sell your diamond or get a loan from a pawn shop, they will have to evaluate the value of your diamond based on how much they think they can sell it for. This is very important to them because should you forfeit the loan, they will have to find a buyer to sell your item to in order to recover their losses.

Are you looking to sell your spare items? Get in touch with us today! We’re happy to help.

Pawn shops have taken up an important place in modern society. They can be a source of quick short-term loans during times of emergency. Some people look for high-end goods for rock-bottom prices in pawn shops. However, when you visit a pawn shop, you need to know the things you should and shouldn’t do. Firstly, it is imperative that you stay clean and you present yourself properly. You should not shout at the pawnbroker while they are providing you with a loan. It is quite easy to get the job done in most pawn shops. Most pawn shops would be happy to help you out with whatever you may require, be it a short-term loan or finding something that you are looking for. However, there are some mistakes that a lot of pawn shop customers make. These are some of the mistakes that one must avoid:

Making mistake at a pawn shop can be very costly. Therefore, you need to avoid making one in the first place. A lot of people walk into a pawn shop thinking they can negotiate easily. Often a part of it is because of the TV shows that show how much they can negotiate. Another part of this is because the reputation of pawn shops make people think that they can go far to work out a deal.

Before taking a gold loan or before buying gold, one should know how the gold market works. Knowing the approximate amount you will be getting will help you figure out whether or not you are being offered a fair price.

Whatever the case may be, it is unwise to go into a pawn shop and say what you know right into the owner’s face. Chances are you will be laughed at and asked to leave the store immediately. 

There is a certain amount at which pawn shops are comfortable in buying gold. They also have a different selling amount. The amount is determined by the gold market and is something that they cannot control. So if you want to sell something at an outrageous price, the pawn shop may not purchase it at all. The reason is simply that you are not offering a price that is reasonable compared to the present gold market. The same problem happens when you want to buy gold at a price so low that the pawnbroker will not even take you as a serious customer. He or she will directly reject you without any considerations.

Pawn shops are based on buying and selling. They buy things at low prices which they think they can sell in the future at a higher price. So if you think that you can negotiate and sell something at a significantly higher rate, you will be disappointed. The pawnbroker can move slightly higher than the initial offer, but there may not be any significant difference. They are well aware of prices and deal with products similar to that of yours every day.

There is no point in impressing them with features. In fact, you may end up annoying them and making them stick to a lower price. The issue is the same when buying something at a lower price. What you really need to do is to make a reasonable offer that will allow further negotiation.

Are you looking to sell you spare items? Get in touch with us today! We’re happy to help.

Before you can even set a price for your merchandise, you need to understand what you are trying to sell. Is it particularly difficult to find? Are there only a few pairs in the world? What colors are available? What size are they? Who designed them? These are all things that will impact the value of the shoe.

The simple economical concept of supply and demand controls the value of your shoe. If there isn’t much demand, the resale value will be pretty low. If your sneakers are particularly hard to find and people are dying to get their hands on it, demand is high and thus resale price will be, too. Make sure you ensure you don’t overvalue or undervalue your shoes by studying the market.

People are concerned about the cleanliness of used shoes. It can significantly impact their market value. A dirty, scuffed up pair won’t be nearly as attractive as a clean one that looks like new. Give your shoes some loving and clean them up. Some materials may require different types of cleaning, so make sure you do some research on the best way to clean them.

People are highly influenced by what they see. If your pictures are of poor quality, people won’t be as likely to purchase your shoe. Take high quality pictures at different angles - the shoes from the top, sides, and bottom angles, and even the box and tags. Describe it well and point out any scuffs or defects. Keep it as professional as possible - don’t post a shot of them on your feet or holding it up in your hands. These small things could get you a higher resale price.

If you’ve gotten your hands on a newly-released pair, wait a bit before reselling them. There are lots of people you will be competing with. Instead, give it some time. After all the shoes of the same size are sold out on other resale sites, start to promote yours. You are more likely to get a higher resale price than you would have earlier. Popular shoes are definitely great for resale, but even if you haven’t got any, normal sneakers can earn you quite a bit as well.

Great salespeople are those who are passionate about what they are selling. To get the most out of your sneakers, you need to get involved. Follow other people who are passionate about sneakers and stay on top of trends. Upload photos, OOTDs, and other things about your own sneakers so people know that you’re passionate. You want to build a reputation of a sneakerhead, not some reseller that only cares about profit. People are much more willing to trust those that are passionate about the same things they are - in this case, sneakers.

As you learn more about the history of sneakers and of each classic design, you will find yourself with a heightened admiration and respect for the progression of sneaker culture and those who enthuse in it.

If you want to start building your own sneaker collection, here are a few classics that you should definitely include:

Anyone would recognize this shoe. It has an iconic design - white leather uppers, rubber insole, and green Adidas tab. Though many recognize it as the 1971 Stan Smith, it was actually originally released in 1963 in honor of Robert Haillet, a French tennis player. Later on, it was popularized when it was rebranded as the Stan Smith.

This sneaker is extremely popular, sported by people from David Beckham to the girl down the block. In 1998, the Stan Smith earned a place in the Guinness Book of World Records after 22 million pairs were sold. By 2016, the number had rocketed to 50 million. 

Though the history of this sneaker is fascinating, you don’t need to know all of the details to appreciate it. It can be appreciated simply as a beautiful sneaker that can be paired with a myriad of outfits. Trendsetters and anyone in the general public can agree that the shoe is a real classic. If you are worried about not being able to style sneakers, fear not - this one goes with everything.

The Nike Air Max 1 was introduced over 30 years ago. Tinker Hatfield, the designer, drew inspiration from the Centres George Pompidou in Paris. This complex building takes elements that are usually on the inside of a building and puts them outside. In the same way, Hatfield made the Air Max cushioning a major visual element. This element stayed constant in all the other Air Max renditions that came later.

Besides looking dope, the Air Max is also incredibly comfortable. The red-and-white classic is sure to draw eyes. This sneaker played a major part in bringing Nike to where it is today and making it one of the most recognized shoe brands in the world. 

Flyknit technology took more than ten years to develop, but finally in 2012, the Flyknit Racer was released. There were several other editions of the Flyknit released later on, but the Racer is still probably the most well-known. In the same year as it was released, the shoe was listed by the Time magazine as one of the best inventions in the world, along with inventions such as Google Glass.

This sneaker is available in a variety of colors, from “Oreo” to “Multicolor.” Beyond the aesthetic quality, however, the Flyknit is well-loved for its performance qualities. One of the reasons it was developed in the beginning was because many runners longed for a shoe that was like a sock - something they could run in to great effect without being distracted. The Racer met those needs perfectly. Trendsetters and Olympians alike can agree on one thing - Flyknit technology is truly something incredible.

Between your mom’s scoldings that you really shouldn’t have bought so many and your non-sneakerhead best friend’s suggestion to throw some away, you may be wondering if you should get rid of just a few. Why throw out pieces of your prized collection when you could simply organize it? 

If you’re looking for a better way to keep track of your sneaker collection, you’ve come to the right place. Here are some tips on organizing them:

Getting your hands on a pair of retro Air Jordans is the easy part. It takes a lot more time to figure out how to keep track of all of them. There won’t be one method that works for everyone. Some people choose to wear their sneakers, while some choose to keep them safe and sound in their cases. Some have to make their collections fit in small apartments, while others have a designated sneaker room in their house. Rather than follow a method that won’t work for you, find one that suits your needs in terms of both usage and space.

Don’t bother putting the dirty generic pair of Converse you wear every day up on the shelf. It will always look worn, dirty, and stained next to your prized rare finds. Separate your everyday shoes from the ones that hold a special place in your heart. Give them both their own homes.

You don’t want your prized shoes to be lost somewhere in a messy sneaker pile, do you? Give vertical storage a try. Not only will this save you floor space, but you’ll be able to admire them more easily, too. If you’re clenching your teeth at how much you think it’ll cost, at least do some research and look at your options - it probably doesn’t cost as much as you think it does.

You may love it when a pair of sneakers arrives in a well-worn box, particularly if it houses a vintage pair that you have been looking for. If you really want them to last, however, take them out of those boxes and put them in storage containers. These will ensure that they are protected from dust, moisture, or any other number of things that they are vulnerable to in a normal box.

You may not like the idea of putting your favorite pair into a Zip-Loc bag like leftover Thanksgiving turkey. If you want to slow down the yellowing of the soles, however, you may want to give it a try. The oxygen in the air oxidizes the material, making them dingy over time. You can slow this down by keeping the air out. 

That being said, it isn’t good to permanently store them in plastic bags, either. Open them up and allow them to air out every few months so that the chemicals in the plastic don’t damage the shoe.

Though this method may result in a less aesthetic sneaker display, it’s a great way to increase the lifespan of your shoe and keep it in good quality. If you’re looking to keep a pair until it becomes a collector’s item, it really can’t hurt.

Most sneakerheads don’t just have three or four pairs of sneakers. It’s more common to have tens, hundreds, even thousands. Most people don’t understand this. You’ve only got two feet. How many shoes do you really need? Not to mention the space that you’ll need to store them. Well see, a lot of sneakerheads have entire rooms or areas dedicated to their collection. If they aren’t quite there yet, it’s probably a future goal. 

Ever seen those people camping out on the sidewalk to get their hands on the new iPhone? Yeah, we wouldn’t do that for a phone. But we’d do it for sneakers. Sometimes it isn’t just a night, either. It could be several days. All we need is a sleeping bag and some snacks. The reward of a special pair of shoes is worth it to us.

Some people name their cars. Some name their guitars. Us? We name our shoes. It may be a perfectly non-cringey name, or it may be an extraordinarily nerdy one that would be painful to explain. We know the exact model and the exact year that shoe was released, of course, but we’re still going to address each pair endearingly because God knows how much effort we went through to get them.

A $4 boba tea may seem expensive to a sneakerhead, but a $1000 vintage Air Jordan may seem like an absolute steal. Honestly, we probably aren’t going to wear them. Why would we want to get them cracked or dirty? No, no. These are for showcasing. You may think it’s crazy, and trust us, sometimes we think so too. That’s not going to stop us from frequently checking the resellers, though.

Yes, that includes our wedding. Mom may be slightly irate about it, but it isn’t her life. Consider yourself lucky if you’re getting hitched with someone who loves and even appreciates your secrets, quirks, and most of all, your sneaker obsession. Let’s be real - who’s even going to remember you wore sneakers on your big night? It’s your night - you do you.

When it comes to functionality, style is the last thing you should think about. However, the fact is this is going to be one of the major deciding factors for you. That also means that if you choose based on this factor and this factor only, you may very well end up with an ill-fitting pair that will look incredible but won’t help your game. Consider style, but don’t let the bright advertisements, endorsements, and incredible look be the only reason you buy the shoe.

This is definitely an important one. You want a shoe that lasts, not something that wears out within a few wears. The era of the lightweight shoe is here, and it is because of this reason that you may find it a little hard to find something sturdy and durable. However, it’s possible, and the following factor will help you determine whether a shoe will last or not.

The biggest thing that impacts a shoe’s durability is its materials. A plastic-based synthetic will probably last a lot longer and take a lot more damage, but raw materials will give you that comfortable, luxe feeling. There are lots of material options out there, so the choice is yours.

The fit of the shoe is another major consideration. The more recent sneakers are often made to be narrow, which can work for someone with average or narrow feet, but won’t be comfortable for anyone with wider feet. This is where those plastic-based synthetics can become a world of hurt. Sometimes you can solve the problem by just going up a size, but that may affect the rest of your fit. If you’ve got wider feet, you may want to opt for a raw material, as it will have more give in the sides and stretch to fit your feet in time.

It isn’t that difficult to find a sneaker that will help you get some traction, but a sneaker that will let you play on a range of different surfaces may be more challenging. Many performance models were built with formal basketball courts in mind, but back in the day, basketball shoes were made to work in a bunch of different places. Take some time to assess the outsole’s thickness, softness, and pattern before you make your decision. Soft rubber usually means that the shoe is meant for indoor use, but reinforced or strong rubber can work on concrete and other surfaces.

The last and equally as important consideration you should keep in mind as you look for a basketball shoe is the cushions. Most basketball shoes in the market have integrated modern technology in one way or another, and there are quite a few choices of different cushions. We recommend either foam cushions or air-based cushions.

What makes these two different is responsiveness. Air-based cushions typically give a little bit of your energy back. Foam cushions may be just as responsive in the beginning, but they will not retain that bounce.

It really depends how often you get a new pair. If you are investing in a pair to use for a year or more, opt for air-cushions. If you cop a new pair every few months, a foam cushion will do just fine.

When it comes to shoes, consumer preferences and tastes have evolved to settle on one theme: comfort. This means that sneakers are becoming increasingly popular, and styles that we thought were laughable soon became significant trends. What sneaker trends will be settling in this fall? New-age sneakers, that’s what.

Let’s take a look at a few new-age sneaker trends so you can figure out which sneaker you should bring in to spice up your wardrobe this fall!

This coming season, trendsetters want people to know exactly which designer made their shoe. All you’ve got to do is take one glance at the large logos splashed across the leather, the laces, or even the soles.

This isn’t a new trend. Rather, it is reemerging. This sneaker is comfortable and easy to wear. It molds seamlessly to your feet and can be paired with a surprising number of outfits, be it tailored garments or slouchy sweatpants. You can’t go wrong!

Laceless sneakers are not quite sock sneakers. Rather, they can be compared to really luxurious slip-ons. Thanks to technology and the fact that we’re honestly still watch Back to the Future at least once every year, laceless sneaks are becoming a hit. Everyone from local designers to high-fashion brands are coming up with new laceless sneakers this season.

Are you the person who wears sneakers with literally everything? This trend’s for you. Versatile sneakers are there whether you’re running errands around town in workout gear or heading out for drinks in a little black dress. Comfort over everything, right?

If you’ve been waiting for the glitzy glamour trend to come back, you’re in luck! It’s finally here! Get these classically styled sneakers with some embellishments to add a bit of personality to your outfits.