A recent episode of the beloved Antiques Roadshow left viewers on the edge of their seats, as one unsuspecting guest was left “absolutely flabbergasted” after discovering the incredible value of her grandmother’s jewelry collection. The priceless moment occurred during Sunday night’s episode, filmed at the historic Thirlestane Castle in the Scottish Borders.
The guest, who had brought a collection of family heirlooms, including two brooches and a pendant, had no idea that her inherited treasures were worth a small fortune. Expert Susan Rumfitt took on the task of appraising the items, and what followed was a moment of astonishment that had both the guest and the studio audience in awe.
A Jewelry Collection with Impressive Value
The collection in question included three distinct pieces: an opal and diamond brooch from the late 19th to early 20th century, a pearl and diamond pendant from the early 1900s, and a sapphire and diamond brooch from 1970. The guest had no particular expectation for these items—she simply wanted to learn more about them.
However, expert Rumfitt had some eye-opening news to share. First, she appraised the sapphire and diamond brooch, estimating its worth at between £500 and £700. While this was a respectable valuation, it was just the beginning.
Turning to the pearl and diamond pendant, Rumfitt offered an even higher estimate: between £1,500 and £2,000. The guest’s excitement began to build, but it was the final piece of jewelry—the opal and diamond brooch—that truly left her speechless. Rumfitt valued the piece between £5,000 and £7,000.
At this point, the guest, clearly stunned by the assessment, exclaimed, “No, behave yourself! Wow, thank you very much!” Her amazement was palpable as she continued, “I’m absolutely flabbergasted and delighted to hear such lovely news about the jewellery.” In disbelief, she assured Rumfitt, “No, I won’t be having them remodeled; I’ll be keeping them the exact same!”
Her emotional reaction was a reflection of the impact that such a revelation can have on those who inherit family treasures—especially when their value is so unexpectedly high.
A Surprising Discovery: The Broken Carriage Clock
But the surprises didn’t end there. Another guest on the same episode was left in fits of giggles after discovering the high value of a seemingly insignificant and broken object: a tiny carriage clock that had been passed down to her from her late husband’s aunt.
Despite its worn condition—what expert Richard Price described as “pretty scruffy”—the clock turned out to be worth far more than anyone could have anticipated. The lady, who had inherited the timepiece some 50 years ago, admitted that it had always sat on her desk in a state of disrepair. “It’s always sat on my desk, not working. I know it’s awful, isn’t it?” she told Price with a laugh.
Despite its poor condition, the clock was revealed to be a rare French timepiece from around 1885, created by the renowned French clockmaker Drucker of Paris. Price marveled at its porcelain panels, which were a testament to the craftsmanship of the era, although he noted that the clock would require cleaning and gold re-gilding before it could be presented at auction.
Price’s valuation, however, was truly staggering. Once restored, the clock was expected to fetch between £4,000 and £5,000 at auction. The guest, in utter disbelief, threw her head back in laughter. “I will certainly see how much that costs to get done,” she quipped, before jokingly adding, “It’s so special to me.”
In a moment of humor, Price responded, “It will be even more special when it works!”
The Unveiling of a Six-Figure Relic
While both of these guests were surprised by the value of their family heirlooms, perhaps the most jaw-dropping moment of the episode came when another guest revealed the extraordinary worth of a rare and mysterious relic. The woman, who had inherited the item as part of a house purchase in West Wales, had no idea what it was. The piece had been in her family for decades, but its origin and purpose had long remained a mystery.
“I know it’s awful, isn’t it?” she said, explaining that the item had been part of the house contents her in-laws purchased in the 1960s. The family had no idea of its significance, but after some research, they guessed it could be from Fiji.
Expert Ronnie Archer-Morgan, however, quickly dispelled this theory, confirming that the object was far more significant than the guest could have imagined. He explained that the item, which looked like a ceremonial weapon, was actually from the Cook Islands in the 17th century. It was a piece that would have been used in combat, and its historical importance was immense.
Archer-Morgan went on to explain that the object was noted by Captain Cook’s surgeon during his third visit to Polynesia. He marveled over the rarity of the item, adding, “Now, as we all know, Captain Cook travelled to Polynesia, and during his third visit, his surgeon spotted one of these and noted in his journal how magnificent they were, praising this wonderful weapon.”
He went on to describe the object as “very rare” and emphasized its historical significance. “I’ve never held one of these, this is the first time,” Archer-Morgan said, underscoring just how unique the piece was.
Despite some damage—specifically a small tip missing from the object—the expert assured the guest that the relic’s “energy and power” remained undiminished. Moving to the valuation, Archer-Morgan estimated that the item could fetch between £100,000 and £150,000 at auction, a sum that left both the guest and the audience in stunned silence.
The guest, completely shocked, could only manage a breathless, “Crikey! Wow, that’s amazing, isn’t it? Really amazing.”
The Power of Unexpected Discoveries
These moments from the Antiques Roadshow episode serve as a reminder of the hidden treasures that can be found in family collections. Jewelry, clocks, and artifacts that have been passed down through generations often carry more than just sentimental value—they can hold incredible financial worth. What may seem like an old, forgotten object to one person can turn out to be an irreplaceable artifact or a priceless family heirloom.
Whether it’s a collection of stunning jewelry or a centuries-old relic, the emotional reactions from these guests demonstrate how valuable these unexpected discoveries can be. For the participants, the experience of learning the true worth of their heirlooms is not just a financial revelation—it’s a reminder of the legacy they carry with them and the history they are connected to.
In a world where the value of objects is often linked to their rarity and craftsmanship, Antiques Roadshow continues to reveal the hidden treasures that lie just beneath the surface, offering viewers and guests alike a chance to marvel at the fascinating stories behind these timeless artifacts.
Conclusion: A Truly Surprising Episode
As this episode of Antiques Roadshow demonstrated, sometimes the true value of an object isn’t immediately apparent. Whether it’s a precious piece of jewelry, a broken clock, or an ancient artifact, the hidden history behind these items often makes them far more valuable than they first appear. For the guests involved, the revelations were truly jaw-dropping, as they discovered just how priceless their family treasures really were.
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