Community Chat

[colliegirls]

I have two friends who were burglarized and their jewelry was stolen. Both found some of their pieces at local pawn shops. The police also located some pieces at a pawn shop. The burglars pawn it immediately for money.

[Mistic]

On 5/8/2014 missyw1 said: My guess is they would have the gold pieces melted down for cash.

This was my 1st thought. Happened to a dear friend of mine. Small town, and it was done within about 48 hours from theft (by a relative). Sick but true.

[SharkE]

Why I insure mine. Forewarned is forearmed........

[hsawaknow]

I live in California and if you sell or pawn jewelry they take a thumb print and a photo i.d. just in case someone has reported it stolen they will know when you go to sell it.

[Kalli]

Thanks everyone! Tomorrow I'm going to check 2 places that buy gold in my town. My friend lives in the next town so she's looking there. Also will stop at the original place where her one of a kind pieces were made to see if the seller has pictures. He used to keep a picture album of the things he made.

I think there's a chance at least some of the pieces may not be melted down since they would be worth more if kept as they are since it's the labor of making them that made them cost more. (hope that makes sense)

Anyway, I appreciate your responses. I'm upset for her and just trying to help. Even if she got back just 1 piece, it would be a victory over these low life crooks.

-Kalli

[Golden_Oldie]

Over 30 yrs. ago, a group of us always attended a huge flea market. One of our group found his retirement watch at a vendor. That was before selling your precious metals was uncommon.

That same flea market is still going strong and people come long distances. Just a thought, but you might want to check it out.

[terrier3]

On 5/9/2014 hsawaknow said:

I live in California and if you sell or pawn jewelry they take a thumb print and a photo i.d. just in case someone has reported it stolen they will know when you go to sell it.

In NY State, they also must keep it on hand for a certain period of time too.

[Kalli]

On 5/10/2014 Golden_Oldie said:

Over 30 yrs. ago, a group of us always attended a huge flea market. One of our group found his retirement watch at a vendor. That was before selling your precious metals was uncommon.

That same flea market is still going strong and people come long distances. Just a thought, but you might want to check it out.

Interesting...where is it, in NY?

-Kalli

[Anniecamp]

In our area, pawn shops are required to keep merchandise they buy for at least 30 days, in case it was stolen.

I love flea markets, but there are a lot of cash sales gong on, sometimes with unsuspecting vendors buying stolen goods, and sometimes knowing, but not asking questions.

[Moonlady]

How sad. Local pawn shops and Ebay are where I'd start.