You know that feeling you get when rummaging through a thrift store, scanning over countless items, and something catches your eye? Well, Jessica Vincent does.
This is exactly the scenario she was in when she discovered a “nice vase” with an even better price tag. This isn’t just any vase, though.
Jessica is a seasoned thrifter who, on a seemingly ordinary day, stumbled upon a find that was about to turn her world upside down.
For a mere $3.99, she bagged a vase that was anything but ordinary.
Thrifting isn’t just a hobby for Jessica, it’s a treasure hunt- a tradition passed down from her mother.
Together, they explored secondhand stores, flea markets, and yard sales, honing Jessica’s eye for the unique and valuable.
Little did she know, this skill would soon lead her to an incredible discovery at her local Goodwill.
“People tell me I have a good eye,” Jessica shared in an interview with CNN Style.
She prided herself on being able to sift through the ordinary to find the gems hidden beneath.
Her secret? A keen eye sharpened by years of watching ‘Antiques Roadshow.’
And on that fateful day, her skills were put to the test.
The vase that caught her attention was no ordinary piece.
With its unique bottle shape and captivating red and green streaks, it stood out amidst a sea of dollar store items.
It was a “nice piece,” Jessica thought, recognizing its quality and the unmistakable mark of craftsmanship.
It was a surprise that such a gem had been overlooked by others.
Taking the vase home, Jessica’s curiosity led her to investigate further.
The markings on the glass hinted at its Italian origins, but a missing word piqued her interest even more.
Turning to a glassware Facebook group for insights, she soon learned the significance of the missing word: “Venini,” a renowned name in Italian glassmaking.
The revelation was just the beginning.
Enthusiasts in the group identified the vase as a creation by Carlo Scarpa for Venini, part of the “Pennellate” series designed in 1942.
This wasn’t just any vase; it was a collector’s dream, a piece of history crafted by one of Italy’s most celebrated designers.
The vase’s authenticity and rarity were confirmed by Richard Wright, founder of the Wright auction house, who recognized it as a significant find.
Experts visited Jessica’s home, verifying the vase’s provenance and setting the stage for an auction that would astonish everyone involved.
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As the auction went live, Jessica and her partner watched in disbelief as the bids soared.
The final hammer price? A staggering $107,000.
The excitement was overwhelming. “We were shaking; we were cheering,” Jessica recalled.
The thrill of the find, the suspense of the auction, and the joy of the unexpected fortune were moments she would never forget.
Despite her attachment to the “Pennellate” vase, Jessica knew it deserved a place where it could be fully appreciated.
Selling it was a difficult decision, but the financial reward was undeniable.
This incredible journey from a $3.99 thrift store find to a $107,000 auction sale is a testament to the hidden treasures waiting to be discovered in the most unexpected places.
Learn more about Jessica’s awesome find in the video below!
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