These 16 Things in Grandma’s House Could Be Worth a Ton of Money
Jewelry
Grandma’s jewelry box is a likely treasure trove for sentimental and beautiful items—but there could be some pieces in there that are worth a pretty penny. If you’re lost on where to start, these antique jewelry tips can help you identify the brands, styles, and gemstones that will only get more valuable over time.
Clothing
While a classic Chanel suit, designer dress, or fur coat are great pieces that vintage lovers will pay for, you should also look for high-quality denim, shoes, military uniforms, sports jerseys, and jackets.
Silverware Sets
You need a trained eye to identify the best antique and vintage silverware, but some brands and styles can be extremely profitable. As a general rule, prices go up for older complete sets, though some styles from more recent eras can also be in high demand
Furniture
Well-made antique furniture will always be in style, but some investment-worthy pieces maintain their value and truly never go out of style (think: Murano lamps, solid wood furniture, and antique timepieces). It helps to know a few maker’s marks of high-value furniture manufacturers, as these pieces will only get more valuable over time. Check catalogs from Sotheby’s, Christie’s, and other auction houses, as well as sites like 1stDibs and Chairish, to compare prices of similar styles, periods, and brands.
Clocks and Watches
Was anyone in your family a timepiece collector? Antique and vintage watches from brands such as Rolex, Harry Winston, and Patek Philippe can be worth a pretty penny.
Antique clocks, large floor clocks, and hand-carved clocks from Europe can all be worth thousands as well.
Record Players
Vinyl is popular again, so a functional vintage player and some cool records would certainly spark interest in some buyers. If your grandparents happen to have a phonograph or gramophone lying around, that could net you even more cash.
Vintage Electronics
Vintage tech devices like antique radios, cameras, and rotary phones could all sell for a decent rate, with a bonus if they are still functional.
Tiffany Lamps
There’s plenty of antique lighting that could sell well, but Tiffany Lamps from the late 19th centuryfeaturing gorgeous stained glass are in a league of their own (think: six figures). Original Tiffany Studios Lamps will get the best price, but Tiffany-style lamps could garner interest as well.
Rare Books
Don’t just throw all the books into a box in the garage or give them away in a yard sale without first giving them a once-over. Rare editions of classic books can fetch a high price tag from antique booksellers, depending on factors like the edition’s scarcity and, of course, its condition.
Vintage Kitchenware
Along with china and silverware, there’s plenty of interest in other vintage kitchen items like cast iron cookware, cutting boards, mixing bowls, copper pans, and other tools lying around your grandparents’ kitchen.
Trunks and Luggage
Old storage pieces in good condition and luxury luggage brands could get you more money than you might expect when you bring them in to sell.
Perfume Bottles
Collectors love rare and limited perfume bottles from known brands—and many will even take the bottles empty! If your grandma never tossed her old perfume bottles, it’s worth checking out what she had, because some older bottles can sell for hundreds or thousands of dollars a piece. Some antique vanity perfume sets can also fetch for prices in the thousands!
Mirrors
They don’t make them like they used to. Antique and vintage mirrors can net huge prices online, but be aware that scratches to the glass or blemishes can reduce their worth.
Vintage Instruments
If you had a musician in the family, you could certainly get a decent price for an older instrument, though some antique stores may not take them. Enthusiasts are out there for pretty much every niche, so look beyond big-box stores!
Art
Anything from a painting to a sculpture to a ceramic piece could interest antique stores or auction houses. You’ll first need to ensure the piece is original and not a reproduction, which you can do with the help of an appraiser.
Additionally, some antique and vintage styles—like outsider art and folk art—are gaining popularity among serious collectors, so keep an eye out for those.
