Slowing economy keeping Tulsa pawn shops busy

The slowing economy has many people heading for the pawnshop to get some quick cash. <br><br>Diamond Jim of Diamond Jim's Jewelry and Pawn in Tulsa says when the economy is down his business goes

Wednesday, September 25th 2002, 12:00 am

By: News On 6

The slowing economy has many people heading for the pawnshop to get some quick cash.

Diamond Jim of Diamond Jim's Jewelry and Pawn in Tulsa says when the economy is down his business goes up and right now people are showing up with some high dollar stuff. "We've seen a large increase in the more affluent clientele coming in with larger diamonds and estate pieces, jewelry items. It's been a definite increase in that end of it."

Pawnshops offer a couple of services for people who need cash in a hurry. They buy items for re-sale, and they offer loans on items of value. They often take risks on people banks would turn down.

Diamond Jim says his business has increased enough that he's had to add extra security.