Antiques Roadshow expert delivers 'bad news' on 'clumsy' jewellery conversion

John Benjamin, the esteemed Antiques Roadshow expert, delivered somewhat disappointing news to a pair of hopeful guests in Sunday's episode.

Filmed at Nottingham's majestic Wollaton Hall, the latest instalment of the beloved BBC programme saw throngs of excited locals eager for valuations and insights into their antiques and treasures.

Two participants presented the family's Art Deco gems, expecting perhaps a favourable valuation. Initial impressions were high as John was greeted with an average tin containing magnificent platinum drop earrings and a dazzling sapphire ring hidden within.

One guest recounted how these stunning pieces came into his mother's possession - a gift from a friend who knew a man frequently visiting France.

However, John spotted a telling modification on both jewellery items, revealing: "Someone who has owned these in their history has taken them to a jeweller and said: 'I'm not sure if I like the fittings'", reports Edinburgh Live.

He detailed the alterations, commenting: "So what they've done is they've removed the original fittings from the back and they've soldered on these long gold sort of posts with nine carat gold screw fittings at the end."

While examining the ring, John pointed out another significant detail: "Here's an interesting point, in the 1920s, when that was made, synthetic rubies and sapphires were beginning to appear on the market."

Emphasising the distinction, he concluded: "The sapphires on the shoulders in the ring are actually synthetic. They're not real. So, there we are."

While providing an appraisal, he remarked: "Here's the bad news, those drops, today, if they were having the original fittings on them. I think would be worth between £4,000 and £5,000.

"But because the fittings have been changed, I think we've got to now drop that price to probably £2,500 to £3,000 simply because of a clumsy conversion."

Regarding the sapphire ring, he noted: "The ring about £1500."

This led to the guest quipping: "How much is the box worth?" prompting John to respond with a chuckle: "Priceless, absolutely priceless the box!"

In another segment, art expert Rupert Maas assessed a monochromatic painting of Princess Daisy of Pless, a renowned figure from the Edwardian period.

The owner detailed how her father chanced upon the artwork in Watford, having purchased it from a scrap dealer for a mere £13.50.

Rupert then encouraged the owner, saying: "You're going to be hanging it again, I hope, especially when I tell you what it's worth," before unveiling the staggering valuation of £2,000 to £3,000.

The revelation shocked the owner, who admitted, "Really? Gosh! I was thinking you were going to say a couple of hundred," to which Rupert acknowledged while it wasn't a vast sum, it was a significant increase over the buying price.

Antiques Roadshow continues on Sundays at 7pm on BBC One and BBC iPlayer.