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.
One Extraordinary Housecall (Pt. 2)
A direct descendant of the Rodgers family revealed treasures including early American silver, portraits, Revolutionary War militaria, and a priceless naval logbook from the U.S.S. Macedonian.
The Changing Dynamics Of Collecting
A vintage world once tethered to the past is now racing into the future – fueled by passion, scarcity, and surprise resale value.
When the “Three Snakes” Pen Struck Back: My Collector’s Confession
The legendary “three snakes” Waterman pen resurfaces 25 years later—after a collector’s standoff, a $30K auction, and a $37,500 finale.
Gold in the Garbage: When Scrap Isn’t Scrap
We’ve paid five figures for what looked like scrap—including Fabergé, platinum beakers, and rhodium. Bring it all in. Not everything belongs on the scale.
A Second Quartz Watch Renaissance
Quartz watches are having a revival. This month, we feature rare heavy-gold pieces from Rolex, Omega, and Eterna—once scoffed at, now collector-worthy.
A Collector’s Acquisition: The Journey of a Rare Timepiece
A factory diamond Richard Mille—one of our most coveted timepieces—was acquired from an insurer for $195,000 and is now offered for $245,000 at Hyde Park Village.
A Trio of Men’s Rings from Tiffany
Three vintage Tiffany men’s rings—from ruby to black opal—reveal a century of evolving design, restoration challenges, and the timeless appeal of signed jewelry.
Gemology: Where Science Meets Sparkle
A client brought in a dazzling H. Stern citrine necklace, once a showpiece on tour. Despite its artistry, its resale value came down to gold weight and market demand – not beauty.
Bring Us Your Works of These Florida Artists
Hess Fine Art is proud to preserve and promote Florida’s artistic legacy by buying and selling works by celebrated artists like the Highwaymen, Bob Ross, George Inness, and more.
The Difference Between “Gotta Be” and “Is”
Value can be found in the most unlikely places, but that doesn’t mean every old item is worth money—no matter how many times your grandma said it would be.
