BBC Antiques Roadshow guest's response to £10k valuation of 'huge' jewels

10 March 2024 , 22:04

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The guest couldn't believe the response (Image: No credit)

An Antiques Roadshow guest was left speechless after the staggering valuation of her diamond bracelet and matching ring.

The lady had inherited the jewellery from her late mother-in-law, Audrey, who was the wife of a mayor. The precious pieces were given to her in 1976 when her husband became the mayor of Fylde in Lancashire. Expert Joanna Hardy was clearly impressed, saying: "I see a lot of jewellery, but very few jewels actually make my heart smile. When I saw this, my heart really smiled. Before I tell you why, I want to know who owned it!"

The guest shared that Audrey had always "loved" jewels since she was a little girl. Joanna noted: "It's interesting he was mayor in 1976, as this bracelet was made in England and hallmarked 18-carat gold. It's very heavy. This is 1974. It has the hallmark of CJ, the maker."

The jewellery set received a whopping valuation (No credit)

Joanna admitted she didn't know who CJ was before examining the bracelet, which was decorated with diamonds and sapphires. She then revealed the valuation, saying: "At auction, this period is very sought after." We're going to go with the ring first. I would say that's around £2,000. This, as I say, really makes me smile. I love it. I would say, comfortably, at auction, you'd be looking at around £8,000 [for the bracelet]."

Meanwhile, another guest on Antiques Roadshow was stunned when her late mother-in-law's gold chain was valued at £3,000 - and vowed to wear it with pride. She told cameras: "I will keep wearing it as often as I possibly can. It's huge and I have to make sure I'm wearing the right outfit, but I will wear it with the utmost pride and always think of her."

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Expert Joanna said her heart was happy to see the pieces (No credit)

Later in the show, Queen Camilla made a surprise appearance - and fans were baffled by host Fiona Bruce's behaviour. One viewer wrote: "Fiona Bruce can't keep her hands off the Queen and has nudged her with her elbow - does someone need to teach her about etiquette?"

However, the Queen didn't seem to mind and chatted happily with Bruce about the antiques on display. Another fan praised the episode, saying: "HMQ Camilla has just been on the Antiques Roadshow, chatting with visitors, taking part in the show and no special security evident. A lovely informal visit."

A second penned: "Watching Antiques Roadshow, the Queen is rather smart on the quiet."

Daniel Bird