I was trolling though an estate sale the other day, and there were two small leather jewelry boxes on one of the tables of assorted stuff. I opened the first and my breath caught in my throat. It was a delicate silver bracelet with dark purple amethyst stones set in it. It was beautiful, sparkling purple and silver in the dark brown lining of the leather jewelry box. I closed the box, tucked in under my arm and picked up the other leather jewelry box. I opened it and a matching silver amethyst necklace was inside. The same deep purple, one stone hanging form a silver chain. I took both boxes to the cashier and was given a price of $5 on the necklace and $10 on the bracelet. No charge for the leather jewelry boxes. I paid for both and went home happily gloating over the beautiful purple stones.
I know amethyst is not the first class gemstone it used to be, and I know that the quality of the stones varies, both in clarity and in color, and I know silver settings are relatively cheap, but these are the prettiest amethyst cut gens I have seen in a long time. They are not real big, and the silver is relatively delicate, so there is not a great deal of value in the metallic content. But together they make a beautiful set. I am going to have to look for earring to go with them.
So, my amethysts were not a “steal”, but I smile every time I look at the leather jewelry boxes. And I have promised myself to open every one I find in the future, just in case something beautiful is hiding inside. Maybe next time it will be citrines, or garnets. I am not greedy. Second level gemstones suit me fine. They are not worth stealing, and yet they look so good. Unlike diamond, all sparkle but not much color, the colored gemstones have color and sparkle.
So, next time you are at a garage sale or estate sale, check out the jewelry boxes just in case something is still inside. Some surprises are good, and the find of the week.