In the heart of Pittsburgh, 23-year-old Jess Smith, a young American artist with a knack for finding vintage treasures, stumbled upon a piece that would change her life. Known for her passion for unique accessories, Jess often scours thrift stores in search of hidden gems. Little did she know that her latest find would turn out to be a masterpiece worth thousands of dollars.
A Thrift Store Find
Last June, Jess decided to visit a local thrift store, a regular haunt for her weekend shopping sprees. As she browsed through the aisles, her attention was drawn to a peculiar necklace adorned with a large transparent pendant. Intrigued by its distinctive look, she picked it up for closer inspection.
While examining the necklace, a fellow shopper commented that it looked like a piece from the 1970s. Intrigued by this tidbit of information, Jess decided to buy the necklace for the modest sum of $1.99.
A Digital Detective Story
Before wearing her new find, Jess turned to Google Lens, a handy app for identifying objects through images. She snapped a picture of the necklace and eagerly awaited the results. To her amazement, the search led her to Aaronel deRoy Gruber, a renowned painter and sculptor from Pittsburgh who was famous for his three-dimensional plexiglass creations.
Gruber, who passed away in 2011, was celebrated for his unique approach to art. Realizing she might have stumbled upon an authentic piece by the artist, Jess was thrilled yet puzzled. “I thought, ‘Wow, this is so cool. Now, what am I going to do with this necklace?'” she recalled in an interview with Insider.
Confirming the Discovery
Unsure of her next steps, Jess reached out to the Irving and Aaronel deRoy Gruber Foundation, an organization dedicated to preserving and sharing the artist’s work. She sent a message via Instagram, hoping for some guidance.
To her delight, Brittany Reilly, the foundation’s director, responded promptly. “The first thing she told me was, ‘I don’t even need to see it. I know it’s a genuine Gruber necklace,'” Jess recounted. Brittany also informed her that the necklace was a particularly special piece, estimating its value between $2,800 and $3,200.
A Dilemma and a Solution
This unexpected windfall left Jess in a bit of a quandary. What should she do with this valuable piece of art? Fortunately, Brittany offered several options, one of which was to lend the necklace to a gallery. Jess decided this was the best course of action, choosing to loan it out for a year.
A Stroke of Luck
Jess’s story is a testament to the joys of thrifting and the unexpected surprises it can bring. Her keen eye and curiosity led her to a once-in-a-lifetime find, turning a simple thrift store visit into a remarkable adventure. For now, her $2 investment sits proudly in a gallery, admired by many and cherished by its lucky owner.
Whether you’re a seasoned thrifter or just someone who enjoys a good bargain, Jess’s experience reminds us all that sometimes, the most extraordinary treasures are hiding in plain sight, waiting for someone to discover their true worth.
