WARNING: Spoilers ahead for Antiques Roadshow.
An Antiques Roadshow guest was left speechless after her grandmother’s jewellery, a family heirloom for generations, was valued at an astonishing five-figure sum.
The ‘s beloved daytime show set its latest episode against the historic backdrop of Beaumaris Castle in Anglesey, North Wales, where expert Joanna Hardy had the pleasure of examining a breathtaking bracelet and earring set.
“You have brought some fabulous, elegant jewels. Please tell me how did you get these? ” Joanna enquired, clearly impressed by the items.
The owner recounted the sentimental journey of the pieces: “They were my mother’s and before that, they were my grandmother’s and my grandmother wore them at my parents’ wedding.”
“And then my mother wore them for our wedding and I have worn them for my daughter’s wedding.”
“So they’re very, very special and I’ve worn them in between at any other special occasion.”
Joanna, curious to know if the guest had ever witnessed her grandmother donning the jewellery, was treated to a touching recollection.
“Well I did, because she loved jewellery and she had quite a lot and as a child, I spent a lot of time with her,” the guest reminisced.
Antiques Roadshow guest exclaims Crikey as audience gasps at unbelievable figure for very rare family heirlooms (Image: BBC)
An Antiques Roadshow guest brought in her grandmother’s earrings and bracelet. (Image: BBC)
“She’d take me to this cupboard in the bedroom where she had a safe and there she would open drawer by drawer of the safe with the rubies and then the emeralds and the diamonds and the pearls.”
Captivated by the story, Joanna shared the guest’s nostalgia, saying, “Oh my gosh. I’m there with you, opening as a child each of those drawers,” her enthusiasm palpable.
Joanna, with no identifiable marks on the bracelet, believed it to be a Mappin and Webb creation, cradled in its designer box. She described it as “all handmade, platinum, with ‘baguette-cut diamonds and cabochon rubies’.”
Antique expert Hardy chimed in with his expertise, remarking: “These are very rare – to find jewels of this quality today.”
She then marvelled at the artistry of the “gorgeous” earrings, commenting: “They are absolutely superb. The craftsmanship is amazing. Late 1920s, I would say.
“The movement, I mean, it’s almost like lace and to think that is platinum. And baguette-cute diamonds.
“But what is exceptional about this, this beautiful ruby in the centre, are these little tiny diamond briolette drops at the bottom.”
Antiques Roadshow expert Joanna Hardy valued a pair of earrings and bracelet for between £50,000 and £70,000. (Image: BBC)
The time then arrived for her to evaluate both items, where she estimated: “At auction, I think that the earrings, they would be around £20,000.”
Her valuation drew audible shock from those gathered, as the owner beamed with joy.
Without skipping a beat, Joanna provided an estimate for the bracelet: “This beautiful bracelet with the cabochon rubies, again, exquisitely made, you’d be looking in the region of about £30,000.”
This prompted an astonished reaction and a “Crikey” from the guest.
Wrapping up her assessment, Joanna declared: “So collectively, you’re looking between £50,000 and £70,000 for the two.”
This revelation led the owner to express her surprise, saying: “They’re a lot more valuable than I thought they were.”
Later, in another chat, the guest reflected: “It’s been absolutely lovely thinking of my grandmother, thinking of going to that cupboard and opening the drawers of the safe.
“It’s lovely to have brought back those memories.”
Antiques Roadshow is available to watch on One and iPlayer.