Why Pawnshops are Great, FACT VS. FICTION

Why does the general public look down on pawn shops? When you think of a pawn shop, you might think of used boots and broken guitars. You might even consider a pawn shop to be a dark place inhabited by a really rough crowd. You might even be concerned for your safety. Why, though? There… Read More »

Social Disorder and Why You Need a Regular Plan to Scrap

The headlines are horrible: COVID-19 is having a “second” wave. Actually, did the first one ever end? The killing of George Floyd has led to widespread protests and even looting. So many people are out of work, and government stimulus funding is running out. The government is looking at reducing the extra unemployment benefits that… Read More »

Gold Hoarding, COVID-19, and the $2,000 Per Ounce Gold Mirage

The hair triggers are set. And this time, I’m not talking about guns. I’m talking about the gold hoarders. As a gold refiner, it is my privilege to talk to gold businesses every day. I’ve found that all over the country, people holding precious metals are waiting for “X” price before they sell. Lately, X… Read More »

Gold Buying And Gold Refining During COVID-19

COVID-19 IS IMPACTING EVERY FACET OF SOCIETY The novel coronavirus (COVID-19), a highly contagious acute respiratory disease, is spreading around the world. Many businesses are affected, including jewelers, pawnbrokers, and gold refiners. Moreover, as business conditions have become so uncertain, many financial markets have become highly volatile. This is especially true for gold, which recently… Read More »

Investing During Political Turmoil and Economic Uncertainty

The financial markets have entered a wild period of extremely high volatility in the final months of 2018. A rare “perfect storm” hit investors as stocks, commodities, and bonds all tumbled in unison  for the first time in decades. The economic picture is confusing, as this downward spiral comes atypically in a time when unemployment… Read More »

Is Gold Forever Tarnished?

The Federal Trade Commission (FTC) has recently made some major changes to the FTC Jewelry Guides, lowering its standards about what may be sold as “gold jewelry”. Federal law generally prevents marketers from making unfair and deceptive claims about their products. The FTC guides provide instructions to the jewelry industry about what will and will… Read More »

Preparing for the Holidays in the Age of the Robots

With trick-or-treating still on the horizon, it is hard to believe that online retailers like Amazon are already starting to prepare for December’s holiday rush. As witches, vampires, and candied apples are filling the shelves of America’s convenience stores, legions of robots have invaded its warehouses and e-commerce fulfillment centers, the Wall Street Journal reports .… Read More »

Looking for someplace to put your money this Monday: Gold is it

Gold is at a 10 week high this Monday morning. September numbers for retail sales are in and they are disappointing.  In addition, emerging market stocks are getting hammered. The volatility index for GOLD has been at a 10 as of late, but it is now at a 12.  If you are looking for someplace… Read More »