BBC Antiques Roadshow expert audibly gasps over vintage ring with insane value

22 February 2024 , 19:50

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BBC Antiques Roadshow expert audibly gasps over vintage ring with insane value

An Antiques Roadshow guest was lost for words when expert Joanne Hardy revealed the true value of her grandmother's sapphire ring.

In a recent episode of the BBC programme, a woman arrived at the valuation at Pollok Park and brought in a gorgeous ring that had been in her family for many decades. Joanne, the expert in buying and selling jewellery, told the guest it was 'one of the best rings' she had seen in a long time.

The expert explained: "Well, this is definitely [a piece of jewellery] for every outfit that you own in your wardrobe. You would be able to wear it with anything." The woman said it belonged to her grandmother, who wore the jewellery 'all the time and left it to her 58 years ago.'

"When I was young I think I wore it because it was new to me," she said. Joanne replied: "So, this is a beautiful sapphire called a star sapphire and this has got a six-ray star and it really is quite stunning. It's set around cushion-shaped diamonds and this is quintessentially around [the period of] 1900/1910.

The ring was in her family for decades (BBC)

"It's got the beautiful milgrain setting... all platinum, which is very of the moment. I'd say at auction you're looking at around £4,000 - £6,000." The guest was shocked by the staggering value and simply said: "Gosh!"

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Earlier this week, a guest said the incredible valuation of a statue 'didn't matter' as they refused to part ways with the sentimental item. Antiques expert Will Farmer had his head turned by a risqué ceramic sculpture by Italian firm Lenci - but the family asking for a price tag were unmoved by the impressive amount he recommended for it.

Will fawned over the statue while speaking to the woman who presented it to him. The piece showed a near-naked woman with a shawl draped around her bottom half. The blank statue included flashes of colour - with pinks and yellow in the hair.

Will asked the owner: "Do you love her?" and then asked the guest's daughters: "Now do you girls love her?" He went on to explain: "She is a very, very special thing. So is the value." The guest looked unmoved, however, prompting Will to remark: "Now that is a really lovely mum shrug." The guest admitted: "Well it doesn't matter because we wouldn't sell it."

Will told her: "That's good. But if you had to replace it would be around £10,000 to £15,000. One of the best makers made at a pivotal moment in their career. Beautifully decorated, fabulously painted."

Zara Woodcock