Altoona residents have several options for selling jewelry — from local pawn shops and certified jewelers to insured online buyers. Today's gold price is at multi-year highs, so the market favors sellers.
Updated August 4, 2026 · Pop. 21,495
Source: Stooq, refreshed daily.
Best for: Fast cash, gold by weight, low-to-mid value pieces
In Altoona, pawn shops are licensed under Iowa's pawn statute and must verify ID before purchase. They typically pay 40–60% of retail and require a 10-day holding period before resale. Best for instant transactions under $1,500.
Best for: Diamonds >0.5ct, signed pieces, estate jewelry, designer brands
Local jewelers in Altoona typically pay 50–70% of retail because they can resell at full markup. Estate specialists may pay 70–85% for verifiable provenance (signed Tiffany, Cartier, Van Cleef, etc.). Most offer free in-person appraisals.
Best for: Anything over $500, highest absolute offers
Online buyers typically pay 15–30% more than local Altoona options because their overhead is lower and their buyer pool is global. They send a free insured FedEx kit, evaluate within 2–5 business days, and return your piece free if you decline the offer.
| Sales tax on jewelry resale | 6.00% |
|---|---|
| Sales tax on gold bullion | Exempt |
| Pawn holding period | 10 days |
| Pawnbroker license required | Yes |
| Precious metal dealer permit | Required |
| Photo ID required | Yes |
Retail: $5,000–$8,000
Local resale: $1,500–$3,000
Online buyers: $2,500–$4,500
Melt @ 2,386/oz pure gold
Pawn shop: $1,312–$1,670
Online buyers: $1,909–$2,195
Retail: $9,000–$14,000
Local jeweler: $5,500–$8,500
Watch specialist: $7,000–$11,000
Retail: $2,000–$5,000
Pawn shop: $300–$700 (gold weight)
Estate buyer: $1,200–$3,500 (provenance)