An Antiques Roadshow specialist was visibly emotional after delivering a staggering valuation during a recent episode of the BBC programme. Jewellery expert Geoffrey Munn was moved whilst revealing the worth of a collection of extraordinary heirlooms presented by a guest. He was shown a collection of cufflinks and a brooch handed down through the guest’s family lineage. The pieces had initially belonged to her great-grandfather, who served as a chef to Queen Victoria and Edward VII.
The guest explained that her ancestor had received the jewels as gifts from various European royalty members, including Tsar Nicholas II and Wilhelm II, whilst working at Sandringham and Buckingham Palace. Geoffrey instantly recognised the exceptional nature of the items, describing the cufflinks as “very, very Russian” and probably created using the samorodok method, a technique preferred by Fabergé.
Although not verified as originating from the renowned house, he stated they “reeked” of the iconic jewellery establishment. The true revelation occurred when the guest revealed a brooch that had previously been presented by Tsar Nicholas II.
Geoffrey confidently recognised it as a genuine Fabergé creation due to the visible workmaster’s initials, proclaiming it a “full-blown Fabergé brooch”.
The guest appeared moved as she responded: “Wonderful. Because I wondered and half hoped it would be and that’s marvellous.”
Geoffrey started with a conservative estimate for the cufflinks, suggesting they were worth approximately £8,000.
He revealed that whilst their Fabergé origins couldn’t be definitively confirmed, their heritage and craftsmanship made them exceptionally sought-after.
The cufflinks which had been converted into brooches received a marginally higher assessment of roughly £9,000.
Nevertheless, it was the brooch’s valuation that rendered both the owner and specialist utterly stunned.
Following the guest’s prediction of £10,000, Geoffrey responded: “Well it is £10,000 and it’s more than £10,000. It’s £15,000.”
Following the guest’s prediction of £10,000, Geoffrey responded: “Well it is £10,000 and it’s more than £10,000. It’s £15,000.”
At this moment, Geoffrey grasped the guest’s hand and enquired: “You feeling calm? This is very, very good isn’t it? Making me nervous.”
The audience burst into enthusiastic clapping as the guest exclaimed: “My dear chap. Gosh. That’s amazing. I never realised it would be as much as that, I must confess.”
Regardless of the substantial valuation, the guest informed Geoffrey she intended to retain the treasures: “I don’t really want to sell these,” she declared. “I want to keep them because they’re family pieces.”
Geoffrey concurred, stating: “I think in a way they should be kept together as a collection.”
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