PITTSBURGH -- Coin Rarities in Coraopolis is a shop that specializes in buying and selling gold. Recently, owner Stephen Laschon has seen an increase in people selling gold jewelry for quick cash.

"People need to pay their bills, they are losing their jobs, and they are turning to their gold. They will go through their drawers and find something that doesn't have much meaning to them," Laschon said.

Laschon's family business has been around almost 20 years. However many new gold buying businesses are hitting the local market. Goldmans, of Flint, Mich. will be buying gold this weekend at a local hotel. The company president, Marilyn Kopp, said they are licensed and they give customers receipts. If a customer finds a better price for their gold, the company will pay the difference.

Local shop owners say you should look for certain things wherever you sell your gold.

Laschon said, "Well, as with any place that is legitimate, they should take your ID if you are selling anything, to make sure they are keeping records of what they buy."

Laschon went on to say you shouldn't be pressured into selling.

"I tell people get a second price or a third price. You wouldn't sell your house to the first person that walked up and told you what it's worth," he said.

Both Laschon and Goldmans, which is coming to town, agree it is better to sell your gold face to face with a buyer instead of through the mail or Internet and that selling gold can be beneficial.

Laschon said, "That's the only nice thing. Times are tough for people but at least you are getting a good amount for your gold provided you take it to the right places."