A woman experienced astonishment upon the realization that the necklace she procured from a thrift store for a mere $2 was, in fact, a piece of lost art valued at $3,000.
Jess Smith, aged 23, embarked on her usual shopping venture at her preferred thrift store in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania earlier this summer, directing her attention promptly to the necklace display.
During her exploration, the young artist’s attention was captivated by an “exceedingly large neon and translucent necklace” that stood out from the rest.
Upon careful examination, Smith observed a signature accompanied by the year “1973” inscribed in one corner, although the precise wording eluded her comprehension.
Resolute in her decision, she elected to purchase the necklace, for which she paid a meager $2.
Intrigued by the enigmatic find, Smith harnessed the capabilities of Google Lens’ reverse image search. Her investigation eventually led her to the work of artist Aaronel deRoy Gruber, whose creations bore an uncanny resemblance to the distinct necklace.
Energized by the prospect, the astonished shopper reached out to the Aaronel deRoy Gruber Foundation. Swift correspondence ensued, with the foundation extending an invitation for Smith to present her acquisition for examination and explore the broader collection.
A pioneer in crafting plexiglass pieces during the 1960s and 1970s, the late artist specialized in producing uniquely individual necklaces.
In a face-to-face meeting with the foundation’s director, Smith’s necklace was officially authenticated as an original piece, its value estimated at a substantial $3,000. This serendipitous discovery underscores the potential treasures that can emerge from the unassuming realms of thrift stores.
