Imagine stumbling upon an ordinary-looking item in a thrift store, only to discover later that it holds an extraordinary secret. Jess Smith, a young artist from Pennsylvania, had such an experience that turned a routine shopping trip into a remarkable tale of surprise and serendipity. What began as a simple purchase quickly unraveled into a journey filled with unexpected revelations and intriguing possibilities.
A Routine Shopping Trip Turns Extraordinary
Jess Smith, a 23-year-old artist from Pennsylvania, has a keen eye for unique accessories and a penchant for thrift shopping. This hobby often takes her to various thrift stores in search of hidden gems. One early June day, Jess ventured into a small shop in Pittsburgh, eager to explore the store’s extensive collection of second-hand items. Her usual routine led her straight to the “giant necklace rack,” where she began her search.
On this particular visit, one necklace caught her eye. “I saw this really weird necklace hanging there with this giant clear pendant on it. And when I say giant, I mean it was a big pendant, easily two by two or three by three inches,” Jess recalled. The pendant was neon, translucent, and initially appeared to be made of plastic. Its striking appearance and size stood out among the other jewelry pieces.
As Jess examined the necklace more closely, another shopper noted its ’70s vibe and suggested it might be vintage. This prompted Jess to look even closer, where she noticed an inscription. Although the inscription was difficult to read precisely, she could make out a name and a date, seemingly from 1973. Despite its mysterious origins, the necklace was priced at only $1.99. Jess decided it was worth the gamble. “It was $1.99, so I figured I might as well get it. It’s pretty funky-looking. I’ll wear it,” she said.
The Search for the Truth Behind the Thrifted Necklace
After purchasing the intriguing necklace, Jess Smith decided to delve deeper into its origins. Her curiosity led her to use Google Lens, a feature of the Google app that allows users to upload images and search for related photos and text. Jess, who prefers to keep items in her collection while understanding their background, hoped to uncover more about her new acquisition. “I don’t like to sell things, but I like to keep stuff in my collection and know what it is,” she explained.
Jess uploaded a photo of the necklace to Google Lens and began her search. After several attempts, she stumbled upon the work of Aaronel deRoy Gruber, a well-known Pittsburgh artist celebrated for her 3D plexiglass pieces. Jess felt a rush of excitement and suspicion that she might have found one of Gruber’s authentic works. “Instantly, I was like, ‘Wow, this is so cool. Now what do I do with this necklace?’” she said.
To confirm her hunch, Jess reached out to the Irving and Aaronel deRoy Gruber Foundation, an organization dedicated to preserving and sharing the late artist’s work. She sent a direct message via Instagram and received a response from the foundation’s director, Brittany Reilly, within 12 hours. The quick reply and Reilly’s reaction were both promising and thrilling for Jess. “The first thing she said to me was, ‘I don’t even have to see it in person. I know that is a real Gruber necklace,’” Jess recounted. Reilly went on to explain the unique nature of Gruber’s necklaces, highlighting that each piece had a distinct color palette and form.
Brittany Reilly also revealed the estimated value of the necklace, placing it between $2,800 and $3,200 due to its high quality. This revelation was a game-changer for Jess, who had initially purchased the piece for less than two dollars.
Why This Necklace Is a One-of-a-Kind Art Piece
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Aaronel deRoy Gruber was a prominent artist known for her innovative work with plexiglass. As a sculptor, Gruber gained acclaim in the 1970s for her ability to transform industrial materials into vibrant, three-dimensional art pieces. Her work was not only visually striking but also embodied the spirit of experimentation and modernity that defined the era. Gruber’s art has been exhibited in various galleries and is part of numerous private collections, making her pieces highly sought after by collectors and art enthusiasts.
The necklace Jess Smith discovered is considered a one-of-a-kind piece due to Gruber’s unique approach to art. Each of her necklaces featured a distinct color palette and form, ensuring no two pieces were identical. This individuality adds to the necklace’s artistic and monetary value. As Brittany Reilly, the director of the Irving and Aaronel deRoy Gruber Foundation, pointed out, “Gruber made quite a few different necklaces — they don’t know how many — but each one has a completely unique color palette and form.”
The estimated value of the necklace, between $2,800 and $3,200, reflects both its rarity and the high quality of its craftsmanship. Art valuation can be a complex process, often influenced by factors such as the artist’s reputation, the uniqueness of the piece, and its historical significance. In this case, the necklace’s value is enhanced by Gruber’s legacy and the distinctiveness of her work.
With the confirmation of the necklace’s authenticity and value, Jess Smith faced several decisions about its future. The realization that the piece she had bought for $1.99 was worth thousands of dollars was both exhilarating and daunting. Jess knew she couldn’t treat the necklace like a regular piece of costume jewelry but wasn’t sure what to do with it.
Brittany Reilly, the foundation director, provided Jess with several options. “She said, ‘Of course you can keep it. It’s yours. Appreciate it, enjoy it — that’s what Aaronel would want,’” Jess recalled. This option allowed Jess to cherish the necklace as a piece of art and personal treasure. Another option involved connecting Jess with private collectors who might be willing to purchase the necklace for its full value, potentially over $3,000.
Ultimately, Jess decided to loan the necklace to the gallery associated with the Irving and Aaronel deRoy Gruber Foundation. This decision allowed the necklace to be appreciated by a wider audience while ensuring its preservation and security. “The loan lasts about a year, so I’m probably going to keep it for a while after and then send it back,” Jess explained. This arrangement provides Jess with the flexibility to enjoy the necklace herself while also sharing it with the public.
In the meantime, Jess shared her discovery on TikTok, where her video quickly went viral. Viewers were fascinated by the story and the necklace’s resemblance to a Tide Pod. The video garnered over 391,000 views, reflecting the widespread interest in her unique find.
What We Can Learn from Jess’s Thrift Store Adventure
Jess Smith’s extraordinary discovery offers several valuable lessons for anyone interested in thrift shopping or collecting unique items. Her story highlights the importance of curiosity and the willingness to explore and investigate unusual finds.
- Be Curious and Observant: Jess’s habit of thoroughly examining items led her to discover the hidden value of the necklace. Thrift shopping can yield unexpected treasures, but only if you take the time to look closely and ask questions. Jess noted, “If you have eight or so necklaces on one hook, people are going to miss pretty cool stuff hanging there.”
- Use Technology for Research: Jess’s use of Google Lens was crucial in identifying the necklace’s origins. This tool, which allows users to search for information using images, can be incredibly helpful for identifying and researching unfamiliar items. It’s a reminder of how technology can enhance our understanding and appreciation of unique finds.
- Consult Experts: Reaching out to the Irving and Aaronel deRoy Gruber Foundation provided Jess with definitive information about the necklace’s authenticity and value. Consulting experts or foundations dedicated to specific artists or types of art can offer valuable insights and confirmation that might not be available through casual research.
- Consider the Item’s Future: Deciding what to do with a valuable find can be challenging. Jess had to weigh her options carefully, balancing personal enjoyment with the piece’s monetary and historical value. Loaning the necklace to a gallery was a thoughtful decision that allowed her to share the piece with a broader audience while preserving its condition.
- Embrace the Unexpected: Jess’s story is a testament to the unexpected joys that can come from everyday activities. Thrift shopping, often seen as a routine or hobby, led her to an incredible discovery. This underscores the idea that valuable and meaningful experiences can arise in the most ordinary settings.
From Thrift to Treasure Trove
Jess Smith’s thrift store adventure reminds us that hidden treasures can be found in the most unexpected places. Her discovery of the valuable necklace not only enriched her personal collection but also provided a fascinating glimpse into the world of art and its many surprises. This experience highlights the importance of curiosity, thorough research, and an open mind when exploring second-hand shops and other overlooked venues.
As Jess continues to navigate the future of her unique find, her story serves as an inspiration for others to embark on their own treasure hunts. Whether you’re a seasoned collector or a casual shopper, the potential for remarkable discoveries is always present. Keep your eyes open, ask questions, and you might just uncover something truly extraordinary.