‘I’m bowled over!’ gasps Antiques Roadshow guest after staggering valuation of bird brooch
AN Antiques Roadshow guest was left stunned after discovering how much her family heirloom was worth..
Expert Joanna Hardy examined the diamond brooch in the shape of a bird that had been passed through the generations.
The guest was carrying her baby and was joined by her mum when she presented the unusual piece.
“This is a very special jewel and I wasn’t disappointed when I opened the box to see this, but also it is a very special occasion I hear,” Joanna said.
The daughter explained: “So this brooch with given to my mum by my granny when I was born and mum has passed it on to me when my daughter was born.”
Noticing the baby chewing on her silver bangle, Joanna said: “I think she is going to be a budding jewellery enthusiast.
“I like the way she is using a silver bangle for teething and a beautiful amber necklace also for teething.”
“I highly approve. And to think that this brooch has been passed down through all these generations, is what jewellery is all about. This is a stunning brooch.”
The daughter added: “I was thrilled, really thrilled. I have had a few lovely pieces from granny but this just tops them all, really lovely.”
Joanna continued: “Well I love it because it is everything that I look for in a jewel.”
She said how it had been made by a company who crafted crowns and tiaras and that the entire brooch was handmade.
“It really is absolutely superb. If you were going to buy something similar you would probably need to spend about £25,000 and £30,000,” she concluded.
The mum and daughter were absolutely stunned by how much the brooch was worth.
“Oh god look after it! I had no idea,” the mum said to the daughter.
Pointing at the baby, Joanna then said: “It is absolutely stunning, it oozes quality and oozes craftsmanship… and lucky you! That is going to be yours one day.”
Speaking to the camera after, the mother added: “I am absolutely bowled over, I am beyond delighted that it is so valuable because it is such a special thing to be able to hand down.”
