Gem Pawnbrokers

GEM Pawnbrokers is a family-owned pawnbroking business that has operated since 1947, when founder Martin Kaminsky opened a watch repair shop in Brooklyn that later added pawnbroking. The business makes pawn loans secured by items rather than credit history, and it also buys items outright. Items it accepts include fine jewelry, diamonds, gold, silver, fine watches, electronics, video game consoles and laptops.

Certified gemologists and an in-house watch team appraise items at no cost, and pledged items are stored and insured in a secure space. GEM also offers vehicle loans, business loans and estate buying services, and it sells pre-owned jewelry, watches and fashion items online. Its shops serve all five boroughs, Long Island and Westchester.