Forgotten ring sells for £8000

A Victorian sapphire ring that lay forgotten at the back of a drawer for 20 years has earned more than £8000 for its owner at auction.

Although the five stone ring, which was found in a house in Stirling had an estimate of £400 to £600, the price rocketed as the bidding started and collectors from across the globe looked to get their hands on the rare gems.

The anonymous seller was over the moon when the piece eventually sold at McTear’s Jewellery auction in Glasgow to a London collector for £8400.

The Victorian ring, which features a boat shaped bezel set with graduated cushionshaped sapphires, was one of the top lots in the auction.

And Sarah Cotter, head of jewellery at McTear’s, said: “It is incredible to think that the ring had been gathering dust in a drawer for decades.

“There is no doubt that it is a nice piece but it was surprising to see such high bids.

“When you have several collectors determined to get their hands on a particular item there is no telling where the price will go.” There will be a screening of a special film at the Stirling Smith to mark the bicentenary of the Baha’u’llah later this month.

Light to the World will be shown at the art gallery and museum on Friday, February 23 from 7.30pm.

The film will present the chance to discover more about the faith group through the accounts of people and communities from diverse nations, whose lives have been transformed by the Baha’u’llah.

The screening will last just under an hour and will be followed by discussion and light refreshments.