If you're a fan of discovering unique treasures, you'll want to check out CTBIDS.com, an online auction website that offers a wide range of items up for bid. One satisfied customer, jewelry and metal artist James McCabe, shares his experience with the site and how he's been able to find some truly special pieces.
What is CTBIDS and how does it work?
CTBIDS is an online auction website that offers a variety of items up for bid, including furniture, home decor, jewelry, and more. Users can browse the site and place bids on items they're interested in, with the highest bidder winning the item at the end of the auction. CTBIDS also offers local pickup options for items won, making it a convenient way to discover unique treasures without leaving your home.
James McCabe's experience with CTBIDS.
Below is an interview with James McCabe, a regular customer of CTBIDS.com, who shares his experience with discovering unique items on the website:
1. How did you discover CTBIDS?
By word of mouth. I live in an area with a high cost of living, so I like to visit the local in-person estate sales, especially Cedric’s location, Caring Transitions of Scottsdale. I can always find a great deal on items and regularly end up buying expensive ones for much lower than market price!
2. Would you recommend CTBIDS?
Of course! As they say, “one man’s trash is another’s treasure” and for me, that’s more true. I love to upcycle my purchases and re-use them in my work as a jewelry and metals artist. It’s especially great for people like me, who are knowledgeable in antiquities. I found a great piece of exquisite wooden furniture that most buyers would write off because they have no idea what it’s really worth. I was able to snap it up for a great price!
I also have used the site to not only help my daughter decorate and furnish her new apartment, I won my wife a nice 2001 Suburban—and I even bought all my kids their Christmas presents this year! (Shh, don’t tell them!)
3. Did you enjoy your recent purchases on CTBIDS?
Oh yeah, I really lucked out. I found an assortment of raw stones this time around. Most wouldn’t think much of it, but since I’ve been working in the gemstone business for so long, I immediately knew how special they could be! One of the stones is a nice turquoise, which is a beautiful green that I’ve dubbed a “Montebello Green” after the street we picked our items up on. The other two are possibly silver and gold ore! I sent them for testing so I’m excited to find out the results.
My wife is a great woman and loves wearing my creations so, with the turquoise stone, I made it into a lovely ring just for her. (Watch the video below to see pictures!)
4. You’ve talked a little about your business in jewelry making. Can you tell us more about it?
I am the creator of James McCabe Navajo Jewelry, and have been in the jewelry business since I was 17, so for over 35+ years. It’s always been a way to provide for myself and now my family. All of my work is handmade from scratch, from using my own crucible and torch to rolling fine silver into wire and hand-stamping plates. You can see on the turquoise ring, all the lines there are hand-stamped.
5. How did you get started in the business of jewelry making?
My brother, Louis McCabe, taught me how to stamp a concho belt at age 17. After that, a passionate fire grew in my belly and I couldn’t get enough! From there, I worked for a lot of well-known artists growing up, learning all the tools of the trade as much as possible. My Dad was an engineer, and my grandfather was a blacksmith so, I feel like “the true eye for square,” as I call it, is in my blood. I can make anything I want and it comes out pretty close to perfect every time.
6. Is there a significance to your jewelry or a meaning behind what you create for the wearer?
Unfortunately, while I was raised in Phoenix, Arizona, I didn’t grow up knowing a traditional native way of jewelry making. That came to me in my later years, as I exposed myself to ideas from all over and learned from other traditional artists. My jewelry is made to be worn, it’s meant to be heavy–I want you to know it’s there. Creating jewelry and working with metal—it’s just a passion I have and love doing it! My greatest accomplishment will be when my children learn to carry this art on into their lives. Tah-Ah (thank you)!
Wow! What an amazing story. It was such a pleasure to interview James McCabe and we want to express our gratitude for his loyalty as a customer. Thank you, James, for taking the time to speak with us. We hope to continue our relationship with you and appreciate your support!
Benefits of using online auctions for treasure hunting.
Online auctions like CTBIDS offer a unique opportunity for treasure hunting enthusiasts to discover hidden gems from the comfort of their own homes. With a wide variety of items available for bidding, from antiques and collectibles to furniture and home decor, there's something for everyone. Plus, online auctions often offer lower prices than traditional brick-and-mortar stores, making it easier to score a great deal. And with the convenience of local pickup options, you can save on shipping costs and make the process as seamless as possible.
How to get started with CTBIDS.
Getting started with CTBIDS is easy! Simply visit our website and create an account. Once you're logged in, you can browse our current auctions and start bidding on items that catch your eye. We offer a wide variety of items, so be sure to check back often to see what's new. And with local pickup options available, you can easily pick up your winnings and start enjoying your new treasures. So why wait? Sign up for CTBIDS today and start discovering hidden gems!
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