This Is Another One Of Those Good Like Stories Like So Much,

it started with a toy box trinket,

bought for just under £20, Thea Jourdan thought the orangey-pink stone, surrounded by what she believed were faux diamonds, was just ‘flashy old tat', the brooch was a favourite of her daughter’s, but the most glamorous outings it was worn for were trips to the post office and in school plays,




but after it was spotted in her jewellery box as her engagement ring was valued for insurance, the topaz brooch’s potential was realised, auctioneers believe the brooch is a magnificent example of early 19th century jewellery and was possibly part of a tiara or necklace worn by a Russian Czarina, the 27 clear stones surrounding the main stone were found to be diamonds. In the centre of the brooch is a near-flawless topaz weighing 20 carats, a reserve price of £3,000 was placed on the brooch, but the hammer fell at £32,000 good luck or what!