A savvy shopper has showcased the stunning find she discovered while scavenging a second-hand store – as she boasted about the costly price tag. The jewelry pro also revealed that although the two pieces shown in her video were slightly different, she admitted that the one she found at the thrift store likely cost more because of its weight. The 18-karat bracelet is made of topaz, pearl and ruby, Jessa added. She added: ‘Since we are in the same city, and apparently have the same haunts, she sent me a photo saying what a weird coincidence it was. After sharing the clip, people flooded the comments section and gushed over its beauty. In the clip, she showed herself in the thrift shop before trying on the show-stopping piece. She then shared a screenshot of the same bracelet, which was made in the 1800s, online before revealing its true cost. Jessa spoke to Newsweek about her grand find and why the bracelet was so special. Despite Jessa’s estimated valuation of $25,000, the thrift store was selling it just for $5,000. Lucky lady. I always look, I haven’t been lucky yet,’ a fourth person wrote. It didn’t click with her until I told her that it was the same bracelet. When you go thrifting and you accidentally find a $25,000 bracelet,’ she said. Jessa Pena, 25, frequently shares her antique jewelry finds on her TikTok and Instagram accounts, where she has more than 14,000 followers collectively. The piece was fitted with stunning jewels and enameled portraits that left people on the web stunned by its beauty. In a viral video, which has so far amassed more than 1.6 million views, she showcased the incredible discovery. One person said: ‘Uh yes! She thought it was enough of a sign from the universe, and decided to get it, which I am so glad about. This bracelet is likely late Georgian to early Victorian, circa 1835, made of 18-karat gold, with the name of the Swiss canton on the back of the shields. She said: ‘It is an 18-karat beautifully enameled portrait bracelet with oval shield links and scalloped details, and in the harlequin style with multiple jewels. She added that although she didn’t buy the bracelet, her good friend did go back for it. The Houston, Texas-based shopping enthusiast recently took to the video platform to show off the gorgeous bracelet she found while browsing. I had left it as I knew that I would likely resell it. Jessa revealed that the 200-year-old bracelet was worth $25,000 – adding that the thrift store was selling it at a heavy discount.
Otiumberg positions itself as a demi-fine jewellery brand.
If you’re as magpie-like about jewellery as I am, you’ll always be on the lookout for new brands and original pieces to add to your collection. Her signature T-bar necklaces – backtoglamour.com – have been worn by the likes of Taylor Swift. All Grove & Vae jewellery is designed in London, and created using 14k gold vermeil and rhodium-plated sterling silver. But along with the prominent brands we all know and love, there are a load of under-the-radar gems (no pun intended) out there just waiting to be discovered. Tilly Sveaas founded her eponymous brand in 2016. Born in Hong Kong to British-Norwegian parents, London-based Tilly has been a jewellery designer for over 25 years, creating her first pieces during an extended trip to Bali, where she still produces to this day. This British brand was launched in the autumn of 2024 by Tofi Caroline Adedoyin, a former investment banking director. If you love keeping things unique and prefer to shop independent, these jewellery brands are worth checking out and keeping in mind for your next purchase. The brand’s founders, sisters Christie and Rosanna Wollenberg, believe you shouldn’t just save beautiful jewellery for best, so the sculptural rings and earrings are as practical as they are elegant. There are so many amazing affordable and mid-range jewellery brands out there today, with a plethora of choice no matter what your style. Otiumberg positions itself as a demi-fine jewellery brand. Their goal is to make pieces that ‘will be your go-to for years to come’.
The brand focuses on creating timeless, versatile pieces tailored to the modern woman’s everyday wardrobe. It specialises in bright, colourful jewellery. It always came with lengthy care instructions and still tarnished after only a few wears or turned my skin green’ she says. With Love Darling believes in changing the world one piece of jewellery at a time. The brand uses solid metals – not plated or vermeil, and promises no green fingers or brass rash. Think timeless glamour meets modern minimalism, without the unattainable price tag. I was tired of sacrificing style for quality, or my bank account for both’ says Neima Row founder Naomi Genes. Catherine ‘Catch’ Rhys Jones started her label out of a frustration with the jewellery she was buying. Founded by Amelia Hitchcock-Merritt in the middle of lockdown at just eighteen, Bijoux De Mimi became one of the fastest growing jewellery brands in the UK. Prior to starting Bijoux De Mimi, Amelia attended Central Saint Martins. Items are produced in developing countries, giving the artisans income to lift themselves and their families out of poverty. Crystals & Co. founders (and best friends) Emily Mackeogh and Leah O’Reilly aim to accessorise peoples lives with fun, high quality affordable jewellery. Made by small workshops all over the world, each piece holds a story. The pieces are gorgeous too – from delicate pendants to eye-catching hoops, available in either 18ct gold vermeil or sterling silver. After working in the jewellery industry for 10 years, Amelia Bainbridge saw a gap in the market for jewellery that was both beautiful and affordable – and Auree was born in 2014. All Auree pieces are made with the highest quality solid gold, sterling silver or gold vermeil and natural gemstones. So she decided to make her own.
Founded by Olivia Jenkins in 2021, D. Louise creates timeless long-lasting yet affordable jewellery.
It was established in 2009, with the ethos that jewellery should say a lot about who you are, whether big and bold or delicate and gold. The brand is named after Olivia’s mother Deborah Louise who Olivia sadly lost to cancer in 2017. With the loss of her mother, Olivia felt life was too short to not be truly passionate about the everyday and D.Louise was born. Award winning British Jewellery Brand Scream Pretty was founded by Lucy Lee with her sister Jessica Pearce in 2016. This family run business designs jewellery for self expression; affordable, stylish and fun – jewellery to shout about. Founded by Olivia Jenkins in 2021, D. Louise creates timeless long-lasting yet affordable jewellery. The eclectic collection draws inspiration from founder Abby Kaye’s past experiences and travels through India, as well as her childhood in London and love of nature. Dreamt up on a bicycle ride through Rajasthan, India, the British jewellery brand Memara was launched in 2019, with the aim to create beautiful, timeless yet affordable demi-fine pieces. The ranges include a collaboration with Vogue Williams. Abby is a big believer in the talismanic and restorative power of jewellery, and strives to create designs that are both ethical and fashioned with love. Pieces are made in sterling silver with 18ct gold vermeil. Olivia’s pursuit began when she identified a gap in the jewellery market – the need for everyday pieces that wouldn’t fade after a few wears – with this every piece comes with a lifetime guarantee against colour fading. Scream Pretty’s signature style is the curated ear – combining piercings and ear cuffs, to create bold stand out styling. After growing up in Singapore, founder Lynette Ong left her job in finance to pursue a dream of using her creativity for the better.
Inspired by a wealth of artisans selling beautiful jewellery on her travels around Asia, Edge of Ember was born. Stellar 79 is a British demi-fine jewellery brand created by sisters Natasha and Sheena. Each piece of jewellery is created from start to finish within a small area of North London. London-based jewellery designer, Deborah Blyth began designing in 2004, whilst living in Italy. Cult of Youth is a London-based silver jewellery brand founded by Kelly Seymour in 2011. The brand started out on a stall at Portobello Market, before being picked up by Urban Outfitters and sold at its stores. Her passion for the arts and love of nature combined to influence her process, which finds beauty in imperfections. Founder Sally Louise was inspired by the films of grandparents’ time, from Casablanca to Gone with the Wind and Lawrence of Arabia. Designs are hand crafted through the process of lost wax casting in her studio, and stone setting takes place nearby in Hatton garden. With dual Mauritian-Trinidadian heritage and London roots, the co-founder’s mission is to create inspired, authentic, and expressive jewellery made with a conscience. Harfi’s mission is to bring affordable, demi-fine jewellery to shoppers, working directly with its artisan partners. Deborah is very mindful that the business be as sustainable as possible, and so she uses recycled silver and gold in all of the pieces. A silver letter necklace spelling out MAMA became a bestseller, and this motif has been applied to new styles including rings and lockets. The Cult of Youth collection has since expanded to include on-trend, fashionable jewels with a rock ‘n’ roll edge at accessible price points. The collection includes base earrings and chains, complemented by a range of interchangeable statement pendants to customise your look. The sisters draw inspiration from their combined passion for art, fashion, travel, music, and culture across the South Asian diaspora to unify and celebrate cultural heritage and nostalgia with the present day. These stories of romance, travel and history were the founding concept behind Carousel Jewels: modern jewellery that takes us back. In 2015, the brand shifted tack as Seymour gave birth to her son, Elvis, and started to document her life as a single mother, entrepreneur and jeweller.