At a recent WeBuyVintage valuation roadshow in Oxfordshire, England, a woman attended with a ring she had purchased second-hand from a market for £5 ($AUD9.54).
Gemmologist Asha Nayak, a fellow of the Gemmological Association of Great Britain, examined the ring and determined it to be a 3.02-carat natural diamond, set in 18-carat gold. It was valued at £15,000 ($AUD28,630) – a casual 299,000 per cent return on investment.
“Finds like this are exactly why we love what we do,” Nayak said.
“Jewellery can often hold incredible stories, and sometimes the most unassuming pieces can turn out to be something truly special.”
WeBuyVintage did not disclose the diamond's colour, clarity, or grading report, or whether the owner accepted the offer for the ring. WeBuyVintage hosts more than 250 roadshows across the UK each month, operating as a direct buyer rather than a broker or auction intermediary. Sellers receive a spot offer and same-day payment if they accept.
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