Here at Central Mega Pawn, we’ve been witness to the smartphone revolution from the very beginning. As such, we consider ourselves experts in buying or making loans against the value of all kinds of smartphones, from Androids to the ubiquitous iPhone. If you’re looking to sell your smartphone for top dollar for quick cash, or if you need a quick loan that won’t put your credit score at risk, keep reading to learn more about how Central Mega Pawn can help you.

First, the good news

The good news is that there is always a market for smartphones in good shape. Used smartphones are bought and sold every day in high numbers because recent models are dependable and longer-lasting than ever before. This means that the active market for smartphones of all brands continues a little longer than in past years. Plus, the majority of people today rely on their smartphones to stay in touch, to get around their city, and for entertainment.

Now the bad news

The bad news is that, because new smartphones are released every year, models quickly go obsolete. Some models are no longer updated, or consumers simply aren’t interested in particular models after a while. So, before you bring us your smartphone to sell or to obtain a pawn loan, consider how old the model is.

At Central Mega Pawn, it is our policy always to do our best to help our customers. However, as is the case with ever-changing technology, sometimes we just can’t take an item because it would be too difficult to resell if necessary. As an industry rule, it is entirely up to an individual pawnshop to decide if they will buy or make a loan against the value of a smartphone, and we are not different in this regard. It would be smart to give us a call ahead of your visit to see what demand in our shop is like before you go to the effort of preparing your smartphone for sale or for pawning.

Central Mega Pawn buys and makes loans against more than iPhones!

It’s true – the iPhone is not the only game in town when it comes to cool, high-quality smartphones. Central Mega Pawn deals with every brand of cell phone available today. If you have any of the following, we can help you:

• Samsung
• Google
• Sony
• LG
• HTC
• Blackberry

Why Central Mega Pawn is the right choice, whether you are selling or pawning

Many times, when people need quick cash, they opt to sell their smartphone online, through an app, or via sites like Craigslist. But, there is a better way that will save you time, effort, and the headache of haggling, all while getting you the highest offer for your phone: your local pawnshop.

And if your local pawnshop happens to be Central Mega Pawn, you’re in luck – we are renowned for our customer service and are proud to serve our community.

As a bonus, selling or pawning your smartphone is also good for the environment, as it keeps toxic batteries and other components of most smartphones out of landfills and gives them new life.

Lastly, if you decide to pawn, you will get your smartphone back after you repay your loan.

How to sell us your iPhone or other smartphones

So you’ve double-checked that your model of smartphone or iPhone is relatively current. Here are your next steps. And even if you are familiar with how pawnshops work, smartphones are a slightly different matter, and not as straightforward as one might expect.

1. Become an expert on your phone

The more knowledgeable you are about your phone, the better your position will be when it comes time to research what you can expect.

• Find out the precise model of your phone. Especially in recent years, new models are only slightly different than their predecessors in name. For example, do you have an iPhone X or the X Max?
• Know your phone’s carrier is. Depending on which carrier is dominant in your region, phones on particular carriers might demand a higher price. (more on that in a minute)
• Know the limit of your phone’s memory. The more memory your phone has, the higher your offer will be. On many smartphones, this is etched into the case, or easily found in your “settings” menu.

2. Back up & wipe your data

Surprisingly, many people forget this vital step. Or, they think that simply deleting files or sending them to the Cloud will keep their information safe. To ensure that you get your data off your phone before selling or pawning, be sure to back up your data to your computer or external hard drive. The best way to back up your data may vary depending on the brand and model of your phone, so be sure to conduct a google search for proper instructions.

After you’ve secured your information, disable location features such as “find my iPhone” or “find my device,” then wipe your data from your phone’s memory by performing a factory reset.

3. Unlock Your Cell Phone

An unlocked phone means that it can be used with any carrier, which means that you might be able to expect a higher offer. Contact your carrier to request that your phone be unlocked before you bring your phone in to us.

4. Gather any original components and do your homework

The more complete a package you can bring us, the higher offer we may be able to make. That means, boxes, manuals, chargers, or any cables that originally came with your phone. Next, look at what your exact model of phone is going for on auction sites or person-to-person sales apps. That will give you a frame of reference for how much people are paying for your type of phone and will help set reasonable expectations.

5. Visit us!

Bring us your clean, researched phone with as many peripherals as you were able to find, and we will do our best to offer you top dollar in sale or pawn value. Don’t be afraid to negotiate, and be sure to shop around before making your final decision.

If you have any questions about selling or pawning your iPhone or other smartphones, please reach out to us today. We are here to help you.

It’s true! At Central Mega Pawn, we are always looking for unique ways to serve our community, and to go above and beyond our customer’s expectations. To that end, we are proud to offer custom jewelry services. Jewelry is the perfect medium to do everything from expressing yourself to proposing marriage. In this day and age, where mass-production has resulted in everything looking alike, having a custom piece of jewelry made is a way for you to stand out subtly and tastefully.

Although all pawn shops buy, sell and pawn jewelry, very few offer custom jewelry service or even ring sizing. We are proud to provide this service to our community and to make custom jewelry affordable and convenient for everyone. Our talented and experienced in-house jeweler can do everything from custom fitting an engagement ring to working with you to create your dream piece.

What are some benefits of custom jewelry?

A high-quality piece of jewelry is great to have, but a custom piece can carry significant meaning. Here are some benefits of having a hand in designing and creating custom jewelry with Central Mega Pawn’s in-house jeweler:

• Sentiment – Custom jewelry has immense emotional value, primarily when the item is meant as an engagement ring or another special gift. If you are giving a custom piece, you can incorporate design elements that are specific to you and your relationship. Giving someone a piece of jewelry that they know was created just for them will instantly make the item something to treasure for a lifetime.
• Control – If you’ve looked everywhere but can’t seem to find the perfect piece, custom jewelry is the answer. Our jeweler will work with you to design the exact piece you want. No more scouring the web or dealing with ridiculous retail store mark up.
• Creativity – Working with our jeweler to create a custom piece is truly an exciting experience. You can design something that is not only meaningful to you, but that is one-of-a-kind. Or, if you’d prefer to incorporate design elements from multiple styles of jewelry, we can do that as well. Your limit is your imagination.

What you should know about custom jewelry

While the idea of designing a perfect piece of jewelry is undeniably exciting, there are essential factors to consider, regardless of if you decide to use our talented in-house jeweler. Here are some things you should know about the process before you get started dreaming of your custom piece.

Always work with a professional

Anytime you are considering having a piece of custom jewelry designed and created, be sure that you are dealing with an expert. Some jewelers have minimal capabilities but still, promise to deliver unique pieces. Don’t be afraid to ask questions or to keep searching for the right jeweler. Regardless of the type of jewelry you are having made, you want it to be the best it can be. Our in-house jeweler will be happy to answer any questions that you might have about their experience, qualifications, and past work.

Keep the benefits in mind

Designing your custom piece and translating it to your jeweler can sometimes be a frustrating experience. It can be challenging to describe exactly what you want, and the process may take longer than you anticipated. In addition to the benefits described above, keep the following in mind if the quest to design and create your custom jewelry becomes daunting:

• You are investing in something for you or someone you love that reflects your personality and individuality.
• Your design may need to go through a few drafts before you arrive at the perfect version.
• Your custom piece will be the only one of its kind in existence.
• The time you put into creating something like an engagement ring can be an excellent opportunity to reflect on your relationship and remember why your loved one is so special.

Realize that there are some trade-offs when it comes to custom jewelry

Although there are numerous undeniable advantages and benefits of designing and creating custom jewelry at Central Mega Pawn, there are some trade-offs that you would do well to keep in mind:

• Cost – Because our jeweler puts their time, talent, and experience into creating your custom piece, your item might be a little more expensive than an item that you’ll find ready to go in our display case. However, the cost will vary depending on the intricacy of the design and its elements.
• Time – A custom piece takes time to design, plan, and create. Some pieces can even take months. So, if the item you are creating is intended for a time-sensitive special occasion, such as a marriage proposal, graduation, or anniversary, you may need to start far in advance.
• Repeat visits – You may need to meet with our jeweler a handful of times to create, edit, and finalize the design throughout the process.
• You will not get to see or inspect the custom piece until it is finished.

How the process works

The design stage of the process varies from one jeweler to another. However, generally, a piece of custom jewelry starts with you sketching out the idea. Or, you might collect images of the design elements that you want. Then, you bring your ideas to our in-house jeweler, and they will begin working with you to perfect the design. We will go over every detail of the process with you before getting started on your custom-made article of jewelry.

Why you should visit Central Mega Pawn for your custom jewelry

Our jeweler has over twenty years of experience in repairing, sizing, designing, and creating custom made jewelry pieces. They can guide you in creating that perfect piece that will be part of you or your loved one’s collection for the rest of their lives. Not to mention, you will find your diamonds, gems, and precious metals at a fraction of retail and dealer’s prices when you source Central Mega Pawn for all your jewelry needs.

At Central Mega Pawn, we like to recognize the craftsmanship that goes into some of the fantastic jewelry that finds its way into our store. Below, we’ve tried to list who we believe to be the top ten jewelry designers of all time. Each of them possesses the elegant and timeless style and is the unmistakable trademark of the world’s most highly regarded designers. Some of them had humble beginnings, while others were born into high society. However, all of them made their mark by creating and building brands that have delighted lovers of exceptional jewelry.

1. Bulgari

Bulgari is an Italian luxury brand founded by Sotirios Bulgaris, a Greek jeweler who moved to Rome in 1881. Bulgaris’ love of his adopted country is evident today in the brand’s iconic Serpenti design, which is a collection of gem-encrusted watches and jewelry made to resemble a coiling snake.

The brand is famous for luxurious items, from jewelry and watches to hotels and fragrances. In the 20th century, Bulgari became known for the exquisite architectural metalwork in their pieces, usually featuring gold links and heavy steel.

Elizabeth Taylor’s love of Bulgari jewelry was well-known. She had an extensive collection of custom-made pieces, including a gold Serpenti bracelet that was displayed at Bulgari’s 125th-anniversary exhibition.

2. Cartier

This famous brand started as a design house founded by French jewelry designer Louis-François Cartier in 1847. By the mid-1900s, the house grew to become one of the world’s most sought-after jewelry designers, with locations fanning out all around the globe from its Parisian headquarters.

Cartier is famous for classic designs that prominently feature gemstones and precious metals. In 1914, Cartier produced the first of what would become their icon, the Panthère brooch. The brooch is the shape of a prowling panther and covered in diamonds and gems. It quickly became the symbol of the Cartier design house, and new Panthère pieces are debuted every year.

3. Chanel

Legendary designer Gabrielle “Coco” Chanel founded this luxury fashion house in the early 1900s. Her jewelry designs are the foundation for Chanel’s famous blend of masculine and feminine styles, with each piece meant to accompany the brand’s luxury and off-the-rack fashion collection.

Some of Chanel’s most iconic designs are simple but elegant, such as long strand necklaces, gemstone brooches, and architectural diamond jewelry. Chanel jewelry is also a popular red-carpet choice for actress across eras, from Marilyn Monroe to Kiera Knightly.

4. Dior

Christian Dior began as a luxury goods company before turning to jewelry design in the 1950s. Like Chanel, Dior jewelry is meant to complement their other luxury items, especially their fashion lines for women. The style of both the jewelry and the clothing usually bold and glamourous and intended to make a statement. Today, Dior is known for its collection of rose-themed jewelry, and for putting a feminine spin on masculine designs.

5. Hèrmes

Like Dior, Hermès of Paris began as a luxury goods firm before turning to jewelry design in the 1950s. However, their models are more diverse than Dior, as they produce luxury pieces in everything from leather to diamonds. Hèrmes has been the designer of choice for icons such as Grace Kelly. Today, they eschew mass production and continue to design and produce their jewelry in small workshops in France.

6. Mikimoto

Mikimoto is the only pearl jewelry company on our list. It was established in the late 1800s by Mikimoto Kokichi, who is known for creating the world’s first cultured pearl. From its first store, which opened in Tokyo in 1899, Mikimoto has made its mark in most of the world’s major cities, including London, Paris, and Bombay. It is also the first Japan-based design house to earn international fame and recognition, even providing the official jewelry for the Miss USA and Miss Universe pageants in the early 2000s. Although Mikimoto makes elaborate pieces that feature pearls, they are most renowned for their elegant and straightforward designs.

7. Piaget

Piaget is a Swiss brand founded in 1874 by Georges Piaget. The brand first made its name through luxury watch designs that featured exquisite enamelwork and gemstones. This tradition continued into their lines of jewelry as well, as they are now known for Old Hollywood style and classic rose-inspired designs. Piaget’s jewelry is often worn on the red carpet by celebrities such as Scarlett Johansson, who wore an elegant Piaget emerald choker to a recent Oscars presentation.

8. Tiffany

The iconic Tiffany brand was founded in New York City in 1897 by Charles Lewis Tiffany. In the early 20th century, Tiffany established itself as an icon of Art Deco and Art Nouveau design with its famous solitaire engagement rings. The motif of these rings is still popular today, as is the brand’s signature lock and key design, which is featured in bracelets, pendants, earrings, and brooches. An American classic, celebrities and fashion icons such as Greta Garbo and Jacqueline Kennedy have proudly sported Tiffany designs.

9. Harry Winston

Known as the “king of diamonds,” Harry Winston owned the Hope Diamond for over a decade before donating it to the Smithsonian. His legend as a diamond expert began when, at just twelve years old, he recognized a two-carat diamond in a pawn shop. He bought it for twenty-five cents, then resold it two days later for $800. He created his diamond empire by purchasing and refashioning the jewelry collection of a deceased railroad magnate into modern and fashionable designs. His work lives on today in numerous high-end shops all over the world.

10. David Yurman

Founded in 1980 by David and Sybil Yurman in New York City, David Yurman is the youngest design house on our list. Their designs are known for their sculptural and architectural features. Their pieces are meant for everyday wear as well as for formal occasions. Their trademark design is the Cable motif, which is incorporated in some way into every David Yurman collection and features wrapped silver, platinum, or gold wire. David Yurman designs are popular with modern celebrities such as Tina Fey.

You can likely find examples of many of these designers at Central Mega Pawn! Visit us today to see how we can help you add a piece of history to your jewelry collection.

If you are thinking of adding a Patek Phillipe watch to your luxury timepiece collection, congratulations – there are few more exquisite pieces to have in your possession. Unlike its competitors who spend millions per year on advertising, one of the many qualities that Patek Phillipe is famous for is the fact that they hardly advertise at all yet are one of the most sought-after brands all over the world.

However, buying a timepiece of this quality isn’t as simple as heading out to the mall. Many factors go into investing in a Patek Phillipe watch and many things you will need to know to protect yourself from fraudulent pieces or outrageous overpricing. It’s enough to deter many collectors away.

If you’re not sure where to start or are looking for how to get the most value for your investment dollar, we at Central Mega Pawn have put together this guide to help you find, purchase and care for your Patek Phillipe watch.

The history of Patek Phillipe

First, let’s talk a little bit about why the Phillipe Patek brand is so synonymous with luxury and quality. Widely considered to be the pinnacle of Swiss watchmaking, Patek Philippe is one of the oldest watch manufacturers in the world. It has a history of uninterrupted watchmaking since its inception, which is a claim that few companies can make. It speaks volumes of the dedication with which each timepiece is put together. Throughout history, Patek Phillipe watches and timepieces have been owned by such figures as Queens Victoria and Elizabeth II, John F. Kennedy, Nelson Mandela, and Marie Curie, to name a few.

Its rich legacy continues today. Patek Phillipe continues to manufacture all its components and remains independent and family-owned.

How to buy

There are a few things you should know before heading out and buying your first (or next) Patek Phillipe. Patek Phillipe currently offers about 200 different models, the majority of them for men. Most of the watches can be separated into distinct “families.” They are:

• Calatrava – elegant dress watches. If you are buying new, you may need to get on a waitlist.
• Nautilus – widely considered to be a sports watch. A Patek Phillipe watches with a simple three-hand mechanism (hour, minute, second) is commonly referred to as Nautilus watches.
• Aquanaut – inspired by the style of the Nautilus, watches in the aquanaut line are relatively new and extremely hard to find. They are made to be frequently worn and are resistant to wear, salt water, and UV radiation.
• Complicated – in watchmaking terms, the word “complicated” refers to anything a watch does that is beyond timekeeping. Complicated Patek Phillipe watches feature everything from annual calendars to world time displays.
• Grand Complication – Patek Phillipe pours all of its mastery of timekeeping into their grand complication watches. These watches are incredibly complicated and are among the world’s most valuable timepieces.

Once you know what style, or even model, of Patek Phillipe watch you want, you can begin your search.

Where to buy your next (or first) Patek Phillipe watch

Buying a Patek Phillipe watch is a complicated process. Because they are such excellent and luxurious products, you may be hard-pressed even to find a local dealer. And even then, you may need to be put on a waitlist that has no estimated time of delivery. Some dealers have also denied potential customers due to the fear that they will flip the watch for a profit.
So, unless you are willing to wait several years for the chance to buy your watch, you must look to your local jewelry and watch stores in the hopes of finding a gently used Patek Phillipe watch. However, savvy collectors and shoppers know that their local pawnshop should be at the top of their list.

Why a pawnshop?

Your local pawn shop might be the perfect place to find your Patek Phillipe watch. Unlike a local dealer, your pawnbroker will not need to put you on a waiting list to sell you your watch. Also, you will be able to buy a world-class luxury timepiece at a fraction of the cost.

When you buy from a reputable pawnshop like Central Mega Pawn, you can rest assured that you are getting a genuine article. We strive to purchase only luxury watches with all their certification and original packaging intact. We do everything we can to ensure that every item in our shop is genuine and in the best possible condition.

The selection of luxury watches in your local pawnshop is continuously changing – if you don’t find the perfect watch for your needs right away, you can always come back and see what’s new. But, perhaps the most significant advantage of buying your Patek Phillipe at your local pawnshop is that you can negotiate the price if you have done your homework, have reasonable expectations, and are willing to work to reach a deal that satisfies everyone. Just try that approach at your local luxury watch dealer!

Caring for your Patek Phillipe watch

Caring for your new Patek Phillipe watch should begin the moment that you decide to buy it. Here are some guidelines for keeping your latest addition in excellent condition:

• Ensure that it fits properly on your wrist
• Protect the watch from extreme temperature fluctuations
• Avoid exposing your watch to magnetic fields for prolonged periods
• Always return the crown and pushers to their original positions
• Do not make any adjustments to the crown or pushers while the watch is wet or underwater
• Rinse gently with fresh water after exposure to saltwater or chlorine

You should never attempt to polish a Patek Phillipe, or any other brand of luxury watch, for that matter, yourself. Always seek the service of a professional for an in-depth cleaning or any repair. Another great feature of owning a Patek Phillipe watch is that the manufacturer will service and repair all genuine articles made after 1839.

When it comes to luxury watches, you cannot beat a Patek Phillipe. Visit Central Mega Pawn today when it is time for you to add a Patek Phillipe to your collection. We have luxury watches to fit every budget and will be happy to help you find your next (or first) Patek Phillipe investment piece.

A piece of broken jewelry can be a huge bummer. After all, you can no longer wear it but can’t bear to throw it away. Getting it fixed feels like a tremendous proposition. If you decide to sell it, no one wants to buy it online or through one of the many person-to-person sales apps, at least not without trying to low-ball you at every turn. However, all is not lost! First, the great news:

Pawnshops absolutely buy broken jewelry! Unlike most items typically found in a home, like a television or a computer, jewelry maintains its value even when it is broken. This is because the precious metals market determines the value of the precious jewels and metals in a piece of jewelry. While the market has had its ups and downs throughout history, the value of precious metals and gemstones generally only increases over time.

Second, the not-so-great news: not every shop will be as interested in a piece of broken jewelry as they would one that was intact. If your local pawnshop cannot or will not take the time and effort to fix it up for resell, they may not be willing to offer top dollar for your piece of broken jewelry. For example, if you had a broken gold diamond bracelet to pawn or sell, your local pawnbroker will need to take into consideration the cost of scrapping the gold and selling the diamonds wholesale. However, this broken bracelet still has value and can get you quick cash when you need it.

At Central Mega Pawn, we are always interested in your jewelry, broken or not! As part of our dedication to our community, our services include an in-house jeweler. We are one of the few pawnshops to offer this service and are proud to invite you to come and see how we can help get you the highest offer for your items.

What kind of broken jewelry can I pawn or sell?

Jewelry made out of precious metals like gold, silver, or platinum is a safe bet to get a high price at a pawn shop. To determine what kind of metal your item is made of, look for the engraving on clasps or elsewhere for letters or numbers that indicate carat or purity.

Also, jewelry that contains precious gems and stones like diamonds or emeralds are always in high demand. Keep in mind that for gems, particularly diamonds, several vital factors determine how valuable they are:

• Carat – the unit of weight of a diamond
• Cut – the style of how the gem is cut
• Clarity – the visual appearance of a diamond, including its blemishes
• Hue – the color of the diamond

Don’t forget – you can bring us as many items as you want! We will work with you to get the most value for your jewelry.

How will the in-house jeweler at Central Mega Pawn appraise my broken jewelry?

First, our jeweler will determine the type of metal that your jewelry is made of, as well as its purity. The purer the metal, the higher offer we can make. Then, they will weigh the jewels, as well as measure and asses any diamonds. Based on that information, they will help put together an offer – all in a matter of minutes! You can accept the offer and get your cash in hand. Or, you can try again at a different shop. You are under no obligation.

How can I get the most money for my broken jewelry at Central Mega Pawn?

• Gather as many pieces as you can – depending on the type of break, this may mean bringing in only a couple of pieces, or a handful. The point is to bring in as complete an item as you can. Some pawnshops, like Central Mega Pawn, may be willing and able to repair to resell the piece as a whole.
• Do your homework – teach yourself some of the basics of how precious metals are appraised and weighed, and remember that the purer the metals, the more valuable they are. You don’t want to get caught off guard and force your pawnbroker to break it to you that you actually have costume jewelry, which no pawnshop can make an offer on.
• Clean your jewelry – even if it is broken beyond repair, do your best to clean every piece you have safely. The cleaner it is, the easier it is for your pawnbroker to appraise the item. Also, it never hurts to make your items look their best.
• Have realistic expectations – once you have an idea of what you might expect, be prepared to get an offer of a fraction of the value. Your local pawnbroker must make a profit on every item in their shop, so they cannot offer you an even exchange against the actual value of the metals and jewels in your item.
• Be prepared to negotiate – your pawnbroker will be open to realistic negotiations. The more homework you do, the more knowledgeable you will be. Don’t be afraid to walk away if the offer doesn’t come close to your standards. Unlike many other items that pass through the pawnshop, your jewelry will retain its value, and you will be able to come back another time or visit another shop.
• Lastly: get your cash! – at Central Mega Pawn, we get you cash in hand in minutes.

Broken jewelry is an odd thing – nearly everyone has some at some point, but no one wants to discard it. Your broken jewelry can come in handy and help you get a low-risk loan when you need quick cash. Best of all, when you pay back your loan, you will get your jewelry back, to either pawn again when the need arises, or to keep for sentimental reasons. Instead of letting the broken jewelry in your home sit at the bottom of a drawer or sit neglected in a dusty old jewelry box, put it to good use and get cash in hand at Central Mega Pawn.