Here’s a festive fact many people don’t know: St. Nicholas—Father Christmas himself—is the Patron Saint of Pawnbroking.
The legend tells of a poor man who could not afford a dowry for his three daughters. To save them from being sold into slavery, St. Nicholas secretly threw three bags of gold through the window at night. Those three bags of gold are the origin of the three golden balls on the pawnbroker’s sign today—symbols of hope, dignity, and compassion.
And that spirit of kindness is still at the heart of pawnbroking.
Christmas is a joyful time, but it can also be stressful. Many families face extra expenses, unexpected bills, and rising costs. At Christopher Brown, we see the full story. Some customers choose to take their jewellery out of our secure vaults so they can wear their treasured pieces to festive events. Others use their valuables to borrow a little money to get them through the season comfortably and without worry.
With gold prices reaching record levels, pawnbroking and gold buying has helped many people navigate the cost of living—quietly, privately, and without judgement.
How Pawnbroking Really Works
If you’ve never used a pawnbroker before, the process is simple, transparent, and always respectful:
●
Bring in the item you wish to borrow against.
This could be fine jewellery, luxury watches, or other valuables.
●
We professionally assess its value.
Based on that value, we agree a loan amount together—no pressure, no obligation.
●
You remain the owner.
We simply hold your item securely while the loan is active.
Your pledge lasts 7 months, and you can collect your item at any time by paying back the loan and the interest accrued to that date.
If paying everything at once feels difficult, you can make part payments, reducing the balance and making collection easier later.
It’s simple, fair, and designed to support real people—not trap them.
When Christmas Feels Heavy,
We’re Here To Lighten The Load
From Christmas shopping and supermarket costs to family needs or business expenses, sometimes you just need a short-term helping hand. You don’t need perfect credit, lengthy forms or judgement. Just a conversation.
Visit your nearest Christopher Brown Pawnbrokers in:
Seacroft, York, Shipley, Goole, Pontefract, Stockport or Prescot
and Brown & Gold Pawnbrokers in Batley and Toxteth.
Our teams are friendly, experienced and discreet. We’ll talk you through the process, explain your options clearly, and help you make the decision that’s right for you.
After all, even Santa needs a little help at Christmas.
Warm wishes,
Christopher Brown
How To Choose The Perfect Jewellery Gift
Finding the perfect Christmas gift isn’t always easy—but jewellery makes it simple. Few things compare to the moment your loved one opens a velvet box and their eyes light up at the sparkle of gold, diamonds or coloured gemstones chosen just for them.
Jewellery isn’t just beautiful—it’s meaningful. It marks milestones, makes memories and reminds people how much they mean to us. Whether you’re celebrating your first Christmas together, thanking someone special or simply treating yourself, the right piece becomes part of your story.
And here’s the really good news: the perfect jewellery gift doesn’t have to be expensive. What matters most is choosing something thoughtful and personal.
Why Jewellery Makes An Unforgettable Christmas Gift
At Christopher Brown Jewellers, we specialise in pieces that feel special the moment they’re unwrapped. From dazzling diamond earrings and engagement rings to bespoke handmade jewellery, every item has been carefully chosen.
If you love the idea of gold but worry about the cost, you’ll be pleasantly surprised. Our pre-owned gold jewellery is currently less than half the price of buying new—and every item undergoes a full inspection and restoration process, meaning it looks every bit as beautiful as the day it was made.
Looking for something truly exceptional? Our stores hold hundreds of investment pieces, from breathtaking diamond jewellery, investment sovereigns and coins to luxury watches—Rolex, Omega, Breitling, Cartier, TAG Heuer and more. The choice is yours.
Three Tips To Help You Choose The Perfect Jewellery Gift
1. Pay attention to their favourite metal
Do they wear yellow, white or rose gold or even silver—or a mix of all three? Take a look at their everyday pieces, or scroll through a few photos. Matching metals is often a great way to ensure your gift instantly becomes something they’ll wear with joy.
White gold has traditionally been a popular choice, but yellow gold is making a strong return—especially among younger jewellery lovers layering chains, rings and bracelets.
2. Consider gemstones and colour
Diamonds may be timeless, but coloured gemstones offer a wonderfully personal touch. If they lean towards blue stones, sapphires, aquamarines or blue topaz may be the perfect pick. If you’re unsure, think about their birthstone—each month has one:
●
April — Diamond
●
July — Ruby
●
December — Turquoise
Our teams will happily guide you through gemstone choices and help you find something with meaning.
3. Think about their lifestyle
Who are you buying for?
●
Busy mums or someone with an active lifestyle?
Choose durable, easy-to-wear pieces—strong chains, smooth rings, elegant earrings.
●
Social butterflies or fashion lovers?
Diamond sparkle or statement pieces are perfect. Ask about our half-price managers’ specials or lab-grown diamond collections.
●
Students or those who like everyday jewellery?
Silver is stylish, wearable and budget-friendly.
●
For the showstopper gift…
Explore our luxury watch ranges. Every pre-owned watch includes a full authenticity check, professional service and a two-year warranty, offering peace of mind you won’t find from unknown online sellers.
Visit Us And Make This Christmas Unforgettable
Choosing jewellery isn’t difficult when you have expert help. Let us help you find something that will be treasured for years to come.
Visit Christopher Brown Jewellers in:
York, Seacroft, Shipley, Pontefract, Goole, Stockport, and Prescot,
or our Brown & Gold stores in Batley and Toxteth.
And if you’re in the North West, don’t miss our newest showroom: Mr Allan Jewellers in Wigan.
Browse our collections or explore our latest Rolex range online at:
www.christopherbrownjewellers.co.uk
This Christmas, give the gift they’ll never forget.
Christopher Brown Jewellers—bringing sparkle to every celebration.
