ANTIQUES Roadshow guest left gobsmacked as an item she ‘chucked in the bin’ gets a very surprising valuation.
The hit BBC show returned to our screens with the wonderful Fiona Bruce heading up the new episode.
This time the team were visiting the Firstsite contemporary art gallery in Colchester.
As usual, members of the public flocked to the site to have their prized possessions valued by the show’s experts.
But there was a surprise in store for a woman who brought it in an old item.
Expert Siobhan Tyrrell examined the item and said: “You brought this in today and you told me that it almost got chucked in the bin.”
The woman replied: “Well, it did yes”.
Siobhan said: “I’ve got to admit, it looks a little bit like a car crash because it’s been soldered so much but actually it’s closed back.
“And then when I turned it over and had a look at the stones, we’ve got old cut diamonds”.
The guest replied: “I know I’m amazed.”
Siobhan continued: “We’ve got emeralds and we’ve got garnets. It looks certainly 1700s.”
Then for the most important feature – the valuation!
[bc_video account_id=”5067014667001″ application_id=”” aspect_ratio=”16:9″ autoplay=”” caption=”I kept my uncle’s old sculptures for decades – I quickly started sobbing when Antiques Roadshow said they’re worth $30k” embed=”in-page” experience_id=”” height=”100%” language_detection=”” max_height=”360px” max_width=”640px” min_width=”0px” mute=”” padding_top=”56%” picture_in_picture=”” player_id=”default” playlist_id=”” playsinline=”” sizing=”responsive” video_id=”6365588626112″ video_ids=”” width=”640px”]Siobhan declared: “I would’ve said that’s going to make £300 to £400.”
The amount shocked the woman, who then exclaimed: “ Well, it’s made my day! It really has.”
It’s not the first time the show’s visitors have been left dumbfounded by the expert valuations.
The team set up shop at Cromford Hills in the idyllic area of Derwent Valley in Derbyshire last year.
Harrogate jewellery specialist Susan Rumfitt was available to give her expert opinions.
A husband and wife brought two items to her, a bracelet and a stunning pendant.
The wife explained that her husband did not think much of one of the items as he labelled it ‘a bit of tat’ and just a piece of glass.
Susan enquired as to why he thought the seemingly stunning item was more akin to costume jewellery.
The husband replied: “It’s very big for a sort of precious stone.”
“It really is totally magnificent” replied Susan.
She then explained that the bracelet came from Wartski’s in London, an important firm that sold expensive Faberge items.
After discussing the items further Susan then revealed her valuation and the couple were completely blindsided by how much both items were worth.
The ‘piece of tat’ pendant was given a value of between £3,000 and £5,000, which left the couple shocked.
However, the bracelet would have fetched even more if they tried to sell it at auction.
Susan stated: “The opal bangle, of course, it’s a magnificent piece.
“If that came up to auction, we would be looking at an estimate of £8,000 to £10,000.”
The husband’s jaw dropped at the huge value of the item as he exclaimed: “I didn’t expect that …. That’s incredible.”
Previously in the segment, the pair explained how they decided to give the items to their daughter.
Upon hearing the experts comments, the wife jokingly remarked: “Our daughter did well didn’t she!”
Antiques Roadshow airs on BBC and is available to stream on BBCIplayer.