Someone’s Unclaimed Property Could Be Your New Treasure

A four-and-a-half carat diamond ring and numerous other unclaimed treasures are up for auction and you will have the chance to bid on them and make them your own.

Left in safety deposit boxes for years and belonging to estates without heirs, unique treasures like jewelry, cutlery, coins, baseball cards, rare comic books and so many different types of collectibles were displayed at the Massachusetts State House this past Monday.

A pair of four and a half carat diamond earrings can be found at this auction. Now that is what I'm talking about. Wow! The state treasurer believes that these earrings are worth up to $10,000 each. But my guess is that they'll be auctioned for much less.

In addition to the local in-person places where we will be able to see these items in person, the collection of unclaimed treasures are planned to be sold online. This won't start though until after the in-person auctions take place this week. The online auction will begin this Saturday morning, October 26.

In case you are wondering, all auction proceeds will go to the state government's general fund. Any items that the committee has found an heir to, the family will go through a process that will allow them to claim that item.

The state treasurer’s office has said that many of the auction items come from safe deposit boxes that haven't been opened for the past nine years. Once the property moves over to the state, the state will try its hardest to find an owner for the items. The state treasurer will hold preview events in order for family members to come in and view the items.

Auction Preview Dates & Locations

12 p.m. to 5 p.m. Monday, Oct. 21: Massachusetts State House, Nurses Hall, Beacon Street, Boston

12 p.m. to 6 p.m. Tuesday, Oct. 22: Cape Cod Irish Village, 822 Route 28, South Yarmouth

12 p.m. to 5 p.m. Wednesday, Oct. 23: Plainridge Park Casino, Food Court, 301 Washington Street, Plainville

12 p.m. to 5 p.m. Thursday, Oct. 24: Springfield State Office Building, Lobby 436 Dwight S., Downtown Springfield

12 p.m. to 5 p.m. Friday, Oct. 25: Massachusetts State Lottery Office 151 West Boylston Drive, Worcester