If you’ve been daydreaming about sipping espresso in Italy or lounging by the beach, you might not need to dip into your savings—your next vacation could already be hiding in your house. From heirloom jewelry to vintage furniture, certain antiques are commanding jaw-dropping prices online. The best part? Many a things you might not even realize are valuable.
So before you pass something down or drop it off at the thrift store, take a closer look. These six antiques could be your ticket to paradise (or at least a few nights in a really nice hotel).
Vintage Watches
Grandpa’s old watch could be worth more than you think. Mechanical watches—especially from brands like Rolex, Omega, and Patek Philippe—are in high demand among collectors. Even mid-range vintage pieces can bring in thousands if they’re rare or in great condition.
Look for original dials, manufacturer engravings, and working mechanisms. Don’t rush to polish or repair—it’s best to get an appraisal first, as authenticity matters more than shine. That simple timepiece might just fund your next adventure across time zones.
Antique Furniture
Before you donate that “heavy old dresser,” double-check the craftsmanship. Furniture made before 1900, especially in styles like Georgian, Victorian, or Chippendale, is often hand-built and highly collectible. Solid wood, dovetail joints, and original brass hardware are all signs of value.
Refinishing can sometimes reduce worth, so resist the urge to sand and paint. Well-preserved or professionally restored pieces can sell for thousands, particularly if they carry a maker’s stamp. It turns out that old sideboard could serve up more than just dinner—it could serve up plane tickets.
Fine China Sets
Those delicate plates and teacups might not fit your everyday aesthetic, but collectors can’t get enough of them. Sets from brands like Royal Doulton, Limoges, and Noritake are especially desirable. Complete place settings in discontinued patterns are bringing in strong prices.
Check for stamps on the underside and avoid pieces with chips or cracks. Even partial sets can sell well to people hunting for replacements. That old china cabinet might not just hold family history—it might hold the key to your next getaway.
Old Musical Instruments
Whether it’s a violin, trumpet, or acoustic guitar, musical instruments from the early to mid-1900s are striking a chord with collectors. Brands like Gibson, Martin, and Fender are at the top of the list, but even lesser-known makers have value if the instrument’s rare or handmade.
Condition and originality are key—original strings, finishes, and cases make a huge difference. If you’ve got a dusty old instrument tucked in a closet, get it appraised before donating it. You could turn that forgotten guitar into a first-class flight.
Vintage Jewelry
From Art Deco brooches to mid-century cocktail rings, vintage jewelry continues to sparkle in the resale market. Gold, platinum, and gemstone pieces from the 1920s to 1970s are especially valuable. Signed pieces by designers like Tiffany, Cartier, or Van Cleef & Arpels can command staggering prices.
Even costume jewelry is on the rise—especially designs by Miriam Haskell or Trifari. Check for hallmarks or maker’s marks before selling. That brooch sitting in your jewelry box might just pay for the beach resort of your dreams.
Antique Clocks
Tick-tock, it’s time to cash in. Antique mantel clocks, wall clocks, and grandfather clocks from the 1800s and early 1900s are selling briskly among collectors. Makers like Seth Thomas, Howard Miller, and Gustav Becker are particularly prized.
Working condition helps, but even nonfunctional clocks can have decorative or restoration value. Look for elaborate carvings, enamel dials, and brass pendulums. One appraisal later, you could turn those steady ticks into the sound of waves on your next vacation.
The secret to funding your next vacation might not be a side hustle—it might be sitting right under your nose. From fine china to fine timepieces, these antiques prove that beauty and value often go hand in hand. So grab your magnifying glass and take a tour of your own home—you might just find your next ticket out of town.
