I was given a brooch from my mom when she died and was left speechless when Antiques Roadshow revealed it was worth $18k

TREASURES are sometimes wherever you look - even in your own home.

A guest on Antique Roadshow shared a brooch inherited from her mother — and, to her surprise, it could be worth up to $18,000, according to appraiser, Kevin Zavian.

The guest shared a story passed down through generations, believing the Pearl, Diamond, and Platinum Brooch was originally part of a lorgnette, a pair of opera glasses with a handle.

She said it was used by her ancestors, who were members of the Metropolitan Opera in New York City.

Zavian, intrigued by the story, carefully examined the piece, flipping it over to inspect the back for any signs that it had once been a lorgnette.

However, upon closer inspection, Zavian found no evidence of the hinges, tubing, or hardware that would have been necessary to convert it from opera glasses to a brooch.

Instead, he concluded that the piece was always a stick pin or brooch.

It ended up not being a repurposed lorgnette as the guest had believed.

The brooch was identified as a Belle Époque piece, dating back to between 1905 and 1915.

UNIQUE PIECE

Despite lacking a maker's mark, Zavian suggested it was likely crafted in America.

The brooch features 12 old European cut diamonds, each weighing about half a carat, totaling 10 carats of diamonds.

These diamonds were graded as very high quality, likely in the F to G color range, and very clean with no visible inclusions.

However, what truly caught Zavian's eye was the large, 10-millimeter natural pearl at the center of the brooch.

Described as button-shaped with exceptional luster and nacre, the pearl was considered just as valuable as the diamonds surrounding it.

CASH GRAB

Although the only way to confirm its natural status would be through X-ray testing, the appraiser was confident in its authenticity.

Given the quality and rarity of the materials, Zavian estimated that the brooch would fetch between $12,000 and $18,000 at auction.

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For insurance purposes, he advised the guest to insure the piece for $28,000, emphasizing its exceptional value and the likelihood of it exceeding expectations if sold.

The guest was visibly moved by the appraisal, expressing gratitude for the expert insight into her family's treasured heirloom.

What started as a simple inquiry into the brooch's origins ended with the revelation of its significant worth, ensuring that this family story will continue to be cherished for generations to come.

This woman was not the only person to have received a shock appraisal on Antique Roadshow.

Another lucky woman kept an antique piece she got from a garage sale, but experts said it was worth $125,000.

Plus, another person bought a work of art for $80 but learned decades later that it was valued at $20,000.