Imagine purchasing a piece of clothing from a thrift store simply because it's cool. And then later, you discover you got more than you bargained for when you find a hidden gem within its pocket.

That's precisely what happened to one lucky Redditor who posted in the r/JewelryIdentification subreddit: "I found maybe a Tiffany necklace in the pocket of a thrifted jacket."

The delicate necklace featured a tiny elephant charm that, at first glance, didn't seem like much. "I thought it was brass and silver plating," they wrote. But after giving it a quick polish with salt water and foil, they spotted a nearly microscopic engraving behind the elephant's ear: "T&Co Italy."

That stamp suggests a possible link to Tiffany & Co., a luxury brand known for its timeless designs, premium materials, and price tags that range from hundreds to millions of dollars. Not only that, but Tiffany has a strong environmental accountability program and is dedicated to conservation.

"I have this exact necklace from Tiffany," one commenter said. "It looks authentic to me!"

Sure, thrifting is a great way to save money on clothes, household items, and everyday essentials. However, it's also a real-life treasure hunt where pockets, drawers, and secret compartments may hide valuable surprises. Some shoppers have even uncovered vintage watches, designer handbags, or wads of cash in thrifted goods. 

FROM OUR PARTNER Save $10,000 on solar panels without even sharing your phone number Want to go solar but not sure who to trust? EnergySage has your back with free and transparent quotes from fully vetted providers that can help you save as much as $10k on installation. To get started, just answer a few questions about your home — no phone number required. Within a day or two, EnergySage will email you the best local options for your needs, and their expert advisers can help you compare quotes and pick a winner. Get Started

Besides being a savvy way to score great deals, thrifting helps keep usable items out of landfills. And it's not a one-time fluke. One thrifter found a $200 Ascaso espresso machine for $12. Another shopper found rare porcelain spice jars hidden in a bin among various cheap goods for the same price. 

If you're inspired to start your own secondhand scavenger hunt, check out TCD's guide to thrifting for smart tips. After all, you never know what treasures await, just one pocket away. As one commenter stated, "Lucky find!"

Join our free newsletter for easy tips to save more and waste less, and don't miss this cool list of easy ways to help yourself while helping the planet.

Cool Picks

How the Expedia of solar panels helps homeowners save money and avoid a common trap: 'Giving you confidence in the systems'

New survey reveals surprising shift in homeowners' heating and A/C choices: 'We almost couldn't keep up with the demand'

This innovative company will install solar panels on your roof with no upfront costs — here's how its business model works

Startup turns grocery shopping into an adventure with 70% discounts: 'A fun experience akin to a treasure hunt'