While many people head to the nearest jeweler in search of the perfect engagement ring, there are many reasons to visit a pawn shop instead. According to the team at American Trading Company of Cincinnati, OH, these stores offer a wide selection of beautiful rings at affordable prices—including styles you won’t find at a major retailer. Here, they explain why this unique shopping option is ideal when you want to pop the question.

Pawn Shops Charge Less

True love may be priceless, but diamonds are not. Retail jewelry stores often apply high markups to cover overhead like rent, utilities, and wages for a large staff. Their prices also reflect the cost of buying from major manufacturers who have their own expenses. A pawn shop can offer the same items at a fraction of the cost. Since these shops are small, independent operations, they have fewer overhead expenses. They also base their prices on the market value of the stones and metal used to make the ring, giving customers a fairer price.

Pawn Shops Offer Greater Variety

While many people believe that pawn shops only carry old-fashioned jewelry, this is simply not the case—since people sometimes resell their rings to cover unanticipated expenses, these stores offer many of the same styles currently available at retail stores. Additionally, pawn shops offer a large variety of unique styles, since their selection also includes custom, vintage, and antique pieces. Because of this, a pawn shop could be the perfect place to find a one-of-a-kind ring for your loved one.

Since 1982, American Trading Company has been Cincinnati's leading diamond buyer and seller. This pawn shop offers the best prices in the area, making the engagement ring of your dreams more affordable. With convenient locations on Galbraith Road and Harrison Avenue, the team makes it easy to shop for beautiful jewelry that celebrates your love. To find out what’s in stock, call (513) 661-3633 to reach the store on Harrison Avenue or (513) 385-6789 for the Galbraith Road location. Visit the shop’s website to learn what they look for for when they buy and sell gold and diamonds.