For over three decades, a woman unknowingly wore an incredible treasure on her finger—a 26.2-carat diamond ring she bought at a garage sale for just $10.92. Purchased in the late 1980s from a box of costume jewelry, the ring initially seemed like nothing more than a quirky, inexpensive accessory. It became her go-to piece for errands and shopping trips, blending into the ordinary rhythm of her daily life.
The truth about the ring’s extraordinary value surfaced in 2017 when it fell during a routine cleaning, catching her attention with an unusual glimmer. Intrigued, she took it to a local jeweler, who, stunned by its brilliance, referred her to Sotheby’s. Experts confirmed the diamond’s rarity, grading it with an “I” for color and VVS2 for clarity.
Nicknamed the “tenner diamond,” the ring sold at auction for a staggering $717,338—transforming the woman’s life. She described the experience as a “real-life Only Fools and Horses story,” likening it to the beloved British sitcom known for its humorous twists of fortune.
Jessica Wyndham, Head of Jewelry Sales in Europe for Sotheby’s, shed light on how the valuable ring might have ended up at a car boot sale. She explained that older diamonds were cut to preserve the crystal’s weight rather than maximize brilliance, making them less eye-catching to the untrained eye. This unique antique cushion-cut style likely led the ring to be overlooked as costume jewelry.
The woman credits pure serendipity for her remarkable discovery, remarking on the charm of older stones that “sparkle in a different way.” While this one-off windfall was a life-changing stroke of luck, it also serves as a reminder to never underestimate the hidden treasures lurking in thrift shops and garage sales.