An Antiques Roadshow guest was left speechless after learning that a family heirloom brooch, featuring a massive aquamarine, was worth £20,000. The episode, filmed at Morden Hill Park, saw expert John Benjamin examine the piece, which had been languishing in a drawer for decades.
The brooch, set in 18-karat white gold and topped with a flame-shaped cluster of diamonds, contained a 75-carat pure aquamarine gemstone. The woman explained that her husband's grandfather had purchased the aquamarine - part of the renowned Santa Maria Aquamarine - in Brazil in the 1920s or 1930s. Her husband's father later had it mounted into the brooch, which had only been worn a few times, including to her daughter's wedding.
John Benjamin described the gem as 'absolutely massive' and 'really very rare', noting that such a large, high-quality untreated aquamarine is seldom seen on the market. He emphasised that the stone's colour appeared natural, which adds to its value.
When Benjamin revealed the auction estimate of £20,000, the guest gasped and asked him to repeat the figure. She joked that she would need a gin and tonic to recover from the shock. The audience also reacted with audible surprise.
