“I’m a local; my customers’ neighbor, and I’ll treat them like neighbors, treat them fairly.”  That is the first thing you should know about Tim Muir, the guiding charter behind his business, Penn Treaty Treasures.  Muir’s is a business run entirely on the principles of superior customer service.  Ninety percent of his customers are local, and continue to bring back family members and friends.  “I’m looking for repeat business and customer referrals,” he said.  “If you take care of somebody and give them a fair price, they’ll spread the word.”

This is what separates Penn Treaty Treasures from other jewelry and precious metal buyers.  When you walk in to the shop you’ll speak directly to Tim–no glass, no windows involved.  “We’re not a pawn shop,” he explained.  “We don’t pawn any items or give loans.  We’re here solely to buy and scrap old or unwanted gold and silver jewelry, coins, and sterling flatware our customers may have, and to sell inexpensive jewelry and watches.”  While Muir hasn’t gotten any negative feedback from customers or neighbors, this is still one necessary distinction to make.  The other is between reputable and untrustworthy buyers.  There is a definite stigma attached to the precious metal buying industry, some of which, Muir recognizes, is warranted.  “With a lot of other gold buyers and mail-in schemes it’s not personal.  You mail in your gold and get a check, and if you don’t like what you get there’s not a whole lot you can do.”

Penn Treaty Treasures is different.  Muir gives free appraisals for any item a customer brings in and wishes to sell and the prices he offers are based on live gold spot prices updated everyday–risk-free, fair and honest.  “People can come in and deal with me face to face,” he said.  “I can weigh and sort what they bring in right in front of them, then make them an offer.  If people like the offer they can sell their item.  If not, they can leave with more information about what they brought in.”  The information Muir provides can prove to be just as valuable as selling an item.  For example, did you know that US coins minted and circulated pre-1965 were made with 90% silver?  I didn’t.  With the price of silver going way up these coins can be sold for up to 15 to 20 times face value.  “Even if I’m not interested in buying something that someone brings in I do my research.  That way a person can leave knowing just what they have and figure out what the best thing to do with it is.”

This isn’t necessarily commonplace, however.  Muir pointed out that valuable items are all around.  “A lot of people don’t even realize they have large amounts of money sitting around collecting dust.  A handful of gold scrap jewelry can sometimes bring in hundreds, even thousands of dollars.”  In a floundering economy this is nothing to sneeze at, especially when it could come from something that you don’t want or use, or something that doesn’t even work.  “We get a lot of broken jewelry and chains, single earrings where one went missing, and outdated 80s and 90s big chains and script charms,” Muir said.

But don’t think Penn Treaty Treasures is just about buying metals.  There’s a ton of attractive, unique, and affordable jewelry for sale everyday.  “As of late, with prom season in recent weeks, watch and jewelry sales have accounted for two-thirds of our business,” Muir said.  While much of the store’s jewelry comes from New York, some handmade pieces come from local artists.  “My girlfriend Susie has a pulse on the fashion and jewelry side of things,” Muir said.  “We’re partners.  We run the store together.”

It would appear the couple is doing that quite well.  Though Penn Treaty Treasures opened its doors only nine weeks ago, the fine jewelry selection and friendly, expert advice they offer are painting a bright picture for future success.  Said Muir, “I’m just looking to build a name for myself as someone who is reliable and will give people a fair price for their items.”

So if you think you are sitting on a treasure of your own or just want to shop around for some unique jewelry or watches, give Penn Treaty Treasures a try.  Penn Treaty Treasures is located at 452 E. Girard Ave.  You can also find them online at penntreatytreasures.com or by searching Penn Treaty Treasures on Facebook.