At one time or another, both of us sisties have been employed by Main Street Antiques where we worked behind the jewelry counter. This provided excellent opportunities to try on centuries-old diamonds and borrow bejeweled combs to wear to various formal events. Bob, the shop’s proprietor, gets most of his collection from estate sales. My imagination led me to giant mansions with sprawling lawns, vaulted ceilings, elaborate chandeliers and, of course, diamonds.

So when my mother suggested going to an estate sale this morning, I told her we should probably go change into our formal wear and perhaps commission a chauffeur. She gave me a strange look and said that the Volvo would be fine, despite the fact it sounds like a lawnmower. And not a quiet lawnmower.

No vaulted ceilings at this place. In fact, as far as I could discern, the only difference between a yard sale and an estate sale is that estate sales happen inside. Mom picked up a couch for the “lake cottage” (translation: backyard shed), as well as some canisters that she dubbed “the original Tupperware”.

So, Thrifters, don’t cross the estate sales off your list. Check them out… who knows? You could just find that diamond in the rough. Or tucked inside some original tupperware.