Editor’s Note
This story reminds us that truth can be stranger—and far more valuable—than fiction. A routine appraisal transformed a presumed piece of costume jewelry into a life-changing fortune, proving that extraordinary discoveries can be hiding in plain sight.
A diamond that was about to be thrown in the trash, believed to be fake, has been revealed to be a genuine gem worth £200,000 (approximately 3.2 billion won).
A woman in her 70s from Northumberland, UK, received shocking news after submitting jewelry and gems she had bought years ago at flea markets and other places to an appraiser. A diamond the size of a £1 coin, which she had bought thinking it was a fake, turned out to be a genuine 34-carat diamond.
The initial appraiser of the gem stated:
The appraiser also naturally assumed the gem was fake and left it on his desk for three days.
However, machine testing revealed the diamond to be an extremely rare 34.19-carat HVS1 grade gem. He sent the gem to experts in Antwerp, Belgium, who confirmed it was indeed a real diamond.
The owner wished to remain anonymous. She could not remember exactly where she got the diamond but said she always bought jewelry at car boot sales.
The appraiser relayed:
He added, “It’s the highest-value item I’ve handled since starting the business five years ago.”
The diamond will be kept securely in London’s Hatton Garden jewelry district until it goes up for auction on November 30.