Welcome to the gold party craze: A new day pawning

Sometimes when Amber Watson-Tardiff comes across a single cuff-link or a massive tangle of chains in her jewelry box, it occurs to her that it might be time for a gold party.

Like many people who are looking for an extra way to make some cash, Watson-Tardiff is skipping the pawn shop and opting instead to sip champagne cocktails with her friends while an appraiser announces just how much her unwanted bling will bring her in unexpected riches. With the price of gold hovering around $1,100 an ounce, the take can be pretty lucrative.