AR: Expert values jewellery collection
In an archive episode of BBC’s Antique Roadshow, viewers were taken to Winchester College where people took their unique items to be valued by a team of experts.
One of which included a woman who was curious to see what her late grandmother’s jewellery collection would make at an auction.
Telling the expert her relative died a few years prior, at the age of 102, Hugh opened a box which contained unique pieces in a pull-out draw which he called a “cabinet of curiosities.”
Observing the pieces inside, he commented: “It’s an extraordinary collection of Georgian and Victorian jewellery.”
Pulling out a necklace which caught his eye, the BBC star told the woman it was a Georgian gold belcher link chain with a hand clasp which he called a “beautiful” piece.
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However, it was a collection of mourning rings in the box which Hugh wanted to know more about.
He commented: “The thing about mourning rings is of course when someone died it was customary to commemorate the person by mounting a small lock of hair in a locket centre, surrounding it quite frequently with half pearls.
“Being mourning, the colour was black, always going to be black. Then at the back of the ring, you’d find a small engraving of the person’s name and the date that they passed on.
“Then, also you might find a tiny little locket compartment where there would be a small lock of hair.”
Curious, he asked whether or not the woman wears any of the rings as she revealed wearing one on her wedding day the year before.
Admitting that she’s never had any of the pieces valued before, Hugh shared that the belcher chain alone was worth £1,000.
Taken aback, the woman laughed as she replied: “Oh my god!”
As the Antiques Roadshow expert continued to reel off various prices for singular items in the collection, it was clear the woman started to get emotional.
Taking some deep breaths, her lips started to shake as she looked down listening to the rest of the valuations.
Hugh continued: “From what looks like a fairly straight Sheffield plate set, which is worth no more than about £300.
“You’ve got a lower-tiered draw which is probably worth £8,000.”
Gobsmacked, the woman put her hands over her mouth in disbelief as she replied: “My god, I didn’t realise that at all.”
Hugh replied: “It really is a unique collection.”
Episodes of Antique Roadshow are available to watch on BBC iPlayer.
