Antiques Roadshow Guest Surprised by Value of Princess Margaret Collection

An Antiques Roadshow guest gasped after two of Princess Margaret’s personal belongings, which she had acquired, were appraised at a combined estimate of £50,000.

During the latest episode of the BBC favourite, expert John Benjamin was delighted to inspect the woman’s heirloom treasures, which included a Cartier pillbox and a larger box made from volcanic material.

The items had been purchased by the guest’s grandmother in June 2006 at a large auction of Princess Margaret’s jewelry and household items.

“I’ve done a bit of homework to establish what was paid for them at the 2006 auction,” John said.

“This little Cartier pillbox or whatever you want to call it, it sold at auction for £4,200,” he continued, adding that the heaviest box was bought for £9,000.

How much are they worth today? she asked her. I’m going to give you a very broad estimate of value. I think that golden egg is between £10,000 and £20,000 today.

As for the larger of the two items, he continued: “I’m going to say between £20,000 and £30,000.”

In June 2006, Christie’s held a large auction in London featuring many of Princess Margaret’s personal belongings.

Looking closely at the Cartier trinket, John explained that it was finely textured and fully marked.

The second item he pointed to was “very unusual” and was made of kimberlite, the main host matrix for diamonds.