It’s not every day that one stumbles upon a treasure while rummaging through thrift store items.
But for Jess Smith, a seemingly ordinary day of thrift shopping turned into an extraordinary discovery.
As she sifted through various trinkets, a particular necklace caught her eye.
Sold for a mere $2, this necklace, with its ’70s retro vibe, seemed like a cool addition to her collection.
Little did she know, this piece of “plastic jewelry” was about to reveal a secret worth thousands.
The necklace wasn’t just any ordinary piece of jewelry. Jess noticed a signature on it, accompanied by the year 1973. This wasn’t just a factory-made item; it was vintage. The signature hinted at the necklace being handcrafted, a unique piece that bore the mark of its creator. Intrigued, Jess decided to purchase it, driven by a hunch that there was more to this necklace than met the eye.
Once home, Jess’s curiosity got the better of her. She turned to Google Lens, hoping to uncover the mystery behind the necklace’s signature. The results were astonishing. The jewelry was crafted by none other than Arinell Deroy Gruber, a renowned artist from Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. Gruber’s works were not just popular; they were sought after, fetching high prices at auctions.
Jess’s heart raced as she discovered a similar necklace online, up for auction for a few thousand dollars. The realization hit her like a ton of bricks: she was in possession of an authentic piece by Gruber, potentially worth thousands. The excitement was palpable, and the thrift store find had suddenly transformed into a priceless artifact.
But who was Arinell Deroy Gruber? A deep dive revealed that Gruber was a prominent sculptor during the 1960s and 1970s. She was celebrated for her unique 3D plexiglass pieces, a testament to her innovative approach to art. Sadly, Gruber passed away in 2011, but her legacy lived on through her creations.
With this newfound knowledge, Jess approached a local gallery dedicated to Gruber’s works. The curators were taken aback by her discovery. After careful examination, they estimated the necklace’s value at a whopping $3,000. For Jess, this was a windfall, a reward for her keen eye and intuition.
However, instead of cashing in on her unexpected fortune, Jess made a heartwarming decision. She chose to donate the necklace to the museum, ensuring that it would be on display for art enthusiasts and the general public to admire. When asked about her decision, Jess’s response was simple yet profound. She viewed the necklace not just as a valuable item, but as a piece of art.
Jess, an artist herself, felt a deep connection to the necklace and Gruber’s legacy. Selling it might have brought her monetary gain, but donating it brought her something invaluable: the joy of sharing art with the world. She wanted others to appreciate the necklace’s beauty and significance, just as she did.
In a world driven by materialism, it’s nice to know it’s not always about the price tag. Sometimes, it’s about the story, the history, and the emotions that a piece evokes.
And for Jess, her $2 thrift store find isn’t just a necklace. It’s an ode to the timeless allure of art.
Learn more about this fascinating thrift store find in the video below!
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