When Vernon entered the Gold & Silver Pawn Shop, he carried a faux double-strand pearl necklace with an ornate silver metal clasp and a picture of Lucille Ball wearing it. Rick Harrison was more than happy to take a look. Though Ball's fame hit before his time, Rick had to admit he was a fan — not only of her well-known work on I Love Lucy but of her other projects, too.
Rick remembered Ball for her roles in movies before the hit show as well as for her work producing other popular series. A pioneer for women in the entertainment industry, Ball started Desilu Productions with husband Desi Arnaz in 1950. When they divorced and he sold her his share of the company, she became the first female owner of a major Hollywood studio. She went on to produce The Andy Griffith Show, Star Trek, and other iconic series. "Everyone remembers Lucille Ball from I Love Lucy, but behind the scenes, she was a big Hollywood star with a lot of power," Rick said.
Vernon had to be wondering if that star power would translate into major cash. He even offered a certificate of authenticity for the necklace. "This has got to be, like, the cheapest certificate of authenticity I've ever seen in my life," Rick said. "I mean, he literally printed this on his computer at home." Still, Rick believed the certificate was legit, and Vernon was ready to sell. The bargaining started at $500, and in the end, Rick got the piece for $325. Ball's necklace wasn't going to make anyone rich, but the deal left both buyer and seller satisfied.
