Unexpected Thrift Store Find: Woman Discovers $3,000 Artistic Necklace

Jess Smith, an artist from Pennsylvania, purchased a unique necklace resembling a Tide Pod for $2 at a thrift store. After researching the piece, she discovered it was an art piece created by Pittsburgh artist Aaronel deRoy Gruber and valued at over $3,000. Smith reached out to the Irving and Aaronel deRoy Gruber Foundation, who confirmed its authenticity and offered her options to keep or sell the necklace. She decided to loan it to a gallery for a year to be appreciated by others before considering its future. Smith documented her find on TikTok, where it gained attention for its resemblance to a Tide Pod.