shape
carat
color
clarity

Who wants to see my haul from today?

Couple of things from the estate place around the corner. First up a Wedgwood dish in Wild Strawberry pattern. I paid $2 for this one. The large enamel mixing bowl was made by Kobe and sold in Jcpenney in the 80’s! $4 for that one.

I told DH that I want to rip the kitchen apart, it is old (not good old) and hideous and he is game so after living here 17 years I might get rid of all the ugly!!

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@Cozystitches, I was thinking of you while I was out today, these are all the sewing machines I came across at the estate place ;)2
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I found a few interesting things at the thrift shops yesterday.
I paid $3.00 for all.......

This 1940s compact still has powder in it!
(I didnt show the powder compartment opened because it is messy)
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And when it rains it pours! More pearl studs, and these ones come with leaf shaped jackets, all are 14k. I can use the jackets with my other pearl studs!
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And this one I just love. It's a mid century German man's watch. It works great! Of course the calendar day is in German!
I wasn't sure if would like a big watch, but I'm smitten!
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@stracci2000, you are like a gold magnet, I’m in awe of all the real gold you find out there and so cheap! That’s a nice looking watch too. You think the compact was made by the watch people...Elgin?
 
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I had one back in 2018! I am terrible at accounting and filing my taxes as a small business owner was way more than I could handle!

I paid $2 for that box btw ;)2

I get that, $2!?!? I wish I found that here
 
@stracci2000, you are like a gold magnet, I’m in awe of all the real gold you find out there and so cheap! That’s a nice looking watch too. You think the compact was made by the watch people...Elgin?

You are right! I just read an article about the Elgin Co. and they made all kinds of things, including cigarette cases and compacts! Very interesting.
 
You guys make me want to go to the thrift stores....any particular ones I should look for? My frequent one is Savers, however I feel that a more mom/pop type one might be better vs the "chain" variety....
 
@Cozystitches

I have found some things at Savers! I actually need to stay out of there because I always end up bringing something home.

In general though any antique store, vintage shop, indoor flea market, church rummage sale is ripe for picking. Look low, people do not like to bend over so I always go low and look for random boxes because that’s where you find good little stuff.
 
You guys make me want to go to the thrift stores....any particular ones I should look for? My frequent one is Savers, however I feel that a more mom/pop type one might be better vs the "chain" variety....

It's hit or miss, wherever you go. The Goodwills seem to be checking their jewelry lately, but they don't seem to know about pottery or other decorative items.
The Mom and Pop places are sometimes good. One place I get to occasionally is owned by a lady who doesn't seem to know that 925 is sterling. I've scooped many treasures in her store.

The best places in my opinion are single locations run by churches or charity groups. They don't always check their jewelry too good.
Karat marks are hidden inside clasps or stamped super tiny on the post of earrings. And they for sure don't know that 585 is 14k and 750 is 18k!
Knowledge is your secret weapon!


Mostly it's about luck. Walking in there on a day when the person who prices things doesn't know what they have.

I challenge myself to find one treasure in every store!
 
It's hit or miss, wherever you go. The Goodwills seem to be checking their jewelry lately, but they don't seem to know about pottery or other decorative items.
The Mom and Pop places are sometimes good. One place I get to occasionally is owned by a lady who doesn't seem to know that 925 is sterling. I've scooped many treasures in her store.

The best places in my opinion are single locations run by churches or charity groups. They don't always check their jewelry too good.
Karat marks are hidden inside clasps or stamped super tiny on the post of earrings. And they for sure don't know that 585 is 14k and 750 is 18k!
Knowledge is your secret weapon!


Mostly it's about luck. Walking in there on a day when the person who prices things doesn't know what they have.

I challenge myself to find one treasure in every store!

Thanks for those numbers! I had no idea! I'm going to have to write them down! There's one shop that is a bit of a challenge to get to, but it's smaller but the last time I was in it was stuffed to the gills with things!

@YadaYadaYada good to know about Savers! I remember you telling about the look down philosophy and I am not above sitting on the floor!
 
Thanks for those numbers! I had no idea! I'm going to have to write them down!

Here is a prime example.
This chain was in a small bag of costume jewelry. I bought the bag for $6, because it looked promising. I thought I could see good stuff in it. I didn't consider the chain at all 'till I noticed how heavy it was.

The chain is marked 750 which is the European mark for 18k.
It is 27" and weighs 15.6g. It was missing the clasp which I have since replaced. I also double checked the gold content with my acid test kit.
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Here is a prime example.
This chain was in a small bag of costume jewelry. I bought the bag for $6, because it looked promising. I thought I could see good stuff in it. I didn't consider the chain at all 'till I noticed how heavy it was.

The chain is marked 750 which is the European mark for 18k.
It is 27" and weighs 15.6g. It was missing the clasp which I have since replaced. I also double checked the gold content with my acid test kit.
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I wish we had the WOW emoji along with the like!!!
 
@Cozystitches

I have found some things at Savers! I actually need to stay out of there because I always end up bringing something home.

In general though any antique store, vintage shop, indoor flea market, church rummage sale is ripe for picking. Look low, people do not like to bend over so I always go low and look for random boxes because that’s where you find good little stuff.

You’re right....look low. I almost fell over this. It blended right in the dimly lit store with the dark floor. The price tag said, “Books Included.”
 

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Wow that’s cool @LorettaB and I like those old books too!
 
You must start hitting the thrift stores. I will counsel you later tonight. :razz:

Bwahahahhaha!!!!! I'll always take your counsel!!!

You’re right....look low. I almost fell over this. It blended right in the dimly lit store with the dark floor. The price tag said, “Books Included.”
:O Love it!
 
Wow that’s cool @LorettaB and I like those old books too!

Old OLD cookbooks....from the early 20th century. Great reading material!!
 
Wow that’s cool @LorettaB and I like those old books too!

Old OLD cookbooks....from the early 20th century. Great reading material!!

I love the old cookbooks.
They call for such interesting ingredients!
I have a cookbook from 1938, with a recipe in there for Vinegar Pie.
I always threaten DH that I'm gonna make it for him.
 
I’ve heard vinegar pie is quite tasty! LOL!!
I love the old cookbooks.
They call for such interesting ingredients!
I have a cookbook from 1938, with a recipe in there for Vinegar Pie.
I always threaten DH that I'm gonna make it for him.
 
It's not jewelry, but my local Savers has 1/2 price Mondays. So I picked up these two pieces and have combined them (not permanently, although I'm thinking about it). I've made this little bud vase and dish into a pin cushion and thimble holder. I currently quilt at my desk (aka my 100 year old treadle machine) because my back hurts when I sit on the couch. So I've been wanting something to hold needles and thimbles. I originally bought a teabag dish and glued magnets on the bottom. It was ok for the pins, but not great. Am happy with my whopping $3 haul for today. :D
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On a jewelry related note they did have a 10k solitaire for $99 (so half off would be $50) but I don't have a loupe and didn't want to hassle the lady to look at it. Looked pretty dirty from the case....
 
@Cozystitches, love Savers although there is never real gold at ours. This is prett ingenious what you’ve done with this vase and dish, looks great!
 
It's not jewelry, but my local Savers has 1/2 price Mondays. So I picked up these two pieces and have combined them (not permanently, although I'm thinking about it). I've made this little bud vase and dish into a pin cushion and thimble holder. I currently quilt at my desk (aka my 100 year old treadle machine) because my back hurts when I sit on the couch. So I've been wanting something to hold needles and thimbles. I originally bought a teabag dish and glued magnets on the bottom. It was ok for the pins, but not great. Am happy with my whopping $3 haul for today. :D
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On a jewelry related note they did have a 10k solitaire for $99 (so half off would be $50) but I don't have a loupe and didn't want to hassle the lady to look at it. Looked pretty dirty from the case....

The pin cushion thingy is a good idea!
Now---- you must keep a loupe in your purse. You never know what you might come across in your travels. Mine has really come in handy over the years.
 
The pin cushion thingy is a good idea!
Now---- you must keep a loupe in your purse. You never know what you might come across in your travels. Mine has really come in handy over the years.

Nothing wrong with dirty. One of the prettiest rings I have I found at a pawn shop for $500 and it was so filthy I had to take it to a jeweler because my machine couldn’t lift the filth AT ALL. The shank was razor thin and ready to break so I had to get that replaced. It’s probably around a carat but it sure sparkles since it’s clean. I think it must have been worn in the garden and the pig pen! I really am not joking! It was awful. So yes, a loupe is a good idea and look past the gunk!
 
I walked into a small town thrift store today. I couldn't find anything worthwhile. Until I looked in the jewelry case.
How about a 10k Eastern Star pin with a little OEC? It's about 10 points. It's real white and sparkly!
A steal at 25 cents.
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I also scooped up this sterling and blue topaz pendant for $1.00
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:eek2: @stracci2000....both pieces for $1.25!!!! That’s it I’m moving to where you are!!
 
@stracci2000 That star is so cute!!!

If you haven’t already, and if you’ve the time, I’m sure we would all love a thread devoted to all of your superb jewelry finds for a song! This is the stuff shows like Antiques Roadshow are made of! Lady walks in and buys a real diamond for under $1!!!!

The best I did recently was find a vintage engraved platinum band sold to me at scrap value for just under $40. Not sure if it goes well with my engagement ring though (maybe I’ll post over in the one ring or two thread @YadaYadaYada kindly started).
 

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:eek2: @stracci2000....both pieces for $1.25!!!! That’s it I’m moving to where you are!!

Ok, c'mon!
You can sleep in the spare bedroom. My jewelry bench is in there, but you won't mind!
I'll teach you silversmithing! :razz:
 
I’m sure we would all love a thread devoted to all of your superb jewelry finds for a song!

Haha, it's all upthread already!
But we do have this one:

This is the stuff shows like Antiques Roadshow are made of!
Also, I was a volunteer for the Antiques Roadshow when they came to my town in 2014. It was a blast!
 
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