Netflix actor Susan Lynch was left stunned after a visit to Wotton Auction Rooms uncovered hidden history and a potential auction value of at least £2,300 in a collection of jewellery.
Lynch visited the auction house to meet BBC antiques expert Izzie Balmer, who examined the items and valued several pieces. Balmer is known for appearing on Bargain Hunt, Antiques Road Trip and The Travelling Auctioneers, and has joined the Wotton team for one day each month.
The visit came as Wotton Auction Rooms prepared for its monthly auctions and a new programme of quarterly fine sales. What first appeared to be a random assortment of costume jewellery soon revealed several pieces with substantial financial or historical interest.
A Victorian ring reveals a personal story
Among the first items examined was a small Victorian mourning ring. Inside, Balmer found the name Bry Parkin and the date of her death: September 23, 1843, when she was aged 26.
The words “Forget me not” were engraved around the edge of the ring. Lynch said she had not realised the significance of the piece, believing it was simply a ring with some writing on it.
Balmer explained that mourning jewellery remained popular with collectors. However, damage to the enamel meant she gave the ring a conservative auction guide of £100 to £200.
“I had no idea. I just thought it was like a random ring with some writing on it.”
The examination also uncovered a small silver compact containing a gold sovereign. Balmer said an ordinary full gold sovereign was currently achieving between £600 and £800 at auction, while rare dates or mint marks could make considerably more.
Lynch confirmed that she knew the sovereign was inside the compact, prompting Balmer to joke that she had kept it quiet.
Acrostic ring and gold bracelet add to valuation
Another item was an acrostic ring whose gemstones spelled out “DEAREST”. The stones were a diamond, emerald, amethyst, ruby, emerald, sapphire and topaz, with each representing one letter.
Balmer said the style originated in the Victorian period, when jewellery was often used to convey messages and symbolism between couples. Lynch’s ring was a later copy rather than a Victorian original, but Balmer suggested an auction guide of £100 to £150.
Lynch said she was particularly taken by the hidden message.
“I love it. I love that it spells that out.”
The highest valuation was given to a nine-carat gold curb-link bracelet. The rising value of gold helped push its auction guide to between £1,500 and £2,000.
Lynch was visibly surprised by the figure and said she was unsure whether she could sell the bracelet because she loved its weight. Balmer agreed it was a striking piece while noting that it represented a considerable amount of money.
“Stop it. That’s mad. It’s just a lovely curb-link bracelet,”
Adding together the lower estimates for the four pieces, Balmer calculated that the collection contained at least £2,300 of potential auction value. That total did not include the remaining costume jewellery in the box, which was still due to be assessed for sale.
Public valuation day planned at Wotton Auction Rooms
Balmer said the appeal of the job was discovering the stories behind objects that might initially appear ordinary. In the case of the mourning ring, the name, age and date of death gave the jewellery a direct connection to a real person.
“What I love about jewellery and antiques in general is they just have stories to them.”
She added that knowing the woman’s name, age and the day she died was remarkable.
Members of the public will have the opportunity to meet Balmer and bring their own items for valuation at Wotton Auction Rooms’ Celebrity Jewellery & Antiques Valuation Day on Wednesday, November 11, from 10.30am to 3pm.
The event is billed as a day celebrating jewellery, antiques and hidden treasures. The supplied report directs visitors to Wotton Auction Rooms for further information.
