Its been my experience that pawn brokers are the lowest pay and "we buy gold" places are second to them. I agree that ARA is most likely one of the best places to sell gold and I understand they are buying stones as well now. I base most of this on selling hundreds of gold rings over the years. Further the guys who water metal detect and post on the "find's treasure forums" under "beach and water" forum also recommend ARA. ( www.findmall.com/ ) These treasure hunters are finding a selling gold rings on a regular basis. I still stand behind what I said before after you get an appraised value then try to do a private sale to get the most for your ring. Best to all, Mike.