Recently, I have been enjoying an extraordinary streak of good fortune while exploring Birmingham’s charity shops.
It all began after I reported on a mystery donor who contributed a first edition of The Hobbit to Oxfam Harborne. That rare book eventually sold for an astonishing £38,400. Inspired by this thrilling story, I visited the Harborne shop myself and purchased a handbag for £25, which turned out to be worth considerably more upon researching it.
Motivated by this experience, I decided to donate some of my items via Vinted to Birmingham Hospice. I hoped this gesture would balance out my unexpectedly lucky find and possibly invite some good karma in return.
That good fortune returned recently during a stroll through Bournville, a charming village renowned for its picturesque setting and notable 48-bell carillon. There, I remembered Birmingham Hospice’s boutique located in the village centre.
Situated just a stone’s throw from Kafenion coffee shop, opposite the village green, this boutique exudes sophistication. Racks are neatly organised with brands such as Hobbs, Monsoon, and Gymshark, offering clothing at very reasonable prices. Although, as someone who dresses with a flair for the dramatic in plus sizes, I found fewer options that suited me among the predominantly size 8-16 selections. However, I enjoyed browsing the shoes and handbags, even if no designer treasures appeared this time.
My most exciting discovery was at the jewellery counter. A large silver locket adorned with delicate floral engravings caught my eye. Priced at just £9, it seemed like costume jewellery until I noticed an excerpt from Shakespeare’s Sonnet 116 inscribed on the back-a charming coincidence as we were soon heading to the Library of Birmingham to visit their Shakespeare collection.
Examining the piece more closely, I found hallmarks indicating it was made of 925 sterling silver. Given its size and craftsmanship, £9 was an absolute bargain. I wore the locket as we enjoyed the village green before heading to the city centre and the library.
Curiosity led me to search for similar items online. To my delight, I found comparable lockets listed on Etsy, at antique dealers, and on eBay, often priced nearly £100 higher than my purchase.
I had often believed that true treasure hunts in charity shops were a thing of the past, especially now that sellers can easily research values before pricing items. Yet, my recent experiences proved otherwise. With the opening of a new Birmingham Hospice shop in the Bullring, I plan to visit more frequently and donate more items that no longer spark joy.
The key, I suspect, is in giving back-good karma does work!
As for the silver locket, it’s now a cherished keepsake filled with memories from just one day of exploring with friends.
What has been your most memorable charity shop find? Feel free to share your stories with me at [email protected].