A guest on the popular BBC programme Antiques Roadshow was moved to tears after discovering that a brooch she purchased for a mere £1 in the early 1970s is now valued at a staggering £2,500. The emotional moment unfolded as jewellery specialist John Benjamin revealed the true worth of the exquisite Georgian-era piece, which had been hidden among costume jewellery on a market stall in Whitstable.
The Remarkable Discovery
The lady recounted how she had acquired the stunning gold brooch from a charity shop at Whitstable market decades ago. "The moment I saw it, I knew it was special," she explained. "It wasn't like the other brooches sitting amongst it, and so I bought it." She described gently cleaning and caring for the item over the years, which helped preserve its remarkable condition.
Expert Analysis of the Georgian Treasure
John Benjamin, a renowned jewellery expert on the show, expressed astonishment at the brooch's pristine state. "How have you kept it so well?" he enquired. "Because when you think this was made around the Georgian era, it looks to me as if it has almost come off the workshop bench today." He proceeded to detail the intricate features of the piece, which dates from the Georgian period spanning 1714 to 1837.
The brooch boasts genuine goldwork, known as cannetille, which is a fine filigree style popular in the 1820s and 1830s. Benjamin highlighted the complexity of the design, noting: "It is quite a complex design with all this intricate gold work around the central pink stone and then these four green stones forming almost in a north-south, east-west position." The green stones were confirmed to be emeralds, displaying a lovely dark green colour.
The Rare Pink Topaz Centrepiece
At the heart of the brooch lies a rare Georgian pink topaz, weighing approximately eight to ten carats. Benjamin emphasised its significance, stating: "Pink topaz in recent years in particular have shot up in value. They are a very desirable gem indeed." He described the stone's colour as having a "saturation of candyfloss pink colour," underscoring its exceptional quality and appeal to collectors.
The Dramatic Valuation
When asked about her original purchase price, the guest revealed she paid just £1, prompting laughter from the assembled crowd. Benjamin then delivered the thrilling news: "What do I think your £1 investment in the early Seventies might be worth today? A lovely looking pink topaz, super looking emeralds around the outside and cannetille gold frame - £2,500."
The owner appeared visibly stunned by the figure, expressing her gratitude to the specialist. She remained non-committal about whether she would keep the valuable brooch or consider selling it. Benjamin praised her keen eye, remarking: "No, well done you for having the eye, shopping in Whitstable and seeing something like that. It was meant to be. What a treat!"
Context and Significance
This valuation highlights several key points for antique enthusiasts and casual collectors alike:
- The dramatic appreciation of certain gemstones, particularly pink topaz, over recent decades.
- The importance of preservation in maintaining an item's value, as the brooch's excellent condition significantly contributed to its high appraisal.
- The potential for hidden treasures to be found in unexpected places, such as charity shops and market stalls.
- The enduring appeal and craftsmanship of Georgian-era jewellery, which continues to captivate experts and the public.
The emotional reaction from the guest underscores the personal connections people often have with their possessions, transforming a simple valuation into a memorable television moment. This story serves as a reminder that patience, care, and a discerning eye can sometimes yield extraordinary rewards, turning a modest £1 purchase into a valuable heirloom or investment.
