Do Pawn Shops Buy Moissanite? What Sellers Should Know

Moissanite, a gemstone composed of silicon carbide, is often used in jewelry due to its brilliance and durability, closely resembling a diamond. Pawn shops generally consider buying moissanite, but their approach differs significantly from how they handle diamonds. While they might offer cash for moissanite, sellers should anticipate a lower valuation compared to what they might receive for a diamond of similar size and appearance.

Pawn Shop Considerations for Moissanite

Pawn shops operate on a business model centered around quick resale and established market liquidity, dealing in items with a clear and predictable resale market. Moissanite, as a relatively newer gemstone, presents unique considerations due to its evolving market presence, less standardized resale values, and varying consumer demand. Pawn shops also require specialized testing to identify moissanite and distinguish it from other simulants. Consequently, offers are typically a fraction of an item’s resale value, often 25% to 60% for jewelry, to cover costs and mitigate risk.

Factors Influencing Offers

Several characteristics influence a pawn shop’s offer for moissanite. The size, or carat weight, is a primary factor, with larger stones generally holding more value, though moissanite’s price per carat does not increase as steeply as diamonds. Quality, assessed by color, clarity, and cut, also plays a significant role. Colorless (D-F range) and near-colorless (G-H range) moissanite, along with stones exhibiting excellent clarity (e.g., VS1-VS2 or higher with no visible inclusions) and a well-executed cut, are more desirable.

The setting also significantly impacts the offer. Pawn shops evaluate the metal type and purity, such as 14K or 18K gold and platinum, for their intrinsic scrap value. Any accompanying side stones, even small diamonds, can add to the perceived value. Official certification from reputable manufacturers like Charles & Colvard, or a Gemological Research America (GRA) certificate, can lend credibility to the moissanite’s authenticity and quality, potentially leading to a better offer. While GRA certificates detail aspects like carat weight, color, clarity, and cut, they are often considered vendor-specific rather than independent laboratory grading.

The Pawn Shop Assessment Process

When a customer brings moissanite to a pawn shop, assessment begins with a visual inspection for condition, including any chips, scratches, or loose stones. Pawn shops use specific testing tools to accurately identify moissanite. While standard diamond testers that measure thermal conductivity might react similarly, specialized moissanite testers or multi-testers differentiate them, often by measuring electrical conductivity. For example, some multi-testers show a blue light for diamonds and a green light for moissanite.

The stone’s carat weight is determined using precise scales, and its dimensions may be measured. If the moissanite is part of jewelry, the metal setting is also evaluated. This often involves testing the metal for purity, such as using acid tests for gold content, and weighing it separately to determine its scrap value.

Other Selling Avenues

Beyond pawn shops, several other avenues exist for selling moissanite. Online marketplaces, including specialized jewelry resale sites or general auction platforms, can often yield higher returns. However, these platforms require more effort for photography, listing, and buyer communication. Transaction fees on online marketplaces can range from 5% to 25% of the final sale price.

Selling on consignment through local jewelers is another option. Jewelers may sell pieces on the owner’s behalf, typically taking 20% to 40% of the sale. This method may take longer but can result in a better price than a direct pawn shop sale. Direct sales to individuals, through local classifieds or online groups, eliminate third-party fees but require the seller to manage pricing, marketing, and secure exchange.