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Discovery Stories
Real Items, Real Outcomes
Nine finds from Chicago-area estates and collections. Some were nearly thrown away. All needed a trained eye.
14K Gold Tiffany Pencil
Found tucked away in a desk drawer during a routine estate cleanout, this 14K gold Tiffany pencil was nearly overlooked. Our trained eye spotted it — and it sold for $1,200. The family had no idea it was valuable. 14K gold construction by Tiffany & Co. carries strong collector demand.
Estate cleanout — desk drawer • Sold for $1,200
Piero Fornasetti Bookends
These rare mid-century bookends by Piero Fornasetti were sitting on a shelf alongside ordinary household items. Our expertise identified them as museum-quality collectibles. Fornasetti pieces from the 1950s are highly sought after.
Basement shelf among ordinary items • Museum-quality
Emile LaPorte Bronze Warrior
This stunning 30-inch gilt bronze warrior sculpture was discovered during a property cleanout. The family had no idea of its significance. Our knowledge identified it as a notable European bronze by French sculptor Emile LaPorte.
Property cleanout — overlooked in collection • European bronze
Daniel Marshall 'Scarface' Humidor
Part of the Epic Evanston Collectors Sale, this limited edition Daniel Marshall 'Scarface' humidor was among 300+ photos of items from a comprehensive estate sale of a lifetime collection.
Epic Evanston Collectors Sale — June 2025 • Limited edition
18K Masonic Pin
Discovered during the Epic Evanston Collectors Sale among toys, games, and signed movie memorabilia. This 18K gold Masonic pin represented significant hidden value with a dedicated collector base.
Epic Evanston Collectors Sale — June 2025 • 18K gold
Victorian 18K Gold Hat Pin
Featured in our eBay store showcase, this Victorian 18K gold hat pin represents the type of valuable fine jewelry Decatique identifies and sells. Victorian craftsmanship and antique demand drive strong prices.
eBay store listing • Sold for $1,200
Georgian Mourning Brooch
A mourning brooch might contain $50 worth of gold but be worth $500+ to collectors due to historical significance and craftsmanship. Georgian-era jewelry (1714–1830) is rare and highly collectible.
eBay store listing • Sold for $1,017
Trifari Jelly Belly Brooch
Authentic Trifari Jelly Bellies are among the most valuable costume jewelry pieces. Animals — roosters, fish, seals, owls — are most sought after. These pieces show how signed costume jewelry can be worth thousands.
Signed Trifari expertise • $200–$2,000+
Eisenberg Original Fur Clip
Eisenberg Original pieces from 1935–1945 are highly valuable. Fur clips and large figural brooches command top prices. Signed costume jewelry from this era can exceed fine jewelry values.
Eisenberg Original era • $150–$1,500+
Why Sellers Trust These Stories
Before you haul, donate, or take a scrap offer, see what expertise recovers. The difference is often hundreds or thousands of dollars.
We look where others skip
Desk drawers, marked donate boxes, basement shelves — the places valuables hide during rushed cleanouts.
We know the marks
Tiffany, Trifari, Eisenberg, Fornasetti, Georgian mourning jewelry. Maker marks and period construction change the number.
You keep the upside
Consignment through our Top Rated eBay store or a direct buyout. Either way, you get research-backed pricing — not a guess.
What Turns Up in Chicago Estates
Fine Jewelry
Gold, platinum, and precious gemstone pieces — Tiffany, Victorian, Georgian, and 18K gold finds.
Costume Jewelry
Signed vintage pieces from Trifari, Eisenberg, and other designers collectors pay premium for.
Art & Sculpture
Bronze sculptures and decorative arts that families often overlook during cleanouts.
Mid-Century Modern
1950s–60s designer decorative items like Fornasetti that look ordinary until an expert looks closer.
Collectibles
Movie memorabilia, limited editions, and one-of-a-kind pieces from lifetime collections.
These finds build on fifteen years of whole-estate work — see our Chicago estate track record across 12+ neighborhoods.
From Our eBay Store
Photographed Pieces We've Sold
Authentic product photos from Decatique's own inventory — Victorian mourning jewelry, designer rhinestones, estate gold, and more.
Victorian Mourning Brooch
Found in a box marked "donate," this 1880s mourning brooch was nearly given away. We identified genuine 14K gold with Celtic knot border craftsmanship.
Found in a "donate" box • Sold for $1,200
Rhinestone Spray Brooch
The family called it "junk jewelry." We identified it as a signed Weiss piece from the 1950s—valuable to collectors who know what to look for.
Called "junk jewelry" • Sold for $425
Amber Cabochon Brooch
Inherited without provenance. Our gemologist identified genuine Baltic amber with gold filigree work—worth 20x what the family expected.
Thought it was glass • Sold for $680
Clear Rhinestone Choker
Part of a 400-piece estate collection. This signed Weiss choker was one of several designer pieces hidden among costume jewelry.
From 400-piece estate • Sold for $295
Sterling Silver Frog Brooch
Marked "silver" — turned out to be sterling with genuine opal center. A $520 surprise found in a $5 jewelry lot.
Found in $5 lot • Sold for $520
Victorian Buckle Bracelet
In its original box, untouched for 80 years. Genuine garnet stones and seed pearls the family assumed were costume.
In original box • Sold for $780
Authentic Photo
Victorian Gold Hat Pin
One of the pieces featured in our portfolio and eBay showcase. Victorian-era gold jewelry is easy to underestimate — until a collector pays for the craftsmanship, not just the metal weight.
Send Us Photos of Your Pieces
Questions About Our Finds
Ivan and Diane Bilic bring 40 years of combined expertise. We know maker marks, period construction, and current collector demand — so a piece marked "donate" or sitting in a desk drawer can turn out to be a $1,200 Tiffany find.
Yes. These discovery stories come from Decatique estate cleanouts, the Epic Evanston Collectors Sale, and pieces we have authenticated and sold through our eBay store (11,000+ items sold, 99.7% positive feedback).
That is exactly when to call. Families often underestimate signed costume jewelry, mourning pieces, gold writing instruments, and mid-century decorative arts. Free evaluations — no obligation.
Both. We evaluate single items, jewelry boxes, coin collections, and full property cleanouts across Chicago and the North Shore. Call (773) 719-0508 or send photos through our contact page.
Think You Might Have a Hidden Treasure?
Contact Decatique Studios for a free, no-obligation evaluation. We serve Chicago and the entire North Shore.
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