ONE of the country’s most prolific jewellery experts and an Antiques Roadshow specialist will be casting her eye over treasured rings, necklaces and bracelets this week.

Jewellery consultant Susan Rumfitt is set to visit a Darlington auction house to offer valuations on forgotten watches or heir loomed pieces that may be gathering dust in a jewellery box.

Thomas Watson auctioneers will host the BBC’s Ms Rumfitt, who trained at Christie’s and Philips before setting up her own jewellery consultancy in Harrogate.

Her visit to Darlington will also give potential sellers an opportunity to have their items valued before putting them up for auction.

David Elstob, auctioneer and valuer at Thomas Watson, said: “This is an ideal opportunity for anyone to sell a piece of jewellery that they no longer want in a safe and secure way.

“A realistic price estimate is given which is then used as a guide price at auction.

“If the piece doesn’t reach its agreed price then it doesn’t get sold so there is absolutely no risk to the seller.

“Most people are delighted with the prices that they are able to achieve and are often surprised by the value of some of the items that lie hidden at the bottom of their jewellery boxes or have been in the family for years.”

During a recent antiques catalogue sale at the Northumberland Street-based auction house, an unusual 1800s diamond set enamel horse and jockey brooch sold for £2,000.

Thomas Watson will host the jewellery valuation day tomorrow (Wednesday, July 27), between 10am and 3pm.

For more information or to book a valuation appointment, call 01325-462559