A few years ago, our team was called in to assist with a condo clean-out in West Seattle. The family had already gone through the home, taking what they wanted, and now needed the space emptied to prepare for the market.
As we began sorting through the condo, we quickly realized that some items were too valuable to simply donate. Although the family wanted to expedite the clean-out, we proposed setting aside certain pieces for sale, aiming to offset their clean-out costs through an auction from our studio. They agreed, and the real adventure began.
As we delved deeper into the condo’s contents, we unearthed a treasure trove of intriguing items. One of the client’s quirks was layering towels and blankets, often hiding jewelry and other valuables between them. Each layer we peeled back revealed exciting finds. At one point, a crew member emerged holding an exquisite cuff bracelet. “Do you know what this is?” she asked, and to our astonishment, it was an Elsa Peretti “Bone Cuff” Bracelet by Tiffany & Co.
Our discovery didn’t stop there. A hutch packed with ceramic bowls caught our attention. Among them were several Mid-Century Modern (MCM) pieces and others with Chinese origins. It seemed only fitting to include the china, furniture, and various unique items in our jewelry auction to enhance the offerings.
We anticipated that the Elsa Peretti cuff would fetch a respectable sum, typically selling for over $1,000. However, nothing could prepare us for the surprise that lay in store with one seemingly unremarkable Chinese bowl. Initially listed at around $150, the bowl skyrocketed to an astonishing $10,000 in the last 15 minutes of the auction!
When an item experiences such a dramatic increase in bidding, my first thought is always, "What did we miss?" It turned out that this bowl was crafted for a Chinese emperor in the early to mid-1800s, and its pristine condition significantly contributed to its value. The highest bidder flew in from San Francisco specifically to claim the bowl, which he planned to transport to China for a private collection.
Curious about the bowl's worth, I asked the buyer for insights into its value. He estimated that in the right market in China, its price could easily double or triple. What a revelation!
Many people often ask how I feel when buyers score a “good deal” on items like this bowl. To me, the important part is that the family initially intended to donate or discard these items. By selling them, we were able to cover their service costs, return a substantial amount to the family, and ensure that a rare piece of history found a worthy home instead of being lost forever.
This experience perfectly encapsulates why I love online auctions. None of us can be experts in every area, but the auction format allows us to expose rare and unique items to a nationwide audience, connecting them with knowledgeable buyers who truly appreciate their value.