Imagine rummaging through your mother’s belongings and stumbling upon a small, unassuming brooch.
For one lucky lady, this seemingly ordinary piece of jewelry turned out to be an extraordinary treasure.
Little did she know, this charming trinket was about to take her on a journey through history, straight to the workshops of one of Russia’s most famous jewelers.
Hugh Scully and the experts from Antiques Roadshow were on hand to unravel the mystery and reveal the remarkable story behind this unexpected find.
The brooch in question had been tucked away among the personal effects of the owner’s mother.
Like many family heirlooms, its origins were shrouded in mystery.
Was it a cherished gift from a loved one? A souvenir from a long-forgotten trip?
Or perhaps something even more special?
As the owner brought it to the Antiques Roadshow, she had no idea of the surprise that awaited her.
As soon as the appraiser laid eyes on the brooch, his interest was piqued.
He quickly identified a significant clue – the brooch was crafted from hollywood, a wood favored by Russian jewelers.
This detail alone hinted at a far more illustrious origin than anyone had suspected.
The owner’s eyebrows raised in surprise, her curiosity growing with each passing moment.
Initially, the owner was skeptical about the brooch’s potential value or origin.
After all, it had been just another pretty piece in her mother’s collection.
How could something so small and unassuming be of any real significance?
But as the appraiser’s excitement grew, so did her own sense of anticipation.
Then came the bombshell revelation that left everyone stunned.
The brooch was confirmed to be the work of none other than the famous Russian jeweler Carl Fabergé.
Suddenly, this little piece of jewelry wasn’t just a family keepsake – it was a piece of history, crafted by the same hands that created the legendary Fabergé eggs for the Russian imperial family.
The proof of its prestigious origin was hiding in plain sight.
The satin-lined box bore an inscription that read: “K. Fabergé, St. Petersburg, Moscow and Odessa.”
This tiny detail was the key to unlocking the brooch’s incredible story, connecting it to one of the most renowned jewelry houses in history.
As the appraisal continued, more details came to light.
The brooch was in excellent condition, with only a minor flaw – a broken pin that could be easily restored.
Its design was exquisite – a tiny heart surrounded by diamonds, with a central stone identified as a green zircon.
The craftsmanship was impeccable, showcasing Fabergé’s signature attention to detail.
The appraiser delved deeper into the brooch’s construction and history.
Despite the modest intrinsic value of its materials, the artistic craftsmanship and historical significance elevated its worth considerably.
The brooch featured translucent enamel over an engraved ground, a technique that Fabergé had perfected.
Based on the inscription mentioning Odessa, a branch opened in 1903, the brooch was likely crafted between 1903 and 1915.
As the appraisal drew to a close, the owner was visibly shocked and delighted.
The brooch, once just a pretty trinket, was now valued at approximately £8,000.
A viewer summed up the sentiment perfectly, saying,
“What a lovely, very understated object. A real find!”
Incredibly, this appraisal was filmed back in 2002, so surely the value of the brooch has grown quite a bit.
Can you imagine coming across a gem like this?
Press play on the video below to watch this classic Antiques Roadshow clip for yourself!
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