– Antiques Roadshow guest
– Mother’s brooch discovered.
Accident – Death – Obituary News :
A woman from Cardiff, Helen Scaife, 51, was left in awe after a brooch that had been tucked away in a bedside drawer for decades turned out to be a treasure worth thousands of pounds.
Helen decided to get her mum’s inherited jewellery valued on the popular TV show, Antiques Roadshow, which aired on BBC. The brooch had been gathering dust in her bedroom, unnoticed for years.
To her surprise, experts revealed that the brooch was a highly valuable rare relic with Ancient Roman origins, dating back to the late 16th or early 17th century. It is now expected to fetch around £7,000 at an upcoming auction.
identified as an intaglio gryllus cameo brooch dating back to the late 16th or early 17th century” class=”blkBorder img-share” style=”max-width:100%” />
The brooch was identified as an intaglio gryllus cameo brooch dating back to the late 16th or early 17th century
Depicting a gryllus, a mythical creature with conjoined human and wild boar heads, the brooch will be up for auction at Hansons Auctioneers in Etwall, Derbyshire, on June 27.
Helen shared that the brooch had been passed down through generations in her family and had been in their possession since at least the 19th century. It was inherited by her mother over 30 years ago and had mostly been kept hidden away.
During the Antiques Roadshow episode, jewellery expert Geoffrey Munn unveiled the brooch’s historical significance, leaving Helen and her family in disbelief. The revelation was a true eye-opener for them.
Jewellery expert Geoffrey Munn revealed to Ms Scaife the brooch’s true worth
Helen, a civil servant, expressed her astonishment at the discovery and mentioned that the sale of the brooch would greatly benefit her mother’s retirement. The unexpected windfall has opened up new possibilities for her family.
Uncovering the Intricate Details
The brooch, identified as an intaglio gryllus cameo brooch, is a magnificent piece of art crafted from agate stone. The intricate carving features three conjoined heads, including two classical figures and a wild boar’s head.
Helen Smith, head of jewellery at Hansons Auctioneers, described the brooch as a rare find, noting its exceptional beauty and historical significance. The agate stone symbolizes strength and protection, adding to the allure of the piece.
The brooch’s design, depicting a mythical beast believed to ward off demons, reflects the craftsmanship and symbolism prevalent in Ancient Roman glyptic art. It is a testament to the creativity and cultural influences of the Renaissance period.
The brooch – which was collecting dust in a bedroom drawer – is worth up to £7,000
Looking Towards the Future
Helen’s decision to part with the family heirloom reflects her desire to ensure her mother’s well-being and happiness in her later years. The unexpected revelation has prompted them to reevaluate the significance of the brooch and its potential impact on their lives.
As the brooch goes up for auction, the story of its discovery and the journey it has taken through generations will add to its allure and value. It serves as a reminder of the hidden treasures that may lie dormant in our homes, waiting to be uncovered and appreciated.
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Antiques Roadshow guest
Antiques Roadshow treasure.
