Nolo.com, a website that answers legal questions, estimates pawnshops will lend you about 25% to 60% of resale value.

First, remember that pawnshops are businesses. They cannot offer you the full market value of an item because they need to turn a profit to pay for buildings, lights, heat, fixtures, employees, advertising and more Otherwise, they're paying for a storefront filled with items they may not sell!

Across the board, jewelry (authentic, real jewelry - not costume jewelry) generally yields the most amount of cash. This is because jewelry is made from precious metals, such as gold and platinum, and often incorporates diamonds and other precious gemstones. Jewelry also tends to hold its value over long periods.