7 Thrift Store Finds That Could Be Worth a Small Fortune, According to Experts

Leather Bags

Just because a new bag has a designer label doesn't necessarily mean it will be well made. One of the best ways to find quality leather goods can actually be at the thrift store. "If it happens to have a desirable brand name, that's a bonus," says Bene Raia, an auctioneer and appraiser. "Some of the names I look for at the thrift shop are Polene, Loewe, and Louis Vuitton."

If you do end up selecting a designer bag, make sure you don't fall for fakes, and do some research beforehand. "Make sure you can tell if it's real—that's key," adds Raia. "You have to know how to authenticate when you're buying at the thrift store."

Bakelite Jewelry

Bakelite jewelry is a perennial favorite, both for its aesthetic appeal and its great resale value. "It's phenomenal, and it's always in bold, beautiful colors," says Raia. "You can find some good pieces at the thrift store. If you know how to test for it, that’s a bonus—otherwise, you’re taking a chance. But if you’re buying it at the thrift store, that's a chance I would take." 

Midcentury Modern Furniture

Midcentury modern furniture has been hugely popular in the 21st century, and that demand looks to be the same in 2025. "It's taken a little bit of a hit, but I do think pieces made by the pig players like Knoll are still—and always will be—worth a lot," says Kate Pearce, an interior stylist and founder of Kate Pearce Vintage.

"It's always desirable," adds Raia. "It's been in fashion for such a long time now and is still going strong. Sofas made by designers like Milo Baughman for Thayer Coggin and Bernhardt range in price from $1,000 to over $10,000."

Classic Office Furniture

Who doesn't love an Eames office chair? These pieces of furniture have become classics for a reason, and that popularity has given way to higher resale prices. Raia notes to always look for "clean lines and no ornamentation" when it comes to these coveted pieces.

Gold and Sterling Silver Jewelry

Some things never go out of style, and gold and silver jewelry is at the top of that list—at least in the accessories category. "Precious metals are always desirable," says Raia. "Look for markings for gold and sterling silver. You should know basic hallmarks for silver, so you can spot it when you're thrift shopping."

Murano Glass

Murano glass has always been prized for its beautiful colors and incredible craftsmanship, but lately it's been seeing a major resurgence in value. "Murano glass is definitely having a moment," says Pearce. "Just a few years ago, I would see it being sold at shockingly low prices, but now it's more covetable and prices are soaring—as are reproductions."

Isamu Noguchi Furniture and Lighting

Akari lamps are beautiful and beloved, and they're not going anywhere. Expect to see these minimalist paper lamps—and other pieces of furniture by Isamu Noguchi—appreciate in value even further. "Noguchi furniture and lighting is always popular, but I have recently noticed prices for his original pieces skyrocketing," says Raia.