A bargain hunter discovered that a £5 ring she bought at a car boot sale was set with a 3.02-carat natural diamond, valued at £15,000. The ring was examined at a WeBuyVintage roadshow in Oxfordshire, where expert Asha Nayak found it was mounted in 18-carat gold.
The owner, who thought the ring was a piece of costume jewellery, said: "I never expected it to be worth thousands. It was such an incredible surprise and a moment I will never forget."
Rare Finds Across the UK
Another discovery was a suffragette Christmas card dating from around 1910, brought to a valuation event in Mold, North Wales. The card was created by campaigners selling seasonal merchandise to fund and promote votes for women. It was published by London firm Tom Edwards and valued at £2,500.
Expert Matt Case said its rarity, condition and connection to the suffrage movement made it attractive to collectors and museums alike.
Historic Artwork and Royal Gown
A signed woodcut by Edvard Munch, titled Melancholy III, emerged from a private family collection in Kent after more than 50 years. The 1902 print was purchased in Norway for 42,000 kroner in 1969 (about £3,300 at the time) and kept with its original receipt. It is expected to fetch between £50,000 and £80,000 at auction by Catherine Southon Auctioneers on October 28.
A ceremonial gown worn during the 1969 investiture of then-Prince Charles was rescued after its owner learned historic belongings could be discarded during a house clearance. The red garment belonged to Owen Lloyd George, 3rd Earl Lloyd George of Dwyfor, and was worn when he served as sword-bearer at Caernarfon Castle. It was saved from Ffynone House in Pembrokeshire in 2021 and valued at around £600 with an invitation from Queen Elizabeth II.
Wartime and Maritime Keepsakes
A rare children's "Mickey Mouse" gas mask, manufactured by Happynak in around 1941, was found at the bottom of a wardrobe after more than 80 years. It was valued at between £30 and £60, though experts noted its rarity could push the price higher.
A brooch passed down through a family for over 130 years was found to have a connection to the SS Citrine, which sank off the Isle of Man in 1931, killing nine of 11 crew members. The brooch, valued at £100, was presented to Elizabeth McIntyre Anderson in April 1894. Its owner hopes to use the proceeds to upgrade his motorhome.
