BBC Antiques Roadshow guest concedes ‘you took my breath away’ as expert slaps five-figure value on family brooch
A BBC Antiques Roadshow guest was left visibly emotional after learning the jaw-dropping value of a treasured family heirloom – a dazzling diamond brooch dating back to the 1930s.
The standout moment came during a repeat of the October 2022 episode, aired again on Sunday, when jewellery expert Susan Rumfitt examined the striking piece and identified it as an Art Deco treasure.
“This is a magnificent brooch. I hope you wear it every day,” Rumfitt remarked while inspecting the ornate item.
The guest responded with a smile, revealing that she wears it in the “evening” if she’s “going out.”
The guest went on to share the brooch’s sentimental roots: “It’s just come down to the family from my grandmother.”
Rumfitt then delved into the piece’s history: “The brooch dates from the 1930s which is the height of the Art Deco period, which really and truly was about having a great time as far as fashion jewels, partying was concerned.
“So I can imagine your grandmother really having a wonderful time putting this brooch on. It’s got a sort of sense of theatre about it, doesn’t it? It sort of plays away on its own with these beautiful diamonds in it and everything.”
She elaborated further on the historical context, explaining: “When we get to the 1930s, the style of jewellery was very similar to the ’20s in regards to being bold and impressive as we’re seeing here, but we’ve moved away from colour and also concentrated on diamonds.
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“Quite extraordinary, considering that in 1929 we had the Wall Street crash and the depression.”
Referencing fashion icon Coco Chanel, Rumfitt added: “One of the greatest designers who was behind the love of diamonds was Chanel, of course, and she teamed up with DeBeers to promote the diamond industry.
“They basically were saying that diamonds are portable – you can show the greatest of worth in the smallest volumes. This is by no means a small piece of jewellery, but it’s portable.
“So it’s no wonder so many people were turning to diamond jewellery if the likes of Chanel were saying this is the thing that you should do.”
She went on to describe the brooch as “unusual,” noting its single-piece design, which she said was a very popular style back then.
Rumfitt continued her praise, telling the guest the piece was “stunning” before moving on to the more technical details.
She asked the guest if she knew how many carats the brooch held. The guest guessed “three,” only to be taken aback when Susan revealed the actual total was a dazzling 14 carats.
Then came the valuation – a jaw-dropping £20,000.
Visibly stunned, the guest gasped: “Oh my goodness. That’s taken my breath away. Oh crumbs, brings tears to my eyes. A really big surprise, I’m still quaking at the moment.”