4 days ago
BBC Antiques Roadshow expert warns about diamond bracelet once owned by Hollywood star
On Sunday's Antiques Roadshow, expert Geoffrey Munn was left open-mouthed when a guest revealed a dazzling diamond bracelet was once owned by Hollywood icon Rita Hayworth.
Antiques Roadshow enthusiasts were recently delighted as an expert disclosed a "crucial" tidbit regarding a guest's diamond bracelet. Indicating its potential for a dramatic increase in value at the idyllic setting of Baddesley Clinton in Warwickshire.
Jewellery expert Geoffrey Munn stumbled upon a stunning diamond bracelet that boasted a connection to the glitz of Hollywood. As he lauded the sparkling accessory, Munn joked: "Diamonds sparkling in the sunshine here, this is almost Hollywood sunshine, isn't it?".
The owner's response alluded to its illustrious history: "It is indeed and that is exactly where this was bought." She divulged its cinematic heritage, stating: "It was bought in Hollywood Boulevard and the lady who had the antique and jewellery store would only open on Saturdays."
To elaborate on the friendship as reported by the Mirror, she added: "We were introduced to her; I knew her until she died for about 24 years, and we actually used to stay with them in Miami. It's always handy to have a jeweller as a friend."
The owner also mentioned her financial reasoning: "And I had inheritance so I thought I would put it into something tangible and also pretty and also probably a better investment than the bank."
Munn amusingly retorted to the tale: "Your best friend, a girl's best friend, all these cliches are tumbling out onto the table!", enthused by the narrative.
As they continued to discuss the bracelet's backstory, it was revealed that the item had been purchased for $23,000, which was around £13,500 at the time.
However, it was the casual revelation of the bracelet's previous celebrity owner that truly stole the show: "But in fact it had belonged to Rita Hayworth", inspiring Munn to respond with delighted surprise: "Oh how marvellous! That's very good to know."
The guest shared that the sumptuous bracelet was a present to Rita Hayworth, celebrated for her roles in 'Gilda' and 'The Lady From Shanghai', from her third spouse Aly Khan, who's father previously served as President of the Assembly of the League of Nations.
In admiration, the guest spoke about the luminary: "She [Hayworth] was an amazing star and a real Hollywood A-lister. She acted alongside the crème de la crème of Hollywood at the time, such as Glenn Ford, Frank Sinatra, Orson Welles."
The expert, Munn, recognised the ongoing adoration for the late actress, saying: "She was much adored and much loved." Reflecting upon the item, she commented: "But this is 1940s, American, fabulous Hollywood glitz."
The current custodian, diligent in their research, has still not managed to find photographic evidence of Hayworth wearing the exquisite piece.
Eagerly, Munn proposed: "Well I will send you home to look for those photographs and maybe even her will would be interesting too, wouldn't it?
"And you must engage in a bit of open cast archaeology here, because establishing the provenance of these items is utterly pivotal.
"Because they're heirlooms, their talismans, and when you can associate them with somebody famous, someone utterly glamorous in lifestyle and in looks, then this adds hugely to your investment in some regard but it's not only an investment because you love it, don't you?".
While discussing the bracelet's value, the expert confessed he hadn't crunched the numbers for a precise valuation, but the guest hazarded a guess that it boasted roughly 54 carats worth of diamonds.
Intrigue peaked during the appraisal as he said: "Well I'm not going to base my valuation on any of that sort of thing, because the idea of breaking this down -", which prompted her to whisper in horror: "It's sacrilege."
Then came the moment of anticipation with his valuation: "But maybe if you go home and do your Rita Hayworth thing, find a photograph of her wearing it under the most spectacular circumstances with somebody famous, well then £80,000."
The owner couldn't conceal her astonishment mixed with elation at such a remarkable estimate, bursting out: "That's good! That was really quite a buy!"
Munn went on to hypothesise: "But if we can't find that and never do, then it's not so much fun. It might only be a mere £45,000."
Even the prospect of the valuation dipping dramatically didn't dampen the owner's spirits, who jubilantly replied: "It's still good! It's still lovely! I'm delighted!".
