Antiques Roadshow guest in tears as she discovers staggering worth of her gems

Daily Mirror

2 days ago

A guest on BBC hit show, Antiques Roadshow was left feeling incredibly emotional after learning her 'costume jewellery' contained real gems with a staggering price tag
A guest on the Antiques Roadshow was shocked to discover the so-called costume jewellery she brought in was actual real gems with a staggering worth. She broke down in tears on Sunday's instalment of the hit BBC programme after showcasing the jewellery to expert Susan Rumfitt.
The guest had showcased two necklaces to the expert. One came with a matching brooch and a pair of earrings which were given to her by her grandmother when she was 18 years old. The guest said she thought it was "just costume jewellery, that's what [my grandma] told me" as Susan said: "How wonderful, that's quite a present, isn't it?"
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The other necklace was her mother's, with the guest revealing: "I think she inherited it, possibly, I can't really remember." The expert noted how the jewellery contained contained amethysts and topaz, while the matching set was made from garnet.
Susan said the amethyst necklace dated back to the late 19th century, telling the guest: "Amethysts are absolutely gorgeous, lovely saturation of colour and obviously mounted in yellow gold." She added it was a "beautiful piece of jewellery".
The garnet necklace also dated back to the 19th century. She then revealed the real worth of the jewellery: "The amethyst and white topaz necklace, if this came up for auction, an auction estimate of between £1,000 and £1,500.
"As for the garnet parure, a set of jewellery, absolutely lovely. At auction because of the popularity of Georgian jewellery at the moment, auction estimate of £3,000 to £5,000."
Shocked by the real value, the guest said: "Oh my goodness, I didn't think I was wearing anything like that." She added: "Am I in a dream here? I don't believe it's true!"
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Meanwhile, in an old Antiques Roadshow episode, one guest admitted she "nearly didn't bother" attending the filming of the BBC series, shortly after her jewellery collection was revealed to be worth a small fortune.
In a 2008 episode filmed at Lichfield Cathedral, appraiser Geoffrey Munn came across a treasure trove of gems presented by a woman who had come into possession of the items through inheritance.
The expert began by valuing an Edward VII coronation medallion at around £600, followed by a brooch from the same event at a surprising £1,250, causing the owner to gasp aloud with a stunned "Gosh".
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Munn then examined a more intricate brooch, pricing it at approximately £1,750, and proceeded to reveal that a deceptively simple yet sophisticated watch could command an impressive £2,000, leaving the guest both shocked and delighted.
Highlighting another stunning item, Munn celebrated its elegance: "And then back here with more colour in translucent green enamel and white enamel and pearls.
"These aren't just masterpieces of ciphers and monograms; they're deliberate in their use of colour and texture, and boast a tangible three-dimensionality that renders them sculptures within boxes – worth around another £2,000."