A Georgia woman, Erin Calkins, experienced an incredible stroke of luck while shopping at a Goodwill store in Atlanta, discovering a diamond bracelet valued at $1,200 hidden within a purse she purchased for just $8. Calkins, who initially went to the thrift store to find a shirt for her husband to wear to a wedding, was pleasantly surprised by her unexpected find.
Despite her husband’s reservations about her adding another purse to her collection, Calkins decided to buy the handbag, reasoning that it was only $8. After several weeks of owning the purse, she made the remarkable discovery while searching for her keys. Noticing a hole in the lining, she reached inside and felt the luxury bracelet, which she initially thought could be a 14k white gold piece.
Feeling a mix of excitement and skepticism, Calkins took the bracelet to an estate jeweler for appraisal, where it was confirmed to be a diamond tennis bracelet. The jeweler offered her $1,200 on the spot, a much-needed addition to her finances, especially as she had recently totaled her car and was in the market for a new one.
Calkins shared her experience on Reddit under the username u/AliensAbductingCows, capturing the attention of numerous commenters who praised her luck and business acumen while speculating if she could have fetched a higher price for the piece.
For Calkins, this serendipitous find marked one of the best thrift store experiences she has ever had, highlighting the treasures that can sometimes be found in unexpected places. Her story serves as a reminder of the hidden gems that thrift shopping can yield, bringing both excitement and beneficial financial outcomes.