Jewelry jar finds at Goodwill

[Drmad7]

Stopped by my closest GW after work and the "jewelry" person had put out 8 jars! She has a loop now and goes over each piece to save the gold and most silver for auctions. I still found better stuff than expected. Ssssshhhhhh! Don't tell her!

My favorite is the cuff. Tests for silver and that stone(whatever it is) looks like a waterfall or lightning! The bangle is Cam & Co Goldfilled. And the brooch is clearly marked "14k" and is from the Musha Trust. Diamonds and pink sapphires I believe! Spent a total of $70 not including 2 pair is silver earrings, a sterling rosary, and several Sterling necklaces with small pendants!

 

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[kcm]

Not too many years ago, you probably could have picked it all up for under $10. ...And they say there's no inflation?!?!?

 

[Drmad7]

Yep, I was talking to my arch enemy who is known as the jewelry guy and discovered we were both shopping the same GW at he same time pre-2008. I was buying great stuff clearanced from Target and he was buying the jewelry. I never even looked at the jewelry cases, only electronics. He said he would go everyday and buy gold and silver pieces for no more than $2.99. He said he would make thousands a day. Then the managers caught on and prices went up and less "good" jewelry was coming out on display. The good old days! But he would be pissed if he knew I picked these up!

 

[pat-tekker-cat]

Be sure to keep an eye out for that 950pt "silver", they may miss!
Nice score. GL & HH!

 

[JimDon]

I've stayed clear of the jars. They want $40 for them here.

 

[Beans]

Not uncommon to walk up to check out at the GW and the clerk is going thru the jewelry while waiting for customers. Nobody buys the jars because majority is beads and plastic items. They go for 20 to 30 each. Once they had a big bag asking 249.00 for it.

 

[Drmad7]

Just picked this up today because it was sitting against the glass in a $34.99 jar...

Works but can't change date. Might keep it. I always come across Omega Ladymatics, never men's.

 

[JimDon]

If it's a real Omega it is couple hundred dollars score. The date issue is probably an easy fix for a jeweler but you probably need to get it serviced. Can we see a picture of the movement? Also check between the lugs to see if it's Hallmarked for gold.

 

[Drmad7]

It was a presentation watch for 25 years of service to Nationwide Insurance. I'm out of town right now, but I recall between the lugs was marked 20m and the Omega sign. Or something that made me think 20 microns of gold plating. My scrap gold guy was interested in it for himself and I let him try to unscrew the back. It wouldn't budge and he didn't want to scratch it. He had parts back from getting an Omega services and he said it cost them $400 on a $700 watch. I'll take it to a high end jeweler on Monday to see the inside. I do want to know what movement it has...and what servicing would cost. The gold guy wants me to let him him know if I'm keeping it or putting it on eBay.

 

[DFW_THer]

I've stayed clear of the jars. They want $40 for them here.

Jim, you're not in my area so I don't hesitate to say this: Don't skip jars because of a $30-$40 price tag. I hit a local goodwill and regularly find 8-10 times my spend in the jars or bags that come out. If I land there at the right time, I'll spend 150 on 5 or 6 jars and a few bags, and find plenty of silver and even some yellow.

Maybe it's just this store. Some are lazier or less-informed than others. I think they're skipping hollowware here too. I've found some small pieces, just waiting for that huge platter to come out marked 950 taxco or something... I can smell it. haha

 

[GibH]

I've never seen a jar at any of our area Goodwill stores. I've picked up a couple of bags from one local thrift, but they went from 10-12 to $25 a bag. The first couple of bags I got were easily worth it, but I don't think they are worth the risk at $25.

 

[trdhrdr007]

This has to depend on location. In my neck of the woods it's a waste of time to look at Goodwill jars.

 

[Drmad7]

My best goodwill jar cost me $80 and I made over $1500.00 on it. One necklace was 45g of 14k.

 

[DFW_THer]

My best goodwill jar cost me $80 and I made over $1500.00 on it. One necklace was 45g of 14k.

I have a friend that just bought a 25 dollar jar here in Maryland. 39 grams of 14K, 6 grams of 18K, and a bit of silver. North of 1K profit on that thing. Happened last week, and I'm due next. Haha

 

[Drmad7]

Picked up another Omega at a different thrift store. It was $149.99...more than I have ever spent on a single watch. I debated and left the store. Then went back 3 hours later and bought it! Was afraid I wouldn't make my $$ back...but it was an Omega! Had an offer of $325.00 within 15 minutes of listing. Offer of $100.00 for the box alone. I countered each at $375 and $350.00. Sold this morning for BIN price!

 

[JimDon]

Great find! You guys are killing it with watches!

 

[mugsisme]

I've stayed clear of the jars. They want $40 for them here.

I'm embarrassed to say how much I have paid. A few of the super large ones were dudes, too. And some of the greatest finds are in cheap ones. But it is so hit or miss. Now I will ONLY buy a jar if I see something for sure that is good. I've passed on a ton of jars lately.