She was browsing a car boot sale in Oxfordshire and spotted a glittering ring that she mistook for costume jewellery.
After wearing the piece over the weekend, she noted its enduring sparkle and brought it to WeBuyVintage’s roadshow at Seacourt Hall in Botley.
Gemologist Asha Nayak examined the ring, finding it set in 18‑carat gold and containing a 3.02‑carat natural diamond, which she estimated at about £15,000.
The woman said, “I was completely shocked … I never expected it to be worth thousands. It was such an incredible surprise and a moment I will never forget.”
Nayak added, “Finds like this are exactly why we love what we do. Jewellery can hold hidden stories; this ring demonstrates how expert inspection can reveal true value.” WeBuyVintage said it may refer the ring to auction, but has not confirmed whether the owner sold it.