Antiques Roadshow guest gobsmacked as five-figure value of family heirloom unveiled

Edinburgh Live

08-06-2025

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A guest on Antiques Roadshow was visibly moved after learning the surprising auction value of her family heirloom brooch during a repeat episode from series 45, broadcast on Sunday 8th June.
The programme transported viewers to Brodie Castle, where numerous guests had their prized possessions evaluated by the show's experts.
In a particularly touching moment towards the end of the show, one woman was astonished when Susan Rumfitt, an expert from Antiques Roadshow, revealed the potential auction price of her treasured brooch.
Susan praised the Art Deco-style brooch during her conversation with the owner, playfully remarking, "I hope you wear it every day."
The owner replied in jest: "I do," but then clarified that she actually wears it for evening occasions, reports the Express.
(Image: BBC)
When asked if the brooch was part of a larger collection, the owner admitted to having additional pieces, but highlighted the diamond brooch as the standout item.
Susan delved into the brooch's past, prompting the owner to recount its lineage from her grandmother, who, despite being a farmer's wife, dressed extravagantly for social events, hence the opulent brooch.
Susan disclosed that the brooch dates back to the 1930s.
She elaborated on the design philosophy, noting: "The style of jewellery was very similar to the '20s in regards to being bold and impressive as we're seeing here."
Susan noted, "But we've moved away from colour and also concentrating on diamonds as well, which is quite extraordinary considering that in 1929 we had the Wall Street Crash and The Depression."
(Image: BBC)
She added, "Suddenly we're now concentrating on diamonds which does seem rather strange."
The expert informed the guest that the diamonds were of modern brilliant cut, a characteristic uncommon in pre-1930s jewellery, when diamonds tended to be cushion-shaped and less refined.
Susan explained that by the 1930s, advancements in diamond cutting led to more precise, symmetrical designs.
While examining the piece, the expert highlighted its uniqueness, pointing out that most bow brooches typically come apart, but this one surprisingly did not.
Intrigued, Susan asked the owner about her estimate of the diamond's carat weight, to which the woman guessed three carats.
As Susan pulled a surprised expression, the guest hesitated: "Shall I reduce that slightly?"
The expert's unexpected response followed: "How about 14? Obviously, that's going to help with the value, isn't it?"
(Image: BBC)
The owner was astonished, laughing and optimistically commenting on the potential boost to the brooch's worth.
Susan concluded, "It's stunning. It makes us smile. In an auction, I'd expect this to fetch an excess of £20,000."
Overwhelmed by the high valuation, the lady exclaimed: "Oh my goodness! That's taken my breath away that one, brings tears to my eyes!" Despite discovering its staggering value, she affirmed her decision to continue wearing the brooch.
The crowd erupted into cheers as the woman admitted that learning about the real value of her grandmother's brooch was quite a surprise.
Antiques Roadshow is currently available for streaming on BBC iPlayer.