Antiques Roadshow Guest Overwhelmed by Grandmother's Jewellery Valuation
A guest on the BBC's Antiques Roadshow was moved to tears when her grandmother's antique jewellery received a life-changing five-figure valuation during a repeat episode filmed in Belfast's Botanic Gardens. The emotional moment unfolded as expert Susan Rumfitt assessed the stunning pieces, which had been passed down through generations.
The Family History Behind the Jewels
The guest brought forward a glamorous photograph of her grandmother, Irene Pitts, who married her grandfather before the First World War. Tragically, her grandfather was killed in France at the war's outset. After his death, Irene moved to England and remarried a man named Robin Buxton, who likely gifted her the jewels. The guest inherited them after her grandmother's passing, never suspecting their true worth.
Expert Analysis Reveals Hidden Value
Susan Rumfitt praised the jewellery as "beautiful" and "stunning," highlighting a bold diamond brooch with delicate floral motifs and gorgeous cut diamonds. She noted intricate engraving around the edge, dating it to the late 19th or early 20th century. The necklace, described as a Lavalier pendant with two drops, featured fittings allowing them to be worn as earrings, making it multifunctional. Rumfitt speculated it might have been crafted for a special royal occasion due to a coronet design.
The expert confidently identified the pieces as containing natural pearls, admired for their beautiful lustre and varied shapes. While an X-ray could confirm this, Rumfitt expressed strong certainty about their authenticity.
The Jaw-Dropping Valuation
Susan Rumfitt delivered the valuation that left the guest emotional. She estimated the diamond brooch would fetch £5,000 to £7,000 at auction, calling it "sumptuous" with gorgeous movement. The pendant, however, stole the show with an auction estimate of £20,000 to £30,000. The total five-figure sum overwhelmed the guest, who covered her mouth in shock.
She responded, "Wow, never entered my head. It's just one almighty shock. I just thought it was a nice pendant and it was worth maybe not a lot. It's just took my breath away is all I can say."
Other Remarkable Antiques Roadshow Discoveries
This episode follows other surprising valuations on the show. In a separate segment, a guest learned her family heirloom portrait of Dr. Thomas Bond, a police surgeon involved in the Jack the Ripper investigation, was valued at £10,000 to £15,000. Expert Lawrence identified the painter as George Frederic Watts, noting its rarity as a dark, moody piece unlike his typical colourful works.
Another guest received a pleasant surprise when a small gold rabbit brooch with a sapphire and diamond eye, carelessly stored in a plastic bag, was valued at least £3,000. Expert Joanna Hardy suggested it could reach £8,000 to £10,000 if attributed to a high-end jeweller like Cartier.
Antiques Roadshow continues to unveil hidden treasures and emotional stories, with episodes available on BBC iPlayer.
