What a wet and windy summer we have had this year! When I wrote the July edition of ‘Diary of a Pawnbroker’ I complained about the rubbish weather and the need to get away to warmer climes. Who better to borrow money from than a pawnbroker to get some instant cash and enjoy the late season deals?
As soon as it went to print we had a mini ‘heatwave’ – you may not remember, but it was hot for about 2 weeks and I thought that I had tempted fate and we were in for a glorious summer!
Since then it’s rained a lot and the summer is just about over. Now it’s time to get ready for Christmas and with only 4 months remaining and believe it or not, Christmas cards are already on sale – Brown & Gold should be your next point of call…….!
Gold has had its ups and downs this summer also with the ‘China Crisis’ and Greece referendum however the price has remained fairly well supported throughout and we have seen an increase again in customers selling their unwanted jewellery. We guarantee you will get a very good price and with our busiest time fast approaching, we are actively looking for good quality pre-owned jewellery and diamond pieces, so call in to your nearest branch for an instant evaluation.
The pawnbroking arm of the business has remained steady throughout. We expect to see a peak in the late Autumn and at present it’s the ‘back to school’ mums and dads who are topping up their reserves to pay for new school kit and outstanding credit card bills from entertaining their family for the last 8 weeks. We have also had a large number of Asian jewellery loans, mainly to fund the Asian wedding season and celebrations to mark the end of Ramadan. Many regular customers borrow large sums against their 21ct and 22ct gold jewellery to fund the generous gifts of cash, gold and lavish celebrations that surround such an event. All loans are 100% confidential and the contract length of up to 7 months allows part payments, giving customers the opportunity to reduce their loan value as, and when, they can afford it. Summer really can be an expensive time!
Talking of which, Sapphire is the birthstone for September and what could be better than to treat your loved one to a stunning piece of jewellery to mark the occasion. In fact ancient civilisations believed the world was built on a giant sapphire and it was its reflection that made the sky and sea so blue. Clearly they must have had better summers than we have just had!
It was believed that the Sapphire brought wisdom, hope and faith and was a symbol of power, strength and wise judgement. You don’t you have to spend the earth to afford one though and we have new and exciting range of all coloured stone jewellery at Brown and Gold in Seacroft and Batley and Christopher Brown Jewellers, Shipley.
What a perfect way to start your Christmas shopping!
Season’s Greetings.
Chris Brown
