BBC Antiques Roadshow guest issues warning as 'special' item gets five-figure value

One guest on Antiques Roadshow was quick to issue a warning after a family treasure turned out to be more valuable than imagined after being assessed by an expert on the BBC show.

During the episode, which originally aired in 2023, viewers saw expert Joanna Hardy listen to one visitor and their mum who detailed the origin story of a striking bird-shaped piece of jewellery that had caught her eye.

Adorned with yellow and white diamonds as well as a vibrant emerald, the delightful brooch held sentimental value having been bestowed upon the guest's mother to mark the birth of her firstborn, reports The Mirror.

The tiny yet intricate brooch prompted awe from esteemed jewellery enthusiast Joanna, who exclaimed: "This is a very special jewel and I wasn't disappointed when I opened the box to see this. But also it's a very special occasion I hear."

Then, the daughter of the guest dived into the narrative behind the brooch: "So this brooch was given to my mum by my granny when I was born and mum passed it on to me when my daughter was born."

Joanna reflected on the emotional connection, saying: "And to think that this brooch has been passed down through these generations, that is what jewellery is all about."

Her admiration didn't stop there as she elaborated: "I love it because it is everything that I look for in a jewel, it is beautifully crafted. Everything you see has been hand done and handmade."

Inspecting the intricate piece, Joanna praised its meticulous design and precious stones, remarking: "And you've got all these yellow diamonds, and then the head is all white diamonds, then that emerald eye."

Delighting in the details, she pointed out: "And what I love to see, you might not see the other eye but they have always paid attention to the reverse and you've got it sitting perched on a line of baguette diamonds and then you've got these three Marquise cut sapphires."

When it came time to reveal the coveted valuation, Joanna announced: "I mean, it really is absolutely superb."

Hinting at its hefty price tag, she revealed: "And if you were going to buy something similar, you would probably need to spend about £25,000 and £30,000."

The declaration brought audible surprise from the surrounding crowd, with the family owning the artefact appearing exceptionally content.

Caught up in disbelief, the principal visitor exclaimed: "No!" and immediately warned her daughter sternly: "Look after it!"

She expressed her joy over the valuation, saying: "I am delighted that it is so valuable because it is such a special thing to hand down."

Antiques Roadshow is available to watch on BBC iPlayer.