Ring bought at car boot sale for £5 valued at £15k

A diamond ring bought for £5 at a car boot sale has been valued at £15,000, leaving its owner "completely shocked".

The ring was taken to a jewellery and antiques valuation event at Botley in Oxford where it was identified as a 3.02ct natural diamond set in 18ct gold.

WeBuyVintage valuer Asha Nayak said it showed how expert examination could "uncover the hidden quality" in jewellery.

The owner said she had initially thought it was just "attractive costume jewellery".

The event at Seacourt Hall in Botley allowed members of the public to bring jewellery, antiques and treasured possessions for expert valuation.

The owner explained how she had purchased the ring as it was pretty but had no idea of its history or value.

After hearing the valuation of £15,000, she said: "I was completely shocked. I only paid £5 for the ring thinking it was just an attractive costume jewellery piece and never expected it to be worth thousands.

"It was such an incredible surprise and a moment I will never forget."

Nayak said: "Jewellery can often hold incredible stories and sometimes the most unassuming pieces can turn out to be something truly special."