A few of the finest locations to search out nice classic costume jewellery are thrift outlets. You have seen the large shops – Goodwill, Salvation Military, Savers…after which there are the charity outlets run by church buildings and non-profits. All of them obtain donated jewellery, and I’ve discovered some wonderful items in thrift outlets. It appears to me that the bigger chain outlets have higher costs than the smaller charity outlets, nevertheless it actually is determined by who’s pricing the jewellery after they put it out on the market. Some store staff are very savvy about values, however some aren’t and so they usually worth jewellery very low. Perhaps they determine that if it is not real gold it is not price a lot. Good for us!
Thrift store shopping has misplaced the stigma of being simply junk outlets or locations the place the down-and-out store.
An awesome tip is to turn out to be pleasant with the workers of the outlets that you just go to. One clerk lets me rummage by the jewellery bins earlier than she costs them and places them out on the floor. One other lets me know after they get a considerable amount of jewellery donated.
Discover out when the store has their specials. One retailer in my city has a 30% Senior low cost on Wednesdays. Guess which day is my shopping day!
Typically the store management will put a considerable amount of jewellery in a plastic bag and promote the bag for a set worth. If you happen to discover these, look at the bag as carefully as you possibly can – you will not be allowed to open it, and there is plenty of junk in there, largely stuff that did not promote, and infrequently plenty of plastic Mardi Gras beads. I purchased these bags just a few occasions, and it was enjoyable sorting by all the pieces, however I wound up donating most of it to a nursing home for crafts initiatives. I’ve discovered just a few very nice items this manner, however I do not assume it was actually definitely worth the time and bother.
Most thrift outlets have a glass case the place they hold the higher stuff. Ask to see items that curiosity you, and look at them carefully. Look carefully on the racks the place they normally dangle the cheaper stuff. I discovered a sterling silver Native American belt buckle, with a turquoise stone in it and signed by the artist, hanging in a zipper lock bag on a rack. I purchased it for $2.80 and offered it on eBay for $52! It was badly tarnished, however I polished it up and it was lovely.
There all the time appear to be plenty of watches in these cases. Watch out for copies of well-known makes, and purchase solely name manufacturers that you just acknowledge. Be certain that the band is in good situation and that there aren’t any scratches on the crystal. The watch most likely will not be working, so plan to spend $5 to $7 for a battery. If you happen to’re shopping for for resale, make sure you embody the price of a battery to see if the watch is price shopping for. You take an opportunity there – it may not work even after a brand new battery is put in.
Whether or not you’re shopping for jewellery to your personal assortment or for resale, there are a number of issues to search for when inspecting thrift store jewellery.
1. Situation, situation, situation: You will come throughout every kind of jewellery in every kind of situation. Search for damaged clasps, lacking stones, worn steel finishes, and any inexperienced materials on gold tone jewellery. The inexperienced stuff is corrosion, and it will probably’t be cleaned off. Go on that one. Examine that stone settings are tight, and if they are not, watch out with the piece – it is best to be capable to tighten them. If the piece is soiled you possibly can clean it. Carry a jeweler’s loupe or robust magnifying glass so you possibly can look at the piece carefully 새티스파이어.
2. Is the piece signed? The name on the again of a pin or earring, on the clasp of a necklace or bracelet, or on an earring clip is the “signature” of the designer. Signed items may be extra helpful than unsigned, however there are additionally many many “unsigned beauties” on the market. Search for the name, and if there’s a copyright image ©, meaning the piece was made after about 1955. No image – you most likely have a real classic piece. Search for the numbers 925 on silver jewellery – meaning it is sterling silver, and if the value is true, you’ve got received a steal.
3. Worth: It is arduous to place a worth on thrift store jewellery – the cheaper, the higher, in fact! I strive to not spend greater than $3 for a pin, bracelet, necklace or pair of earrings. You may come throughout one thing actually spectacular that prices extra, and if you happen to assume you possibly can revenue from it, otherwise you need it for your self, go forward and purchase it. A very good rule of thumb when shopping thrift outlets is that this: If you happen to prefer it however aren’t certain, set your self a restrict, say $5. If it seems to be not so nice, you are not out that a lot. As talked about, some thrift store staff know extra about jewellery, and can worth some items too excessive so that you can promote and make a revenue. However there appears to be fairly a little bit of worker turnover in these outlets, so the subsequent individual pricing jewellery may not be as educated.
After Christmas is an effective time to select up Christmas jewellery. Some outlets will mark down vacation gadgets to eliminate them, different outlets simply retailer them away for subsequent yr.
I really like shopping at thrift outlets – similar to Forrest Gump’s box of goodies, you by no means know what you are going to get. Each journey is a treasure hunt. Some days are slim pickin’s, however some days are very rewarding. Simply yesterday I received 10 items for $15 – a number of are sterling silver, and one piece could also be jade – I am nonetheless undecided.
Be constant in your thrift store shopping. Attempt to exit each week, and discover out when the outlets have their particular promotions. A lot of the giant chain outlets put out new merchandise all day lengthy, another outlets restock on sure days. Discover out when these are, and get there early.
Learn books about costume jewellery, and turn out to be educated, so if you store the thrift outlets you may be armed with data. Have enjoyable with it, get to know the thrift store workers, and you may come home with some fabulous jewellery at fabulous costs.