Viewers of BBC’s Antiques Roadshow were left flabbergasted by an astronomical assessment of a diamond brooch.
In an episode that originally aired not long ago, this time being rerun on Sunday, the show took place at one of Wales’ grandest historic homes: Powis Castle. The assigned expert, Geoffrey Munn, had the duty of assessing a trio of scintillating brooches two studded with diamonds, and another adorned with diamonds as well as rubies.
Initiating the conversation, Geoffrey queried: “Three perfectly marvellous 18th century gem-set jewels. Now, how did they come together?”
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The owner responded: “The two diamond brooches were given to me by my father. This one on my wedding day and this one came a little bit later, and this one was inherited from my grandmother.
(Image: BBC)
“My father was into the antiques world and it’s something I’ve grown up with.” Probing further, Geoffrey asked: “Have you enjoyed wearing them?”
To which she replied: “I have, but I have to say bigger pieces like the ruby brooch are difficult to wear nowadays.” She added: “I think perhaps a bit more dated but I have kept it since my grandmother died and it will be passed on down to my daughters.”
As the expert rightly commended her: “Well it’s the most superb piece of jewellery, set with rubies and diamonds, set in silver, probably backed in gold, and so they’re doing their stuff right now, aren’t they?”
(Image: BBC)
During the conversation, the expert noted how they sparkled under the sunlight and stated: “They look absolutely wonderful. Shall we unpick them? The one on the left here is a very sweet little bow. The bow is not simply a bow. It’s a true lovers knot because the harder it is pulled, the tighter it becomes. And then the diamonds are forever so the little subliminal message for your wedding was perfectly well chosen.”
Stunned, the guest responded: “I didn’t appreciate that so it’s very interesting,” as the expert elaborated: “And here again is another stylised bow so the same message again and here, a very sweet little brooch, apparently a brooch, but more complicated than that. It’s in the form of a flower with what we call rose-cut diamonds.”
(Image: BBC)
“It’s not a reference to the colour, it’s a reference to the way it’s cut, which your father told you all about, I can tell he did.” Geoffrey pointed out that the brooch was a “dress ornament”, which would have been one in 20 or 30.
“They might even have been pinned down the back of a woman of high rank and immense wealth,” he highlighted. “The key thing about signalling of rank is that people simply didn’t recognise the sovereign or the attendants due to the lack of photography and scarce portraits, so when they arrived at the room there had to be an enormous display of sumptuary.”
Antiques Roadshow expert Geoffrey Munn was on hand to reveal the incredible history – and value – of three stunning brooches brought in by a guest.
(Image: BBC)
The ruby and diamond brooch was originally from Spain or Portugal, the diamond bow was English and the diamond rose was likely Russian. Geoffrey noted that the “Russian crown jewels were sold in London to raise funds for the new regime” and the brooch may be connected to the jewels.
Revealing their value, the expert revealed the bow was worth £8,000, the ruby brooch was worth up to £10,000, while the rose piece was worth up to £15,000. “Gosh, I had no idea,” the guest remarked. “Utterly beauutfily expressions of an era gone by,” Geoffrey concluded before thanking the owner for bringing the brooches onto Antiques Roadshow.
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Source: Celebrities - dailystar.co.uk
