Valuable Finds, Part I
25 years ago, I paid $130 for a new silver necklace, and within the same week, went to a thrift store and found an old sterling bracelet, made in Mexico, for $12. That hooked me! Since then, I’ve gotten all sorts of jewelry at flea markets, thrift stores, antique shops and yard sales.
My favorite jewelry has always been sterling, but lately I’ve been having a fling with old costume pieces. I’m not a collector; I just buy what I want to wear. This weekend I found a Sarah Coventry matched bracelet and earring set from the 60’s (I dated it by doing a quick Internet search when I came home) and a blue rhinestone and faux silver necklace/earring set. I spent $17 for the two sets.
I’ve found that the jewelry at flea markets usually costs more than at thrift stores or yard sales, because the people selling are generally the dealers who scour the thrifts and yard sales, then raise the price to make a profit. There’s nothing quite like finding a fantastic pair of sterling earrings for less than a dollar, and I have done this on occasion at my local thrift store. But the flea markets and antique stores are still fun, and the variety can be tremendous.
Brief note: I changed my categories today and hope this makes it easier to find blogs that are of interest.