What It's Worth
Weekly articles written by Jeffrey P. Hess about the value of collectibles and other rarities. The articles are published weekly on the Tampa Bay Times.
A Parking Lot Full of Art (Yes, Really)
A casual parking lot sale offers original artwork and collectibles at low prices, turning excess inventory into an opportunity for unique finds.
When Experts Aren’t Sure, Let the Auction Decide
An uncertain Native American sash sold for $7,000 at auction, showing how competitive bidding can reveal true value when experts aren’t sure.
Factors Influencing Value of Japanese Prints
Japanese prints can range from $10 to $100,000 depending on artist, subject, age and condition, with works by masters like Hokusai or Hiroshige commanding the highest prices.
When to Sell … And When to Hold Onto It
Advice on when selling valuables makes sense, when it doesn’t, and why emotional value should always be considered alongside financial value.
Tiffany. Tiffany. Tiffany.
Examples from Tiffany & Co. and Tiffany Studios highlight the enduring appeal and value range of one of America’s most recognized luxury names.
A Golden Wedding…And A Magnificent Cup From the Gilded Age
An 18k gold loving cup presented to Adolphus and Lilly Busch in 1911 resurfaces as a documented Gilded Age civic tribute.
When “I Don’t Know” Is the Right Answer
A Colonial-era Native American sash with a mysterious silver medallion heads to auction after research yields more questions than answers.
A Beautiful Way to Invest in Gold
A rare 19th-century Tiffany gold box shows how craftsmanship, history, and precious metal combine into a powerful investment.
Fresh, Clean Water in 3…2…1…
A collection of exceptional watches is transformed into clean drinking water, proving how luxury can serve one of life’s most basic necessities.
The Auction House You Choose Matters
A Julian Onderdonk painting proves why choosing the right auction house—and valuing provenance—can dramatically change an artwork’s outcome.
