Pickwick Jewellers & Pawnbrokers

Pickwick Jewellers & Pawnbrokers: pawnbroking and jewellery retail across London and the South East

Pickwick Jewellers & Pawnbrokers is an independent pawnbroking and jewellery business operating eight branches in London and the South East. The company describes itself as an NPA award-winning firm and states that it is authorised and regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority for the provision of pawnbroking loans, with Firm Reference Number 737136. It also identifies itself as a member of the National Pawnbrokers Association.

Its activity combines lending against valuables with the buying and selling of pre-owned and new items, foreign currency exchange and jewellery repair work. The business presents itself as a local alternative to larger chains and states that it appears in the Channel 4 television series 'Posh Pawnbrokers'.

Pawnbroking loans and how the lending works

The core service is a cash loan secured against items deposited by the customer, such as jewellery or watches. The company states that it gives an instant decision and instant cash, and that the average transaction takes under five minutes. Loans are advertised as available up to £50,000, and the site also lists a 'Pawn & Park' option and a 30-day buy-back arrangement among its pawnbroking-related services.

The published interest structure is tiered by loan value, with a simple monthly rate and a corresponding APR for each band:

• £1 to £500: 10.00% monthly interest, 148.3% APR
• £501 to £2,000: 8.49% monthly interest, 122.4% APR
• £2,001 to £5,000: 6.00% monthly interest, 84.2% APR
• £5,001 and upwards: 5.00% monthly interest, 67.2% APR

The representative example published on the site sets out credit of £300 over seven months, with a total amount payable of £510.00, a monthly interest rate of 10% and a representative 148.3% APR. The company notes that security is required through the deposit of items such as jewellery or watches.

Items accepted, bought and sold

Beyond lending, Pickwick buys and sells gold and diamond jewellery, quality watches and designer handbags, and accepts these categories as security for loans. The range of goods handled also extends to collectables. The business runs an online shop alongside its branches, offering what it describes as gorgeous new and pre-loved jewellery and other items of a timeless style, and it also maintains an eBay shop.

For customers selling rather than borrowing, the company advertises a gold-buying service and states that it gives its best price. A hallmarking guarantee is listed among its retail commitments.

Currency exchange and repair services

Foreign currency exchange is offered at branch level, with the company advertising no commission and no charges. Euro and US dollar rates can be reserved online and collected in store, and the site indicates that other currencies are available on request. Live exchange rates are published for reference.

Jewellery repairs and cleaning form a separate line of work, supported by an online quote and repair request system. The company also promotes direct expert advice on jewellery repair questions through an online enquiry route.

Branches and head office

The network comprises eight branches: Ashford, Dartford, Eltham, Folkestone, Golders Green, Maidstone, Peckham, Walworth and Wood Green. The head office is listed at 14 High Street, Dartford, Kent DA1 1BY. The registered office of Pickwick Investments Limited is given as Second Floor, Kirkland House, 11-15 Peterborough Road, Harrow HA1 2AX, registered in England and Wales under company number 04366252, with VAT registration GB821005781.

Awards and public profile

The company cites several National Pawnbrokers Association awards: Store of the Year in 2015, a Community Contribution Award in 2013 and Employer of the Year in 2011. It also states that it supported the #StandWithUkraine campaign. Customer testimonials published on the site refer to branches including Maidstone, Walworth, Eltham, Folkestone and Sittingbourne, and describe experiences of pawning jewellery, selling a Rolex watch and taking out loans.