If you like old watches, too, check out the other shops in DC. Famous has many, but I bought these from Sam's...
The key to pawn shopping, is frequent visits. There is a great competition for the good stuff. I make it my business to know the owners, and they put stuff aside for me. I also buy diamonds. I can buy them cheap enought to reset. My wife sports an 8 carat tennis bracelet, made from 1/4 c. stones popped out of engagement rings, nobody wanted any more... I paid about 1/3 for it, after setting them, etc, and then sold the gold for scrap. Her 1 c. earrings cost me about $350 each...
I bought my digital camera, and most of my 35mmm stuff, at them as well. You can find just about anything OF VALUE... It's up to you to decide if it is worth what they ask...
Most of the time, it is... but you always offer less! I like the bazaar type bargaining, that you can't get many places these days...
Boy is your wife lucky!! i have a 7ct tennis bracelet and carat diamond stud earrings, but my poor hub paid retail!! i am extremely impressed with your way of doing things! i have never been in a pawn shop in my life. i know there is one in Arlington, right off of lee hwy, and there used to be one in roslyn also.