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.