Earlier this year I lost a diamond out of my ring. It was the second time I had lost a diamond out of that ring and I have since remedied what the problem seems to be with the design. Chris and I had our rings redone for our 30th anniversary and I absolutely love the way our rings turned out BUT the big deal with mine was that I obviously could not handle having exposed prongs on the new design. So now that is fixed with a different setting and life is good.
But losing a diamond is traumatic and I was majorly bummed about it as it was just one more thing in a string of bad experiences during a week. My ring finger felt naked and when we were on a work road trip in April we found the perfect place to find an inexpensive band to wear in the meantime.
Enter Stan’s Gold Mine Store and Pawn Shop located off of Wilder Road in Bay City, Michigan. 
We were in the area for a business trip and Chris “googled” local pawn shops thinking that would be a great place to find an inexpensive band. We headed to Stan’s and had quite the time while we were there.
First of all there was this guy who greeted each customer as they entered the shop. I wish I had taken a video because yes— there was some audio that went with him. 
We met Don Stanley the owner who is a lovely gentleman who has had businesses in the area for 4o years. To say that we had fun with him would be an understatement. We talked and shared stories and got a great feel for the place and for what there was available. He prides himself in having great customer service and darn good prices and as a large volume and wholesale to the public dealer he definitely has a loyal following. He has a couple of jewelers right there on site so adjustments and appraisals are easy and quick.
I found a ring that I liked, the price was right and we made the transaction easily. I obviously did not want to have anything flashy or pricey–just something that would make my naked finger feel clothed again. 
His daughter (let’s call her Stanette because I totally forgot to get her name) went online to show us some of the fun and unique commercials that they do with the local station to promote their store.
You can imagine that we definitely had fun while we were here . But wait – like any good infomercial – there’s more! 
Right next door is Wheeler Dealer Pawn Shop which also is part of the Stan’s family of stores. Here his daughter showed us a myriad of wonderful things just waiting to be purchased by any discerning buyer. From Beanie Babies to exercise equipment it was all here.
The pork lover in me loved the Original Appetizer maker for Pigs in a Blanket (and so much more) for only $15 but since I knew I needed to be downsizing I gave it a pass.
You know I love any adventure along this road we call life and I can guarantee you that if you stop in at Stan’s Gold Mine Store and Wheeler Dealer Pawn Shop you will definitely have an adventure. You can also check out their Facebook page here. If you make it there make sure you tell him that I sent you and that I am glad he discouraged Mr. Diamond from buying that horrible ring for himself. 
Have you ever shopped at a similar place? I would love to hear your stories in the comments section. Remember to Comment for a Cause.
22 Comments
Leave a commentI have never been to a pawn shop and may have to change that in the near future! Looks like a fun diversion/experience!!!!
Quite a store.
Exactly. It was colorful!
So cool! Love the pigs in a blanket maker, I’ve never seen that before lol
I know! I thought it was pretty fun looking but can totally understand why it was in the pawn shop. Imagine another appliance in the cupboard gathering dust like the fondue pot. 🙂
Pigs in a blanket party at your house!
If only I had bought it! Don’t forget the “and so much more” part. The sky is the limit.
I had to have my ring fixed once and it is a terrible feeling. I bought a fake ring from Claire’s. It was like $5 but did the trick. That pawn shop looks fun!
Yep—my finger felt naked till I had something on it and the perfect little band to wear on the occasion that I don’t want to be wearing my diamonds is now in my possession!
I hAVE NEVER BEN IN A PAWN SHOP BUT IT SOUNDS INTERESTING,
They are all different but fun places to find things you might not find anywhere else.
Never shopped at a place like this. But maybe I will now.
They usually hold a surprise around every corner. The jewelry / gold shop was pretty amazing. He had quite an inventory and we loved his stories. It’s always fun to step outside the normal shopping experience sometimes and get a different type of experience.
Unique find here Beth Ann. Nothing like the “Pawn Stars” on TV though huh?
No, not quite like them but it was definitely a fun place to hang out. Stan made it a perfect stop.
So much fun!
It was a fun time.
I don’t think I’ve ever been to a pawn shop. In Chicago they are pretty seedy. I need to find a friendly fun one!
I’ve only been in one, and was not impressed. It’s very different here. Or maybe Stan’s is unique.
I think they all probably have a “special” quality but Stan’s was very nice and and the staff was all top notch as well. But I know what you mean —pawn shops with bars on the windows and doors aren’t real attractive to me.
How funny, they sound like fun! When we first got married I was working in a restaurant, and up to my elbows in raw chicken and pork. Soon tiring of taking it off and on/ off/on/off/on I began wearing it on a chain around my neck while at work. Eventually one day I wasn’t at work and I felt my chain… NO RING!!! Oh no, I tore the house apart looking for the ring, which turned out it was on my finger… Lesson learned, it’s always on the chain now. But wait there’s more… Pigs in a blanket machine are you freaking kidding me, never needed or heard of one till now, but now I definitely need one!
Holy cow. That would be one of those moments when I would have just sat down and cried in relief I think! I can tell you where you can get that pigs in a blanket cooker. Genius, huh?