Bargain hunter strikes nearly $1,000 gold jackpot at Thrift Store

A recent Thrift Store Haul has captured the attention of bargain hunters and treasure seekers.

One shopper uncovered nearly $1,000 worth of gold and valuable jewelry — all tucked away inside an unassuming wooden jewelry box priced under $10, Caliber.Az reports via TCD. 

Sharing their find on the popular subreddit r/ThriftStoreHauls, the shopper also offered a simple but powerful tip: always check the contents of jewelry boxes, as you never know what hidden gems might be waiting inside.

“Always check jewelry boxes,” the user advised, posting a photo of a wooden jewelry box whose drawers revealed a hidden bounty. “Today I struck gold (literally). After organizing, the first drawer is junk/costume, second is sterling (16g), third is 10kt gold (7.95g), and fourth is 14kt gold (7.1g). Plus a ladies Wittnauer with a sapphire crystal. All for $9.99.”

The shopper estimated the haul’s value at around $780 based on spot prices, suggesting it could reach $1,000. “This kind of haul is why I treasure hunt,” they added.

Responses flooded in from fellow thrifters, many congratulating the find and expressing envy. “Some of those rings look like real diamonds,” one commenter wrote. “Great score!”

Many were surprised the store employees hadn’t noticed the valuable items tucked inside the box, but the original poster explained this isn’t uncommon. “This is my first time buying a jewelry box but I've bought numerous storage items with drawers and they never check,” they said.

For thrift shoppers, the thrill of discovery—whether it’s a unique artwork, designer clothing, or hidden cash—is a key draw.

Even when hidden gems aren’t uncovered, thrift stores offer quality goods like kitchenware, home decor, shoes, and instruments at a fraction of the cost. Research from CouponFollow shows that the average thrift shopper saves over $1,760 annually.

Buying secondhand also benefits the environment by reducing landfill waste and preventing harmful chemicals and microplastics from contaminating soil, air, and water. Extending the life of products and avoiding new purchases saves money while helping the planet.

By Naila Huseynova