There is nothing quite like the thrill of thrifting. I have spent countless hours treasure hunting, and I quite literally never go home empty-handed. Though I have to admit, I’ve never gotten quite as lucky as this Reddit user who accidentally scored the find of a lifetime.
“The thrift gods were smiling on me today,” the shopper captioned her post of seemingly ordinary jewelry.
The thrift gods were smiling upon me today (see 3rd photo)!
byu/-CAW-CAW-CAW- inThriftStoreHauls
In an effort to collect jewelry-making supplies, the thrifter snagged a $5 bag of “junk jewelry” and felt something heavy inside. That’s when the shopper discovered an authentic Tiffany & Co. pendant.
Redditors helped the thrifting wunderkind identify the piece, which is an Elsa Peretti sterling silver heart. Remarkably, it retails at that size for about $578. For the cost of $5 and some silver polish, the person could easily resell it for a great price or keep it as a thrifting trophy.
Although those kinds of experiences are never guaranteed when thrifting, being savvy — such as looking up labels while browsing and checking all the pockets and zippers — could help you score your next great find. Reselling gems on platforms like eBay and Depop is also an effective way to earn some extra side hustle cash.
How to Make the Most of Your Thrift Trip
Thrifting is 80% luck and 20% preparation. In addition to knowing what brands to look for and wearing comfy shopping clothes, here are a few tried-and-true ways to maximize a thrifting experience:
Shop Mid-Week Mornings
Stores often restock after weekend donations and are quieter mid-week. The earlier you shop, the better.
Visit Often
Thrift inventory changes daily. The more you go, the better your odds of finding something amazing.
Go Thrifting in Affluent Neighborhoods
Higher-income areas tend to donate higher-end brands. Just keep in mind that prices might be a bit steeper.
Ask Employees About Restock Days
Staff might clue you in on when new items hit the floor. Timing your trip around those days can be key.
Of course, having fun and shopping for what you naturally like is always a good move. That strategy works at least half the time.
