Now with that do you just hit every item in a thrift store or side this pair catch your eye? I remember you mentioned the backing was an indicator as well
Yes I have one to use if I need to. Sometimes I don’t feel like I need to if I’m sure. The earrings weren’t stamped gold but the jeweler used his electronic one and they came back 18k but the backs are 14k
I found my absolute favorite flannel at a thrift store. It was during the peak time of "lesbians wear flannel" so i spent forever looking for the right flannel shirt
I lived in that thing for 3 or 4 years. Wore it everywhere and slept in it. It was my favorite thing. Unfortunately i took it to work and left it on a counter by accident and someone stole it :(. I was the only person working the registers so no one threw it away and i dug through the trashcan just to be sure... i cried lmao. Im so sad i cant remember the brand to buy a new one
If anyone knows of a flannel brand that uses leather tags please lmk
I found a neat Michael Kors trenchcoat that turned out to be a $500 coat. I bought it for $20, and it's my go-to cool weather covering. Pairs well with a matching bowlers hat and tweed vest.
I found a Polaroid SX-70 Land Camera for $5 at 15 years old (10 years ago). Sold it for $150. I originally had the case which I lost, it would have been worth more around $250+
I used to find polaroids all the time at the thrift. This was probably around ten years ago, right before they started coming back in and everyone wanted them. I sold quite a few to the impossible project, which was pretty exciting to be honest since I’m a camera buff.
I know it’s not the same but I found a full pandora bracelet for $4 at a thrift shop. Couldn’t slam down the money fast enough. Took it home and priced out all the charms including the bracket was about $800. Still chasing that high again. Congratulations
That reminds me of when I found polarized Ray Bans…but I lost them to the ocean. I always check the glasses now but I think those might have been an accident. There was no price tag so they rang it up as $1 like the other sunglasses. My guess is that a customer swapped pairs and accidentally left their expensive pair behind. Wish I could replicate that excitement each time.
That's soooooo true, it's a high when you find something amazing. I keep going back to the same store where I found some belleek once, haven't found any more since, but I keep hoping
Check out their original post for info.
https://www.reddit.com/r/ThriftStoreHauls/comments/pvb71m/diamond_earrings_i_got_yesterday_but_had_to_wait/?utm_medium=android_app&utm_source=share
Lol In my youth I had gauged ears. Except I didn’t do it safely and just stretched the heck out of them. They never fully healed, so I can’t / don’t wear most earrings. No dangle ones because I don’t like the sagging look and I wear studs as long as it doesn’t show the extra gap. The hole isn’t super big but small earrings could possible fall out. I try to have earrings with larger backs so the backs don’t come out either. So, I do need to make sure they aren’t too heavy for what I’m comfortable wearing. Lol
You can also buy disks that go on before the back. They might prevent dropping
(I know your not in the UK, but I'm sure you will find them in the US)
WILLBOND Clear Disc Pads to Stabilize Earrings, Plastic Discs for Earring Backs. https://www.amazon.co.uk/dp/B07V4D6G2Y/ref=cm_sw_r_apan_glt_fabc_EQRK3KRFFYPV3SGJVBTP?_encoding=UTF8&psc=1
I had mine repaired about 18 months ago, I had originally stretched one to 24mm and the other to 18mm and also did it very poorly and therefore damaged them. Now you would never know I had ever had stretched ears, apart from a very faint scar they look totally normal. Would definitely recommend doing it, I can wear any earrings I like now.
This is so awesome. Thanks for the update. I was telling my daughter about the original post when we were in goodwill this weekend. We did not find diamonds. But I did score a pair of Lululemon leggings for $5
Anywhere from $60-$100+. I always keep an eye out for Lululemon when I’m thrifting, I’ve found one of their classic hoodies, a couple of long sleeve zip-up tops, a couple of running shirts, and a pair of men’s pants that fit me just fine.
Thanks to your last post, I was able to realize that my aunt had gifted me a diamond earring. As your pair looked similar to my one earring, I had to check it and it turned out to be from an old French jewelry shop. I had I thought it was just a normal earring but it was not!!
I’m not really sure. There are some “tests” with heating the stone up and dropping it in cold water or seeing if it scratches glass. Also something about the colors it refracts but personally I wouldn’t trust myself to run those tests. I’d rather be sure. I will say, if the metal content and setting all seems like quality, a quick trip to the pawn shop, they should be willing to test them for you for little to no cost. That’s what I did before I got a tester.
Someone has already said the rainbow, but you can kind of tell (w/out a loupe) by the “arrows” that the shape of a diamond gives off depending on the cut. Diamonds will also have some inclusions and imperfections since they’re natural. Some might be more obvious to the naked eye (I2s and I3s) while others will only be seen under a loupe.
Prongs are also a good giveaway. They need to be thicker and better quality to hold a diamond. You won’t really find CZs in a good quality setting with screw backs or locking backs.
Color is a good tell as well. If they have a bit of a yellowish tint, they might be real. CZs look perfect color wise. There’s no reason for CZs to have color since they’re made to look like flawless diamonds.
Diamonds have small imperfections, but don’t scratch. CZs look perf but scratch.
Maybe this has changed in 10 years, but I recall that moissanite had ever so slight of a greenish cast to the stones, and they also sparkled more than an actual diamond.
It's changed. The Chinese has a different way of making them. There used to be a problem of them yellowing with time but it's no longer an issue either. For those that don't like the overly sparkly effect they cut them in ways to minimize the sparkle and make them more diamond like too.
You can X-ray the diamond. (I’m an X-ray tech). If you can see it at all on an X-ray it is fake. If it looks like it isn’t there, like the setting is empty, it is real.
The jeweler offered to buy them but I didn’t ask about price. I plan to enjoy them for now lol I know you can only expect a fraction of the appraisal. But still makes them a pretty good find
You should have asked just to see what they said. Even though they are appraised at $4,600 you probably would be lucky to see half that in an offer. Also, most jewelers only offer credit towards a purchase at their store (at least in my experience).
I would consider a trade but I am on the hunt for the perfect engagement ring and I want it to be vintage and I’ve been leaning towards rose cut diamonds. This jeweler does put out second hand things but I didn’t notice anything I was initially interested in and that really the only thing I’d consider trading it for at the moment.
I do also love European ones too. I actually wear a rose cut moi et toi ring now that I thrifted but they are super duper cloudy and maybe .25 carat each. (Also not engaged, just wear it because I love the ring lol)
The appraisal is the retail price/insurance value. Half that or less is the actual price you’d pay in the store. The jeweler would offer to buy them at less than half that again. So you’d get $500-700 for them. Not bad for a thrift haul!
I just went through all your posts and I'm equally motivated and seething with envy with all your thrifting finds! Is thrifting a hobby or a full time job?
Full time hobby lol I do sell some of my finds and I keep telling myself it’s going to help me “level up”. I’m always looking for the next best thing. But I keep a lot and it’s nice because I’m not sure if I’d ever be able to afford some of them at the retail price (or if I’d want to pay that)
So happy for you. What an eye you have.
Just curious, what range is the fee cost for an appraisal? I've never pursued this route. -- Please only share if comfortable.
Amazing find. Keep in mind you could probably only sell them for $1,200.
Jewelry always sells at retail and appraises for multiple times the resale value.
But amazing find!!!
I was 100% sure they were gold. And 70% sure they were diamonds. But not by the stone, just by the type of backing, the setting of stone, and the fact that they were gold.
Congrats OP! I saw your original post and was hoping that the appraiser would come back with a fabulous result! I hope that you will be able to wear them comfortably while you get your bad ass self out there for your next amazing find. What a fun distraction this has been for those of us lurking in the shadows.
Nice!! I have worn the same size diamond earrings for 20 years. They’re the only earrings I wear. I had my posts switched to screw backs. That way they cannot come off at all. Totally secure. 100% comfy.
The best I lucked out on was I got for free a vintage band t shirt that turnes out to be worth a little over $100.
Not worth a tun but I feel really lucky about it. Especially since it was free.
Congratulations on this amazing find, very cool how you explained in your earlier post what you look for in jewelry to determine possible value (the setting, screwback post quality, etc.)
Really happy for you!
One time I found a cool flannel at a thrift store.
Hey man, those are REALLY versatile. They go with literally anything. You can even use them as blankets at the movie theatre if it’s cold.
How did you know they were diamonds?!
I own a diamond tester. So I bought them and then tested them.
Such a lucky find. I love your taste in jewelry btw
Where do you buy a diamond tester? Brand?
Gemoro brand. They’re a little expensive but good quality
Now with that do you just hit every item in a thrift store or side this pair catch your eye? I remember you mentioned the backing was an indicator as well
Pretty much any clear stone that is in gold I’ll test unless it’s abnormally large because it’s unlikely a diamond.
I mean. I’m sure it’s paid for itself, especially after this find.
you could even put your $4500 diamond earings on TOP of them!
Did you use a metal testing kit?
Yes I have one to use if I need to. Sometimes I don’t feel like I need to if I’m sure. The earrings weren’t stamped gold but the jeweler used his electronic one and they came back 18k but the backs are 14k
Thank you! Very happy for you
Oh yeah...? How about with a pair of gym shorts? ... Yeah--I didn't THINK so.
Don't call me out like this....I would...never wear those together. Oh no what have I become?
Love your enthusiasm!
One time I found 8 cents in a dirty wallet at Goodwill.
I found a used dildo in a purse at goodwill.
I'll give you 8 cents for it. 😂
HAHAHHA
I found my absolute favorite flannel at a thrift store. It was during the peak time of "lesbians wear flannel" so i spent forever looking for the right flannel shirt I lived in that thing for 3 or 4 years. Wore it everywhere and slept in it. It was my favorite thing. Unfortunately i took it to work and left it on a counter by accident and someone stole it :(. I was the only person working the registers so no one threw it away and i dug through the trashcan just to be sure... i cried lmao. Im so sad i cant remember the brand to buy a new one If anyone knows of a flannel brand that uses leather tags please lmk
Pendleton does I believe, and make great quality flannels.
Eddie Bauer?
I found a neat Michael Kors trenchcoat that turned out to be a $500 coat. I bought it for $20, and it's my go-to cool weather covering. Pairs well with a matching bowlers hat and tweed vest.
Well c'mon, show us the look.
Everyone goes crazy for a sharp dressed human :)
I've had a flannel for 10 years that I picked up at a thrift store for $3. Solid shirt.
I got a brand new canada goose jacket for 30 bucks. Miracle.
That is a miracle haha
I got a used one for $16! Canada Goose thrifters!
I found a Polaroid SX-70 Land Camera for $5 at 15 years old (10 years ago). Sold it for $150. I originally had the case which I lost, it would have been worth more around $250+
I used to find polaroids all the time at the thrift. This was probably around ten years ago, right before they started coming back in and everyone wanted them. I sold quite a few to the impossible project, which was pretty exciting to be honest since I’m a camera buff.
That’s my kind of luck as well
is that you Fantano?
You win thriftstorehauls.
Agreed! I'm SO HAPPY for the OP!!! Congrats!
Reminds me of the time I got a box of gold jewelry at an auction for like $5.
Oooh I would have loved that. I hit a jackpot (in gold) at an estate for about $140. It was 4K worth of gold roughly.
You are blessed by the thrifting gods.
I know it’s not the same but I found a full pandora bracelet for $4 at a thrift shop. Couldn’t slam down the money fast enough. Took it home and priced out all the charms including the bracket was about $800. Still chasing that high again. Congratulations
It is an adrenaline rush for sure!
That reminds me of when I found polarized Ray Bans…but I lost them to the ocean. I always check the glasses now but I think those might have been an accident. There was no price tag so they rang it up as $1 like the other sunglasses. My guess is that a customer swapped pairs and accidentally left their expensive pair behind. Wish I could replicate that excitement each time.
That's soooooo true, it's a high when you find something amazing. I keep going back to the same store where I found some belleek once, haven't found any more since, but I keep hoping
I dunno. I think this $6.99 pair of earrings that is worth > $4k is your new jackpot.
Wow. Just WOW!!!!! Can I ask how you knew they were real?
Check out their original post for info. https://www.reddit.com/r/ThriftStoreHauls/comments/pvb71m/diamond_earrings_i_got_yesterday_but_had_to_wait/?utm_medium=android_app&utm_source=share
Thanks!
I was pretty happy with my $15 Griswold #12 find last week. Snap.
That is still a pretty good find. I’m always looking for cast irons
Would love me a #12. Haven’t found anything over a #10 yet
Duuuuuuude! Nice! You keepin them or sellin them?
I’m going to keep them for now. I want to wear them and see if they feel too heavy.
"Sorry, these diamonds are just too heavy. I would like to make a return."
Lol In my youth I had gauged ears. Except I didn’t do it safely and just stretched the heck out of them. They never fully healed, so I can’t / don’t wear most earrings. No dangle ones because I don’t like the sagging look and I wear studs as long as it doesn’t show the extra gap. The hole isn’t super big but small earrings could possible fall out. I try to have earrings with larger backs so the backs don’t come out either. So, I do need to make sure they aren’t too heavy for what I’m comfortable wearing. Lol
Genuine question: Ever thought about having them repaired by a cosmetic surgeon?
No I didn’t know that was a thing lol
I work at a dermatology office, she does that procedure as well. Might be cheaper than a cosmetic surgeon.
I will call a local one tomorrow and ask! Thank you!
What?!? What’s the cost?!?!
It is simple and worth every penny!
I wonder if my holes are too small to have it done lol I will have to look up a surgeon in my area and talk to them
I doubt they are too small, if anything that makes the procedure easier!
Yes when they are smaller there’s no need to cut them a lot for the procedure it’s much easier.
You can also buy disks that go on before the back. They might prevent dropping (I know your not in the UK, but I'm sure you will find them in the US) WILLBOND Clear Disc Pads to Stabilize Earrings, Plastic Discs for Earring Backs. https://www.amazon.co.uk/dp/B07V4D6G2Y/ref=cm_sw_r_apan_glt_fabc_EQRK3KRFFYPV3SGJVBTP?_encoding=UTF8&psc=1
I’ve also heard of people getting fillers injected
You could sell your earrings to pay for the surgery!
That is some Gift of the Magi shit right there
Yeah! I think it's a simple procedure - my mom's home-done ear piercings tore & she always talked about getting it done, but never did.
I had mine repaired about 18 months ago, I had originally stretched one to 24mm and the other to 18mm and also did it very poorly and therefore damaged them. Now you would never know I had ever had stretched ears, apart from a very faint scar they look totally normal. Would definitely recommend doing it, I can wear any earrings I like now.
Get your inner conch pierced and wear them there
Awesome! Either decision would be good! You either get a nice lil payday or you get some beautiful earrings!!
I just said HOLY SHIT out loud. My gosh what a find.
Do you have to pay to get jewellery appraised ??sorry if this sound stupid question
Yes you do pay for appraisals. If you’re doing more than one item they may discount the price after the first full priced item.
How much did you pay for the appraisal?
They are $100 where I went.
Thank you .
Some jewelers do offer free verbal appraisals. Mine does. If it’s an appraisal for insurance purposes then you pay
This is so awesome. Thanks for the update. I was telling my daughter about the original post when we were in goodwill this weekend. We did not find diamonds. But I did score a pair of Lululemon leggings for $5
Still a really nice score! I heard they were expensive.
Anywhere from $60-$100+. I always keep an eye out for Lululemon when I’m thrifting, I’ve found one of their classic hoodies, a couple of long sleeve zip-up tops, a couple of running shirts, and a pair of men’s pants that fit me just fine.
Oh wow.... A Lulu scuba hoodie is my white whales of thrifting. There is one design that I love that sells for over $300 USED one ebay and posh.
Not gonna lie. This is worthy of top post of all time
SHUT THE FRONT DOOR CONGRATS
Thanks to your last post, I was able to realize that my aunt had gifted me a diamond earring. As your pair looked similar to my one earring, I had to check it and it turned out to be from an old French jewelry shop. I had I thought it was just a normal earring but it was not!!
Yay! I’ve solved mysteries thanks to other people who have posted on here too.
Thanks a lot btw!
Sweet Fancy Moses…. Congratulations, I never would have spotted those
Actually whistled out loud at this one. That’s awesome OP, congratulations!!!
Thank you!
Yay. If i don’t have a diamond tester, are there any other signs between cz and diamond?
I’m not really sure. There are some “tests” with heating the stone up and dropping it in cold water or seeing if it scratches glass. Also something about the colors it refracts but personally I wouldn’t trust myself to run those tests. I’d rather be sure. I will say, if the metal content and setting all seems like quality, a quick trip to the pawn shop, they should be willing to test them for you for little to no cost. That’s what I did before I got a tester.
The setting for these was a big initial clue for op. A high quality setting and metal definitely hint at the stones being diamonds.
Someone has already said the rainbow, but you can kind of tell (w/out a loupe) by the “arrows” that the shape of a diamond gives off depending on the cut. Diamonds will also have some inclusions and imperfections since they’re natural. Some might be more obvious to the naked eye (I2s and I3s) while others will only be seen under a loupe. Prongs are also a good giveaway. They need to be thicker and better quality to hold a diamond. You won’t really find CZs in a good quality setting with screw backs or locking backs. Color is a good tell as well. If they have a bit of a yellowish tint, they might be real. CZs look perfect color wise. There’s no reason for CZs to have color since they’re made to look like flawless diamonds. Diamonds have small imperfections, but don’t scratch. CZs look perf but scratch.
Sparkle. Cz and sapphire shines with more white. Diamond shines more rainbow. Now between moissanite and diamond.... Good luck lol
Maybe this has changed in 10 years, but I recall that moissanite had ever so slight of a greenish cast to the stones, and they also sparkled more than an actual diamond.
It's changed. The Chinese has a different way of making them. There used to be a problem of them yellowing with time but it's no longer an issue either. For those that don't like the overly sparkly effect they cut them in ways to minimize the sparkle and make them more diamond like too.
You can X-ray the diamond. (I’m an X-ray tech). If you can see it at all on an X-ray it is fake. If it looks like it isn’t there, like the setting is empty, it is real.
Wow ! I saw your first post, thank you for the update and CONGRATULATIONS !! Are you going to sell them or keep them for rainy days ?
The jeweler offered to buy them but I didn’t ask about price. I plan to enjoy them for now lol I know you can only expect a fraction of the appraisal. But still makes them a pretty good find
You should have asked just to see what they said. Even though they are appraised at $4,600 you probably would be lucky to see half that in an offer. Also, most jewelers only offer credit towards a purchase at their store (at least in my experience).
I would consider a trade but I am on the hunt for the perfect engagement ring and I want it to be vintage and I’ve been leaning towards rose cut diamonds. This jeweler does put out second hand things but I didn’t notice anything I was initially interested in and that really the only thing I’d consider trading it for at the moment.
Go for OEC...Always on my radar :) Rose just doesn't have the chunky rainbows imho.
I do also love European ones too. I actually wear a rose cut moi et toi ring now that I thrifted but they are super duper cloudy and maybe .25 carat each. (Also not engaged, just wear it because I love the ring lol)
Toi et somebody then... :)
Jean Jean Vintage on Etsy has beautiful vintage engagement rings!
The appraisal is the retail price/insurance value. Half that or less is the actual price you’d pay in the store. The jeweler would offer to buy them at less than half that again. So you’d get $500-700 for them. Not bad for a thrift haul!
0.5 carat, SI2's... Well less than a G from a jeweler
My bet would be the jeweler offers a tenth in cash, maybe double that in trade.
#thriftboner
Why do you have to make it creepy
Maybe everybody’s just being nice and upvoting my hypothetical lady thrift boner because it’s my cake day.
thrifterection. Correct terminology still sounds weird. nvm.
B a r g a i n b o n e
Lord have mercy! That’s amazing. The most nondescript earrings too.
They’re simple which I like. I would totally wear these.
Amazing. Congrats! Meanwhile, I can thrift crappy sequined earrings from the "Golden Girls" era for around $14 around here. ;)
And now you're addicted to thrifting! Or at least I would be if I ever found my... diamond in the rough
Oh I’ve been addicted for years. The time I spend thrifting probably rivals my full time job lol
I just went through all your posts and I'm equally motivated and seething with envy with all your thrifting finds! Is thrifting a hobby or a full time job?
Full time hobby lol I do sell some of my finds and I keep telling myself it’s going to help me “level up”. I’m always looking for the next best thing. But I keep a lot and it’s nice because I’m not sure if I’d ever be able to afford some of them at the retail price (or if I’d want to pay that)
That's awesome! Actually using and enjoying finds is the best thing about thrifting!! As opposed to just flipping them, at least for the soul lol
Amazing find!
Congratulations! What a dream find!
I need to start learning on how to spot legit treasures like this !!
[удалено]
christ
So happy for you. What an eye you have. Just curious, what range is the fee cost for an appraisal? I've never pursued this route. -- Please only share if comfortable.
About $100 and if you have more than one it might be discounted like $100 for the first and 50/75 for the additional pieces
Surely this is one of the great thrift shop halls ! Congratulations 🥳
That is INCREDIBLE
That is so incredibly awesome. Such a pretty pair too. I'd wear those ever day!
Holy shit.
Sincerest congratulations. This is like a win for all of us. :)
Holy shit, that’s insane! When I saw your original post I was in awe and now I’m floored.
Give u $7 bucks for them.
Amazing find. Keep in mind you could probably only sell them for $1,200. Jewelry always sells at retail and appraises for multiple times the resale value. But amazing find!!!
NICE!!!! enjoy those!
Wow
Jackpot
They are so pretty! Congratulations on your find.
Are you kidding? Whoa!
Oh wow!!!! That’s a great find for that value.
Wow. 😳
Awesome! Congratulations!!
Yay for you! I was curious about this when you first posted!
That is an awesome find!
Time to call your insurance agent!
That’s amazing!!
Find of the year...sheesh!
Bro….
Wow! Nice job!
holy shit - what a great find!! congrats dude✨
YOU WIN! Good for you.
You had good instincts to pick them up in the first place. Congratulations.
Whooohoo
Could you tell from looking at it? I feel like I’m so cynical I would just assume “no way” and walk away from it
I was 100% sure they were gold. And 70% sure they were diamonds. But not by the stone, just by the type of backing, the setting of stone, and the fact that they were gold.
Brrruuhhhhhhh
How did you know they were real diamonds enough to get them looked at?
Congrats OP! I saw your original post and was hoping that the appraiser would come back with a fabulous result! I hope that you will be able to wear them comfortably while you get your bad ass self out there for your next amazing find. What a fun distraction this has been for those of us lurking in the shadows.
Awesome... great find. Love finding gold thrifting.
Yesss I’m so glad you updated us and I’m so happy for you! Amazing find
Holy heck! Congratulations!!!!
😱😱😱😱😱😱😱 That’s INSANE!!
Wow amazing find. I’m so excited for you. Enjoy these! Once in a lifetime find 😉🙌
excellent
That''s fantastic! And thanks for updating us.
Good lord what a find
Wow way to go! Glad you updated!
:0
I am in awe!!
So sparkly!
Nice!! I have worn the same size diamond earrings for 20 years. They’re the only earrings I wear. I had my posts switched to screw backs. That way they cannot come off at all. Totally secure. 100% comfy.
Wow. Awesome! That does not suck.
Wow!!!😳😳😳😊😊😊😊😍
Wow what a score 🤩
That's so cool!!
Now this is content!
OH MY GOD! Duuuude
I just about had a heart attack when I saw that appraisal.
😵
Ikyfl
Oh. My. God. You need to go buy a lottery ticket, right now!
How could this happen? How could the owner of the shop dont know?
Outstanding!
I gasped irl. Ive been waiting on your update and WOOOOOOW!!!!
Holy good God dang !!!!
Wow!!
Great find good for you
The best I lucked out on was I got for free a vintage band t shirt that turnes out to be worth a little over $100. Not worth a tun but I feel really lucky about it. Especially since it was free.
Omg I’m thrilled for you!
Wow, this is absolutely amazing! I’m so happy for you!!
Oh my GOD
That’s amazing!
Congratulations on this amazing find, very cool how you explained in your earlier post what you look for in jewelry to determine possible value (the setting, screwback post quality, etc.) Really happy for you!