Topaz - November Birthstone of Month

Topaz is translucent and ranges in color but is best known for its yellowish, orange or golden color. Precious topaz, also known as Orange topaz is the traditional birthstone of November. Topaz is the symbol of friendship, and the state of Utah’s official gemstone.

Here at Gems N’ Loans we take our gems seriously and Topaz is no exception! Throughout the month of November we are offering 50% off the Stone of the Month, some exclusions may apply. Come in today and take a look at our selection

Opal - October Birthstone of Month

Opal is adapted from the Roman term opalus. Opal is the national gemstone of Australia, which produce 97% of the world’s supply. In the Middle Ages, opal was considered a stone that could provide great luck. It is the birthstone for people born in October.

The internal structure of precious opal makes it diffract light; depending on the conditions in which it formed, it can take on many colors. Precious opal ranges from clear through white, gray, red, orange, yellow, green, blue, magenta, rose, pink, slate, olive, brown, and black. Of these hues, the reds against black are the most rare, whereas white and greens are the most common. It varies in optical density from opaque to semitransparent.

Here at Gems N’ Loans we take our gems seriously and Opal is no exception! Throughout the month of October we are offering 50% off the Stone of the Month, some exclusions may apply. Come in today and take a look at our selection

Pawnshops 101: MYTH vs. FACT

Here at Gems N' Loans we want to clear up some of the myths people have about Pawn shops. Pawn shops have been utilized by many different cultures all around the world throughout history, yet a lot of people do not know as much about pawnshops as they should. If you have never visited a pawn shop because of all the misconceptions you may have heard, we want to clarify some of the most common pawn shop myths:

MYTH: Pawning items can be complicated.
FACT: Gems N' Loans makes the process simple and convenient. Our friendly and educated staff can answer any of your pawn-related questions.

MYTH: Pawn Shops don’t offer good loans.
FACT: Gems N' Loans always work with our customers to provide the best loans possible for all quality items. Come see what we can do for you today!

MYTH: Pawn Shops only offer stolen goods.
FACT: Gems N' Loans work closely with local law enforcement to ensure that no inventory items are stolen.

MYTH: Pawn Shops Keep Most Items That Are Pawned.
FACT: Gems N' Loans will never sell your pawned item before you pay back your loan. We want to give you more than enough time to pay off your debt.

Have you heard any other myths about pawn shops? Find out the truth by contacting the experts here at Gems N' Loans. You can check out our website at www.gemsnloans.com or call us at any of our six locations.

Ever wondered what the three spheres outside a pawnshop symbolize?

The three sphere is a symbol attributed to the Medici family of Florence, Italy and owing to its symbolic meaning of Lombard.
Pawn shop banking originated under the name of Lombard banking and refers to the Italian province of Lombardy. The House of Lombard was a banking family in medieval London, England and this is what medieval Lombard merchants hung in front of their houses. Since the Medicis were so successful in the financial, banking, and moneylending industries, other families also adopted the symbol. The pawnbrokers’ symbol is three spheres suspended from a bar and it has been said that the golden spheres were originally three flat gold coins laid upon a sable field, but that they were converted into spheres to better attract attention. The three sphere symbol has also been attributed to the story of Nicholas giving a poor man’s three daughters each a bag of gold so they could get married. Saint Nicholas is the patron saint of pawnbrokers.

Sapphire - September Stone of Month

Sapphires are often associated with loyalty, dignity and are a favorite gemstone for royalty. They are also a symbol of truth, sincerity, and faithfulness. That’s why it also makes a meaningful engagement ring. Maybe that’s why Prince Charles chose a sapphire engagement ring for Princess Diana.

Blue is the most popular, but they can be almost any color. Sapphire is the birthstone for September and belongs to the family of minerals known as corundum. They are traditional gifts for the 5th and 45th wedding anniversaries.

The ancient Persians have an interesting legend about Sapphires. They thought that the Earth was settled on a giant sapphire and the sky reflects its color. Ancient Persians and Catholic Church considered Sapphire to be a holy stone and believed that blue color of sapphire represents heaven.

Here at Gems N’ Loans we take our gems seriously and Sapphire is no exception! Throughout the month of September we are offering 50% off the Stone of the Month, some exclusions may apply. Come in today and take a look at our selection. 

Sixteen Awesome Things About Being A Pawnbroker!

Customers count on Gems N’ Loans and Gems N’ Loans counts on you! Begin an exciting career in the pawn industry. Gems N’ Loans is committed to equal opportunity. We welcome your interest in our employment opportunities. Join the Gems N' Loans team, a happy place and positive atmosphere with a future! Apply today: http://gemsnloans.com/join-team/

1 Seeing really cool stuff around you all day long.
 
2 Never knowing what will walk through those doors at any minute.
 
3 Hearing the stories; oh the stories!
 
4 Being able to hold tens of thousands of dollars worth of diamonds in your hand.
 
5 Knowing that you are one sale away from an awesome day as long as the door is open.
 
6 Getting to be the first to see all the latest gadgets.
 
7 Hearing great gossip.
 
8 Never having a dull moment.
 
9 Feeling the trust people place in you.

10 Helping educate your customers.

11 Making someone’s day by stretching that pawn just another ten dollars.
 
12 Running into people you know (usually customers) on the street, in a restaurant,  while shopping, while pumping gas-all over town!
 
13 Thinking of all the folks that squeal with delight opening gifts that came from your store.
 
14 Helping young men pick out engagement rings when they are so terrified they can barely speak.
 
15 Getting wedding invitations, wedding pictures and thank you notes from your customers.
 
16 Working in one of the greatest professions ever invented and getting paid to do it.

Peridot - August Stone of Month

A new month brings a new Stone of the Month. The Stone of the Month for August is Peridot. Peridot is the official birthstone for the month of August. Legend says that peridot was one of the favorite gemstones of Cleopatra. The advantages of peridot are to attract love and calm anger while also soothing nerves and dispelling negative emotions.

Here at Gems N’ Loans we take our gems seriously and peridot is no exception! Throughout the month of August we are offering 50% off the Stone of the Month, some exclusions may apply. Come in today and take a look at our selection.

What is The Pawnshop?

In the most simplistic terms, a Pawn Shop is a business that engages in collateral-based lending. Given this, it also sells items that have been left by borrowers and most Pawn Shops buy items outright for sale. The practice of collateral-based lending has been around since ancient times, but became a popular enterprise in Italy in the Middle Ages. In the beginning, pawning was practiced as an act of charity by the Franciscan Monks who lent money on tangible goods without charging interest. It has been reported that this enterprise was picked up on by the famous Italian banking family, the Medici's who then turned it into a for-profit business.

Pawn Shops have grown by leaps and bounds in the United States - especially in the last 5 years. We are very familiar with the famous Pawn Shop in Las Vegas depicted in the hit reality television show Pawn Stars. A Pawn Shop in Georgia is credited with the beginning one of the first online pawn shops and a Pawn Shop in Los Angeles recently helped police nab a burglary suspect by following the trail of stolen goods. And, if you're looking for a Pawn Shop in Florida you don't need to look far as the latest consensus shows Dade County Florida having more pawn shops than any other country due to the flailing economy. Pawn Shops are a fixture of the American business landscape and will surely continue to grow be so for centuries to come.

Ruby - July Stone of the Month

A new month brings a new Stone of the Month. The Stone of the Month for July is Ruby. Ruby is considered one of the four precious stones and is a red variety of the mineral Corundum. Its name comes from ruber, Latin for red. Ruby is the birthstone for July and also a traditional gift for those celebrating 15th or 40th anniversaries.

Here at Gems N’ Loans we take our gems seriously and Ruby is no exception! Throughout the month of June we are offering 50% off the Stone of the Month, some exclusions may apply. Come in today and take a look at our selection.

Pearl - June Stone of the Month

A new month brings a new Stone of the Month. The Stone of the Month for June is Pearl. From the courts of ancient emperors, to the royalty and celebrities of today, pearls have been adored as a sign of wealth and exquisite taste. Pearls are unique as they are the only gems from living sea creatures and require no polishing to reveal their natural beauty. 

The ideal pearl is perfectly round and smooth but many other shapes of pearls occur. To offer pearls to a loved one is to present her with the very finest of nature’s gifts. It is, quite simply, ‘The Queen of Gems’ – nothing else can come close. Forever elegant, forever in the highest fashion circles. 

Here at Gems N’ Loans we take our gems seriously and Pearl is no exception! Throughout the month of June we are offering 50% off the Stone of the Month, some exclusions may apply. Come in today and take a look at our selection.

Emerald - May Stone of the Month

A new month brings a new Stone of the Month. The Stone of the Month for May is Emerald.

Emeralds are green members of the popular beryl family of minerals. They are traditionally thought to enhance the clairvoyance of their wearers. 

Legends endowed the wearer with the ability to foresee the future when emerald was placed under the tongue, as well as to reveal truth and be protected against evil spells. Emerald was once also believed to cure diseases like cholera and malaria. Wearing an emerald was believed to reveal the truth or falseness of a lover’s oath as well as make one an eloquent speaker. It also states that emerald was one of the four precious stones given by God to King Solomon. These four stones were said to have endowed the king with power over all creation. Emerald is the May birthstone and the traditional gift for the 55th wedding anniversary. 

Here at Gems N’ Loans we take our gems seriously and Emerald is no exception! Throughout the month of May we are offering 50% off the Stone of the Month, some exclusions may apply. Come in today and take a look at our selection.

Diamond - April Stone of the Month

A new month brings a new Stone of the Month. The Stone of the Month for April is Diamond.

Diamonds have four major characteristics known as, “The four C’s, carat, color, clarity & cut. Diamond is derived from the Greek word meaning: proper, unbreakable and unalterable. It is thought to be discovered in India over 6,000 years ago. 

A small number of natural diamonds fall outside of the typical white-yellow-brown color range. They can be pink, blue, purple, red, orange or any color. When they are a pleasing shade they can be extremely valuable and are given the name “fancy” diamonds. 

With a hardness of ten on the Mohs Scale, diamond is the hardest natural substance. Diamonds are so hard that the only tool that can be used to cut a diamond must be made from another diamond.

Here at Gems N’ Loans we take our gems seriously and Diamond is no exception! Throughout the month of April we are offering 40% off the Stone of the Month. Come in today and take a look at our selection.

What's Your Style?

The Tudor Rose Brooch, 1830-40

Antique (over 100 years old) 
Elaborate bodice ornaments, stomachers, chatelaines and earrings that almost reached the shoulders showcased luxury and display, which was very much the fashion style of the 18th century. Cushion and rose-cut diamonds glittered under candlelight and were mounted in silver to maximize whiteness. This insatiable demand for jewelry continued into the 19th century and prompted experimentation in design and the introduction of a variety of new styles, ranging from the austere neoclassicism of the Napoleonic era to the exuberant mid-century naturalism and later revivalist trends. Toward the end of the century, the jeweler's palette softened to the more delicate shades of fin de siècle designs. Ornate parures, or matching sets of jewelry, and hair ornaments such as tiaras with ostrich plumes were very popular in the late Victorian era (1837-1901). Large bracelet designs, often with portrait miniatures at their centers were also common. And, of course, the large expanse of cleavage afforded by the then highly fashionable evening gowns provided the perfect backdrop for elaborate necklaces. Colored stones also began to feature in fine pieces such as velvety Kashmir sapphires, grass-green demantoid garnets from the Ural mountains in Russia and precious black opals from Australia. It was common to remodel pieces into the latest designs so few original jewels predating the mid-19th century are sold at auction. Whenever these rare pieces do appear at auction, they are avidly pursued for their design and historical importance.

Art Nouveau Russian Ring, 1904

Art Nouveau 
Art Nouveau existed for a brief moment but left a lasting impact on jewelry. Pieces from this era are treasured for their original design rather than intrinsic value. Named after Siegfried Bin's (1839-1905) avant-garde Parisian shop La Maison de l'Art Nouveau, this style followed an amalgam of new design principles and innovative materials. The world of nature flowed in sinuous curves inspired by the asymmetry and economy of line of Japonism. René Lalique, the master of the genre, used exotic, fragile materials such as molded glass and enamel for aesthetic value. Designs featured dreamy flora and fauna such as lilies and lotus blossoms, serpents, swans and the female in the guise of a dragonfly. The style's free-flowing forms were a deliberate reaction to the rigidity of machine-made and mass-produced jewelry.

Pâte de Verre Pendant

Belle Epoque (1895-1914) 
Around the time of the Art Nouveau school (1895-1910), another movement of artistic refinement spread to greatly affect the creation of mainstream jewelry. Platinum, malleable yet strong, was used to create jewels of unequaled technical excellence and put the unrivaled craftsmanship of the House of Cartier at the forefront. The light-hearted start to the new century inspired lavish yet delicate jewels to complement the fashion of the hourglass silhouette and pale-colored fabrics, with diamonds and pearls reigning supreme. Flowers, bows and ribbons with a lace-like quality featured in what came to be known as 'The Garland Style'. Neck ornaments were most popular: delicate chokers with necklaces worn below, simple strands of natural pearls, lavalières (with pear-shaped drops) or négligé pendants (with two drops of unequal length).

Clear Paste Stone Earrings,1920

 Art Deco (1915-1935) 
The excesses of the Art Nouveau and Garland styles (1895-1914) gave way to the bold, simplistic stylization of Art Deco. The new woman was emancipated: sporty, active, heavily made-up and smoking in public. She left the pastels of the Belle Epoque behind for tunic dresses in bright, opulent colors inspired by Fauvist artists and Orientalism. Those vertical lines were echoed in elongated jewels—sautoirs and pendant earrings swung to the new rhythm. Bandeaus worn low on the forehead and bare arms adorned with band bracelets completed the androgynous look à la garçonne. Gemset wristwatches, cigarette cases and power compacts, the latter two considered so-called nécessaires de soirs, became pieces of jewelry decorated with inlaid hardstone, diamonds or enamel on lacquer. Abstract geometric compositions and vibrant colors matched the innovative use of colored gemstones carved as flowers and leaves in the Indian style, thus fusing East and West, form and color, in a synthesis of pure art and lasting luxury. The period also saw a major technical innovation—Van Cleef & Arpels' invisible setting allowed gemstones to be closely set together without the use of prongs, so that no metal could be seen on the surface. The 1930s saw the sublime perfection of white Art Deco, as the 'functional' approach and angularities of the machine age crystallized into stark, sober statements of inflated size and scale. Abstract and industrial shapes became almost architectural in form and highlighted white expanses of platinum, diamond and rock crystal or allowed for just one color contrast such as ruby or sapphire. Sleek geometry gradually softened into more sculptural, three-dimensional shapes displaying the beginnings of volume and movement to complement the returning curves of femininity.
  

Silver Pinwheel Brooch, 1950

Retro (1940s-1950s) 
Wartime austerity curbed the whims of fashion and taste, as materials were hard to come by. Masculine, square lines were counterbalanced with bold 'cocktail' jewels, which were striking and dramatic. Designs substituted small and sparse precious gems with large semi-precious alternatives such as aquamarines and citrines. Broad expanses of polished gold in all its colors replaced platinum. Diamonds were very rare. Jewelers revealed a fresh approach to themes of flora and fauna and created naturalistic fantasy amid the devastation of war.

Lucite Necklace, 1970

The 60s and 70s 
Miniskirts and hot pants signaled the rebellious mood of the time and the use of unconventional materials. Although classic, sumptuous jewels were still in demand, now contemporary pieces were inspired by events like the first man on the moon. Color contrasts and bright opaque materials like turquoise and coral echoed fashion, while jagged contours, such as marquise-cut diamonds and prominent claw settings, challenged the flow of traditional lines. Uncut crystals appeared in jewels in organic sprawling forms. Harry Winston and Laurence Graff set the "grand luxe" approach that concentrated on superb stones. This approach was in response to the growing interest in the quality of gemstones prompted by the introduction of diamond grading certificates in 1957. In the 1970s attention turned East. Designs of the major houses had a distinct Indian flavor. Gold was very popular, particularly the intricate designs of Buccellati. In view of an increasing demand for more casual jewels, the great jewelry houses responded with "boutique" lines, offering seasonal collections to reflect the fashionable styles, shapes and colors of the time.
  

Green Tourmaline Necklace, 1990

Contemporary 
Polished gold and sleek lines complemented 1980s power dressing epitomized by Bulgari. Colored diamonds came into high demand with concerns about quality and origin of gemstones peaking in the 1990s. Daniel Brush and JAR reached new levels of excellence in design and technique. As contemporary jewelers continued to push the limit of their craft, antique and rare designs from the past became highly desirable and more collectable.

Aquamarine - March Stone of the Month

A new month brings a new Stone of the Month. The Stone of the Month for March is Aquamarine. Aquamarine comes from the Latin word meaning Sea Water and is exceptionally hard with an outstanding glass-like luster. It is most famous for its breathtaking sea-blue colors which can range from light blue to dark blue. The more saturated the color, the higher the value, although almost all aquamarine is typically a lighter blue tone. A deeply saturated blue is the most desirable color, but it is very rare in larger specimens.

The Greeks and the Romans knew aquamarine as the sailor's gem, ensuring the safe

and prosperous passage across many stormy seas. Legend has it that aquamarines were the prized possessions of many mermaids and would thus protect sailors from the dangers of sea, including warding off sea-sickness. Medieval sages prescribed water touched by Aquamarine for a host of ills, including those affecting the eyes and lungs.

Aquamarine is a decorative gem that complements almost any skin or eye color, which makes it an all-time favorite for women all over the world. It is a popular gem, universal to wear, readily available and moderately priced, and steadily growing in popularity and demand.

The leading producer of aquamarine is Brazil, with many mines spread throughout the country. Karur, India has recently become one of the biggest suppliers of Aquamarine.

Here at Gems N' Loans we take our gems seriously and Aquamarine is no exception! Throughout the month of March we are offering 50% off the Stone of the Month. Come in today and take a look at our selection. 

Romancing the Stones!

With Valentine's just a couple days away, make your shopping easy at Gems N' Loans. We are offering 50% off heart jewelry and 40% off diamond jewelry. Come in and take advantage of this multiple savings opportunity. Some exclusions may apply, see our sales associate for more details. This sale is at all four Gems N' Loans locations, Escondido, Oceanside, Vista and Temecula.

Amethyst - February Stone of the Month

A new month brings a new Stone of the Month. The Stone of the Month for February is Amethyst.

Amethyst is the purple variety of the mineral quartz. They are associated with wisdom, spirituality and security. Amethyst is a lovely, affordable gemstone because of its widespread availability. It is also the birthstone of February.

Amethyst is found in large quantities in volcanic rocks in Brazil. It is also mined in South Korea, Austria and the United States. Gemstone jewelry featuring amethyst gemstones is valuable, but it is not expensive. Most amethyst is purple, but it can also be green. Purple amethyst gets its color from iron. When exposed to heat inside the Earth or heat-treated after it is mined, amethyst can turn yellow or green.


Amethyst jewelry was popular in Ancient Greece. The Greek word "amethystos" means "not intoxicated". It was believed that Dionysus, the god of wine, created this gemstone himself by pouring wine over white stone. Goblets were often carved from amethyst in Ancient Greece.
    
Amethysts are bold and highly saturated with color. Because it is affordable among gemstones, many styles are available. Amethysts are often set as large pendants or in cocktail rings. The beads make a lovely necklace or set of bracelets and stud earrings stand in for diamond studs when you want a punch of color. The gems can be carved, faceted or tumbled into round stones.

Saint Valentine was said to have always worn Amethyst. In the Middle Ages, if a knight presented his lady with an Amethyst, then the pair would be blessed with good fortune and earthly happiness for the rest of their lives.

Here at Gems N' Loans we take our gems seriously and Amethyst is no exception! Throughout the month of February we are offering 50% off the Stone of the Month. Come in today and take a look at our selection.

Garnets - January Stone of the Month

A new month brings a new Stone of the Month. The Stone of the Month for January is Garnet.

Garnets are adored for their dark red and brown tones and are a very good gift for a winter fashion piece. Garnets are considered to be the protective stone of travelers and when given symbolize ones love and desire for the safe return of another. The garnet is found all across the world having been discovered in Africa, Australia, India, Russia, South America and in the United States, in Arizona and Idaho. It is most commonly found in it's deep red form but does exist in other colors from yellow to orange, Rosy pinks to lime greens and violets. It's rich colors are caused by it's mixes of iron, calcium, and manganese.

There are many myths surrounding the garnet. There is a Greek myth which links the garnet to the story Persephone, the goddess of sunshine who was kidnapped by Hades, god of the underworld. Hades eventually did release Persephone, but first he offered her some pomegranate seeds, which ensured her return to him. There is also one Biblical legend is that Noah hung this gem on the ark so that it could light his way throughout the dark and stormy nights of God's wrath across the great sea. 

The Garnet tests a six point five to seven point five on Mohs scale of hardness. It may be necessity to have your Garnet Jewelry buffed every five to ten years to keep it looking at it best quality. Not all Garnet is gem quality however and much of the Garnet that is mined is used for commercial purposes. Garnet jewelry is fairly common and is the perfect gift for any January birthday.

Here at Gems N' Loans we take our gems seriously and garnet is no exception! 

5 Tips on Selling Your Gold Jewelry

The price of gold continues to rise, making your gold jewelry more and more valuable.  If you are in need of extra cash, selling your gold jewelry could be a great way of getting it. 

However, we recommend that you do your homework first, so you’ll be ready to make informed choices of how to properly sell your gold.

1. Know Your Karats 
Gold in its pure state is very soft and must be combined with other elements when creating jewelry. The term “karat” is a measure of how much gold there is in proportion to the other metals. For example, “14 karat” means that there is 14 parts gold to 10 parts other metals. When you take your gold in to sell it, be sure to keep the different karat values separated.

2. Know Your Jewelry 
All gold jewelry is not created equal. In other words, some fine jewelry is actually worth more than the gold it’s made of. If the designer is famous, for example, Cartier or Tiffany, and that name is stamped in the gold, the value of the jewelry itself increases over the value of what the gold would be if it was melted down.

3. Know the Market 
Shop around by taking your gold jewelry to several different buyers before actually handing it over. This will give you a good idea of what the market is offering, and which buyers are offering you the fairest deal. And be sure to know the market price of gold on the day you plan to sell your jewelry.

4. Know the Law 
As you can imagine, the high market value of gold these past few years has created an increase in robberies and the selling of stolen gold jewelry. To counteract this illegal activity and to protect consumers, the federal government requires that gold buyers ask to see government-issued ID of the seller. A red warning flag should go up if the buyer you are working with does not ask for your ID.

5. Know Your Buyer 
As with any money-making strategy gold buyers come in all sorts and types, from home “gold parties,” to fly-by-night outfits, to professional buyers with good BBB (Better Business Bureau) ratings. Make sure you are dealing with a reputable buyer before you actually sell your gold jewelry.

For example, at Gem ‘N Loans we pay top dollar for your gold, based on market value fluctuation. We have an A+ rating with the Better Business Bureau and have been in business for 20 years. Once you have done your homework you are ready to join the thousands of people who are cashing in on the current gold market which is at a ten-year high. Now you can sell your gold jewelry with confidence and enjoy the extra cash it will put in your pocket.