160-year-old diamond necklace sells for €1,000 on Bares für Rares

On the German TV show Bares für Rares, Ilona sold an antique diamond necklace that she had received from her aunt as a girl.

Expert Wendela Horz dated its silver centerpiece to the 1860s, while the gold chain was probably added in the mid-20th century.

The necklace has diamonds with an estimated total weight of 1.8 carats, but its silver needs careful cleaning and it is no longer in its original form.

Horz valued it at €1,800 to €2,200, although Ilona hoped to get €3,000.

The dealers were cautious, saying demand for jewellery from the second half of the 19th century was low.

Their offers rose from €400 to €650, well below the expert valuation.

Ilona agreed to sell for €1,000, and dealer Elke Velten-Tönnies bought it.