Check out this mind-blowing tale from the world of thrifting! Jess Smith, a 23-year-old art student and TikTok aficionado, stumbled upon what she thought was a peculiar necklace while browsing through a Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania thrift shop.
This particular piece, priced at a mere $1.99, caught her eye due to its unusual appearance resembling a Tide Pod dangling on a gold chain. Describing it as a “giant clear pendant,” Jess initially perceived it to be made of plastic, but it held an inexplicable allure.

Curiosity piqued, she examined the necklace more closely, noticing faint inscriptions on the pendant—a name and a date. Eager to uncover its origins, she snapped a photo and turned to Google Lens for assistance. To her amazement, the search led her to the works of an artist named Aaronel deRoy Gruber, renowned for her prowess in painting, sculpting, and photography, showcased in esteemed museums.

Realising the potential significance of her thrift shop find, Jess dove deeper. She stumbled upon the Irving and Aaronel deRoy Gruber Foundation, dedicated to preserving and promoting Aaronel’s artwork. A call to the foundation confirmed Jess’s suspicions—the necklace was indeed an authentic piece by Gruber herself.

The necklace, part of a limited series with distinct colour palettes and forms, held an astonishing value between $2,800 and $3,200. Offers from collectors eager to pay the full price streamed in, but Jess, despite the tempting figures, decided to hold onto this unexpected treasure. Instead, she plans to periodically loan it to galleries, honouring Gruber’s legacy and allowing others to appreciate its significance.

The director of the foundation, Brittany Reilly, emphasised the importance of cherishing and enjoying such pieces, echoing the sentiment that Aaronel would appreciate Jess’s decision.

Jess’s TikTok followers were captivated by her journey, marvelling at the revelation behind what seemed initially like an ordinary thrift store discovery. Comments flooded in, applauding Jess for unveiling the hidden value behind what could have been misconstrued as trivial art.

In a world where significance often hides in plain sight, Jess’s discovery serves as a testament to the value of uncovering hidden gems and preserving the legacy of artists often overlooked.