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Jewelry Mistaken for Costume Worth £50, Valued at £6,000
24 Nov
Summary
- A brooch initially thought to be costume jewelry is valued at £6,000.
- The heirloom was nearly stolen from the guest's family in the 1970s.
- Expert confirms brooch features diamonds, emeralds, and a garnet.
A guest appearing on Sunday's Antiques Roadshow experienced visible shock after discovering the true value of a piece of jewelry she had long considered costume. She had inherited the brooch from her great grandmother, who received it as a wedding gift in 1874. The piece holds sentimental value, having narrowly escaped theft from her grandparents' home in the early 1970s.
Expert Siobhan Tyrrell identified the item as a Tudor revival piece, noting its composition of diamonds, emeralds, and a garnet, popular in the Victorian era. Tyrrell informed the guest that such items are highly sought after at auction and could fetch between £4,000 and £6,000. The owner, who had estimated its worth at a mere £50 to £100, was taken aback by the significant valuation.
While the guest expressed a temptation to wear the brooch on special occasions, she acknowledged that its newfound value would likely heighten her existing fear of losing it. Nevertheless, she affirmed her intention to keep the heirloom within the family, ensuring it remains a treasured legacy for future generations. The show also featured another guest who discovered his late father's coin collection was worth thousands.
