Brooch Priced in the 30,000 Won Range Found to Be Worth 25 Million Won
Work by William Burgess, Known as a Master of Gothic Style
An Italian woman has attracted attention after it was revealed that a brooch she purchased for about 30,000 won at an antique fair 30 years ago is now valued at approximately 25 million won at current market prices.
On the 16th (local time), The Washington Post (WP) reported that Flora Steel, an art historian and consultant living in Rome, Italy, bought a uniquely designed brooch for less than $25 (about 33,500 won) while browsing an antique fair held in central England about 30 years ago. Steel, who was in her early 30s at the time, recalled, "Studying art history allowed me to find well-designed items," adding, "I like products in various colors, so this brooch caught my eye." The brooch Steel purchased was a Gothic-style piece made of silver, lapis lazuli, and malachite.
At the time, Steel did not know how valuable the brooch was. However, it was only 30 years after purchasing the brooch that she learned it was a work by William Burges, a famous British architect and designer from the 1860s. William Burges is known as a 'master of the Gothic style.'
Steel recently found out about the brooch's value while watching the BBC's antique appraisal program "Antiques Roadshow" on YouTube. Jewelry expert Jeffrey Moon, who appeared on the show, introduced sketches of several brooches designed by Burges, and Steel thought the sketches resembled the brooch she owned.
Afterward, Steel visited the UK in person to show the brooch to Jeffrey Moon. Upon verifying the authenticity of the brooch, Moon said, "It's truly astonishing," and added, "I have no doubt that this is genuine." Considering its historical significance, Moon estimated that the brooch could sell for more than $19,000 (about 25.4 million won). He also described Burges as "probably the most eccentric and vibrant 19th-century Gothic architect."
Meanwhile, Steel, who has collected silver jewelry as a hobby since she was 13, said this brooch has become the most precious piece in her collection. She shared that she went through a difficult time after being diagnosed with breast cancer two years ago but felt uplifted after learning about the brooch's origin. She said, "During tough moments, this brooch greatly helped boost my spirits," adding, "It gave me strength."
Steel has decided to put the brooch up for auction. She plans to give the proceeds from the auction to her son's family while also donating to breast cancer research funds. The auction is scheduled for March 5.
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