Auction house calls for unwanted jewels

AT least £50 million worth of unwanted jewellery is gathering dust in Britain’s homes and attics, according to estimates.

Expensive pieces are simply forgotten or stashed away for safekeeping as a result of changing tastes, auction house Bonhams said.

Bonhams is inviting people to bring in their unwanted jewellery for a free valuation as part of its nationwide Jewellery in June campaign.

It has highlighted details of its best “finds”.

They include a rare Art Deco diamond, seed pearl, onyx and coral shoulder brooch by Cartier that was found on the top of a wardrobe and sold for £97,250 and a pair of Art Deco natural pearl and diamond ear pendants which were brought to Bonhams in a supermarket carrier bag and sold for £157,250.

An aquamarine and diamond bracelet sold for £46,850 after being brought in to the auction house wrapped in a tea towel.