Ok so I'm not usually the person that writes reviews however I feel this time it's necessary. I just bought a house and have my closing next week . Since I'm a first time buyer I wasn't expecting the closing costs to reach close to 30k . That being said I started to worry and tried saving enough cash just to be ready fir anything unexpected. Someone recommended I see what I can get for my Breitling watch my wife gifted me that I absolutely love. This is where my Gem pawnbroker experience started. I went to the bell Blvd location to ask how much I can either Pawn or sell my watch and the guy working said the most I can get a loan for was $1300 and the most I can sell it for was $1500. I agree to pawn it and he then tells me I need to open the watch up because he can't there's a special key you need . He couldn't accept the watch unless it was open. He had me go through hoops trying to find a local jeweler who could open it but nobody could. I went back there a few days later another guy working there said he knows there's a tool that can open it up somewhere in the store but he can't look around. I was stunned at the lack of service. Apparently there's a little muscle and energy needed to open up breitlings but these 2 workers were lazy and didn't attempt to try. I was livid and called the general number asking what other location o can go to has the key to open watch . I was told go to Astoria Steinway st and ask for Judy she can open it up. I drove an hour in traffic to get there and met Judy. Wow what a breath of fresh air. She immediately relayed to my situation she felt my dissatisfaction with what's been happening. This amazing person literally took the time needed to take the watch band off while desperately trying to get the breitling cover off. After trying and trying different methods she couldn't get it open because it probably needed strength a man has hence the 2 lazy men at bayside. Judy was relentless on helping me and said sweetly don't worry I'll try to help you. She called her supervisor couple of times and explained my situation and literally told him she believes the watch is indeed real but she can't open the back . She put herself in a risky situation by vouching fir the watch even though she could open it. Why would someone do this fir a stranger ? Maybe because some people just want to help other people and actually use common sense and don't follow a set of rules that are sometimes not necessary. Judy gets off the phone with supervisor and said don't worry I know this watch is real and asked me how much do I need . I was expecting $1300 because I thought that was the number but she said I can actually give you .$1500 if you need and I said yah definitely that works perfect. I kept thinking wow what an amazing employee they got . She was working the store all alone but didn't an hour trying to help me and at the same tone dealing with other customers coming in and she never flinched . I'm from Astoria originally and felt like o new Judy all my life that's how comfortable and easy going her personality is . She then gave me her card and. Said if there's anything I ever need I can always reach out and I believed her. Trust me I will be seeing Judy with any purchase in the future. I honestly and sincerely recommend people looking to go to Gem Pawnshop to just go to the Astoria location and ask for Judy . I promise you no matter where you live the drive is worth your business. Thank you Judy for actually showing me what customer service is again . Gem Pawnshop management should take note and compensate this woman for actually increasing there business read more

I was in the middle of throwing stuff out and decided to see if I can sell my air purifier instead of trashing it because it was practically new it was outdated and could not be found to check the pricing on the internet for me at home and for the nice woman Judy at the place of business she offered me something and i took it wasn't what I was looking for but I was gonna trash it so didn't mind she was great and about business which I like thank you................. read more

I've always wondered why my sister who lives in New Jersey always comes to Gem Pawnbrokers in Steinway St. About three weeks ago, I went to Gem with my sister and I finally found out why she love this place so much. The service is amazing and Judy is wonderful!!! She's very knowledgeable and trustworthy. I strongly believe that she's the right and only person you should deal with when it comes to pawning. I would definitely recommend this place to all. read more

Service was great very polite and resourceful. I bought a pair of black and white comfortable sneakers even though they are used, they were worth every penny because you can't really find these anymore and they look brand new the value of those sneakers. It's important to know that they're worth it so come on down and check them out you won't be disappointed. I want to thank for the wonderful service. read more

I've been doing business with Gempawn over 25 years, the same set of jewelry pless new ones. Over the years doing business with Gempawn, I find the staff very efficient and pleasant. Thomas is a awesome guy, he is incredible helpfull and pleasant; well trained and a gentleman. Great place to pawn your stuff. Ramiro gentle kind and very understanding. Good choice of staff. read more

Had some scrap gold and silver that we were looking to get rid of. Worked with Elias and he was extremely helpful and fair. The price he gave me for all my scrap gold and silver was the highest out any other jeweler I had been to. A lot of these places low-ball you. But he's honest and will work with you to give you a fair price that works for everyone involved read more

They are very professional. Will give a fair price based on ebay listings. Good place to go to pawn something for quick cash, and buy dit back at a later time. PS they only traffic in high end stuff, so unless you have jewlery, electronics, musical instruments , or something absolutely new or in flawless condition, dont bother read more

Today was a blessing! To the two beautiful women that helped me today I am truly grateful. Thank you for being so nice and understanding and willing to do whatever you could to help me...I love going to this location on Steinway st in Astoria, ny because they are honest and fair and willing to help you in any way they can. read more

Top Shelf Customer Service!!! I received great customer service from the Branch Manager Judy Rivas. Not only did she give me a great price on my commodity, but explained to me the value of my commodity with in-depth knowledge. I really do appreciate Gem Pawnbrokers and would definitely recommend them to others. read more

Met with Judy at Gem in Astoria and had a great experience. Judy was friendly and very easy to talk to and very knowledgeable about the items I was interested in pawning. I would definitely recommend Gem Pawnbrokers and would come back again. Thank you! read more

Excellent service from Mr. Thomas San Miguel. Very kind and clearly explained the entire procedure to pawn my jewelry and sell some that I had broken. Mr. Thomas San Miguel provides excellent customer service. I recommend it. Thank you so much! read more

Judy is amazing. She is friendly, helpful, informative and definitely always has the best interest of the customer! She makes an experience which can be embarrassing or difficult for some one of comfort and understanding. Thank you! read more

I Mr. Dawson have been with this company for over two years. Gam pawn brokers It's very professional Whenever I'm speaking with someone on the phone About my items I will kindly. Recommend Anyone for their services. read more

Judy is the best and most genuine and helpful honest and accommodating pawnbroker I have ever dealt with!! She is the only one to deal with when you need a good pawn shop and I couldn't recommend her more highly! read more

It was first time here and I was really happy with the experience. Judy took her time looking at what I brought and gave me a great reasonable price. Would recommend to anyone looking to sell a few things! read more

I came in to sell a few pieces of my gold rings, and I came out happy and pleased! This is place is one of the best pawn shops if your looking to buy, sell, or pawn. Judy was a great help with me! read more

Judy helped me pick out the perfect laptop for my younger brother. I feel like I got an amazing deal and will be returning again shortly to browse some more! This place really is a GEM :) read more

Love the service, very respectful and attentive, Yudy is amazing, never had a problem with my items and they kindly explain every aspect of the service..thank you for your service. read more

5 stars for christina she was very helpful and informative thanks a lot . answered all my questions and guided Me in the right direction with my request read more