Antiques Roadshow Guest Has Big Response After Host Tells Her The Price Of Her 'Worthless' Brooch
The owner of the big blue brooch lets out an almighty gasp. She’s standing opposite the valuer on Antiques Roadshow, and he’s just relayed the shocking truth about her precious family heirloom. Before coming on the show, the lady had been told by various jewelers that her glistening accessory was worthless. They couldn’t have been more wrong.
Low expectations
Understandably, when the lady presented her brooch to Antiques Roadshow expert John Benjamin, she had very low expectations. Other jewelers had told her that the accessory, known as the "big, blue blob," was nothing more than a piece of costume jewelry and that the big stone in the middle was, in fact, stained glass.
Her traumatic experience
The lady even went as far as to say that these jewelers had been quite rude to her and her partner. Some alleged the diamonds were fake, while others claimed they were real — though not high-quality. So, what exactly was the truth?
Getting a first look
You can see why the brooch became known as the "big, blue blob." At the center of it is a large cushion-shaped blue jewel. And if you didn't have the proper knowledge, it would perhaps be easy to assume the eye-catching gem was merely a well-made imitation — no way near as valuable as the real thing. But that's where John came in.
The man of the hour
Oh, yes, if anyone could give this woman an accurate valuation, it was John. Having left school at just 17 years old, he’d served a four-year apprenticeship at an antique jewelry shop. From there, his career soared. And he ultimately became the International Director of Jewelry at Phillips Fine Art Auctioneers. The man knows his stuff — and this brooch would be no exception.
