Antiques Roadshow expert’s ‘heart jumps’ as they spot something VERY lucky about huge sapphire ring

ANTIQUES Roadshow expert Joanna Hardy was left with a twinkle in her eye after spotting a sparkling sapphire ring.

The BBC show featured a guest who appeared with a stunning necklace and ring that belonged to her mother.

But, the woman had no idea about its value.

Joanna admitted her heart had "jumped" when she first saw the giant sapphire.

She revealed the collection was worth up to £10,000.

The guest explained to Joanna that the jewellery was gifted to her mother from her father for their 25th wedding anniversary in 1974.

She said: "They were given to my mother many years ago, and I don't really know the history of either of them.

"The ring she didn't really wear because it was quite a big, heavy ring.

"And I think it was more for occasions and dress and so on and she always thought of it, to be honest, a little bit uncomfortable because it's so big - you knock everybody with it!"

Joanna said: "What interests me is that these jewels are so different."

"We've got this one here and the pink stone is topaz and it's surrounded by cushion-shaped diamonds.

"It's in silver and gold and it didn't start off like this. It was actually a pair of earrings. Nevertheless, it is stunning and it's beautiful.

"My eye suddenly went on this one. When I opened the box, my heart jumped, because this is - as we see in the lining of the box - it's a John Donald."

She continued: "Now he was such an important person in the 60s.

"After the Second World War and the austerity years, jewellery design was pretty grim.

"There was nothing innovative and John Donald was one of the first pioneering designers of Goldsmiths, and he revolutionised jewellery and jewellery design."

Admiring the deep blue stone, Joanna informed the guest: "That's a sapphire, and you can see here all the intricate work that goes around the sides, so it was very much a 3D sculpture."

"The topaz and diamond is English, mid-Victorian, I'd say.

"At auction, you'd be looking at around £3,000. And this ring here which I really love - at auction that'd be between £5,000 to £7,000."

The guest was shocked and said: "Right, I'll keep that safe! Wow."

Joanna added: "You're the custodian of a jewel that really changed the history of modern contemporary jewellery in the UK."

Antiques Roadshow is available to watch on BBC iPlayer.