Rare vintage bracelet unearthed at Chorlton Oxfam sells for three figures
A rare vintage silver bracelet has been uncovered among donations at an Oxfam shop in Chorlton and sold for a three-figure sum.
The bracelet was identified as a 1976 piece by Finnish designer Matti J. Hyvarinen, a sought-after name among collectors of vintage jewellery.
Joanne Maylott, who has worked at Oxfam for almost 30 years, spotted the unusual bracelet in a tub full of donated jewellery, and recognised its distinctive modernist design and sterling silver maker’s mark.
After further research, the bracelet was valued at £400 and sold within the week, with the proceeds going towards Oxfam’s work around the world helping people facing poverty, conflict and humanitarian crises, including those affected by the recent floods in Nepal.
“I knew it was something special as soon as I saw it,” commented Joanne. “Modernist jewellery is so unusual, so it was a really exciting find. To see it sell for £400 was fantastic, especially knowing that the money will help support Oxfam’s work.”
The bracelet is not the first unexpected find Joanne has encountered during her time at Oxfam. She has previously helped identify an original Geoffrey Key painting among donations, which later sold at auction for £2,000.
“You just never know what treasures are going to be in a donation,” said Joanne. “We quite often find expensive and interesting items mixed in with bags of clothes or homewares. I do wonder who donates beautiful jewellery like this and what its story might be.”
The surprise find highlights the treasures that can be hiding in the nation’s charity shops, as Oxfam encourages people to shop for pre-loved gems and donate unwanted items for Second Hand September.
Rachel Cosgrove-Pearce, Retail Director at Oxfam, said: “This is a brilliant example of the treasures hiding in our 500-strong shop network. One person’s unwanted bracelet has became another person’s gem – and in the process raised £400 for Oxfam’s work. That’s the magic of second hand.
“This Second Hand September, we’re encouraging people to have a rummage in their local charity shop, and to donate the things they no longer want, rather than leaving them to unworn or sending them to waste. You never know what someone else might treasure.”
Rachel's call comes as Oxfam’s inaugural State of Style report shows a fifth of unwanted clothes end up in household waste, rather than being donated, resold or upcycled.
Oxfam shop locations, the charity’s online shop, and more information about the impacts of shopping second hand this September can be found at oxfam.org.uk/secondhandseptember.