As gold prices have soared and the economy has soured, some area pawnshops and gold retailers have seen a steady uptick in customers, some looking to buy, most hoping to cash in – even on their dental work.

Necklaces, coins, rings and, yes, even gold fillings, along with anything else containing the precious metal, have become a hot commodity in recent months.

In January, gold hit record territory – not accounting for inflation – of about $930 an ounce before dropping down to fluctuate on either side of $900 last week. Investors expect prices to rise even further in 2008 and possibly peak at over $1,000 an ounce. Read Full Story