Diamond ring discovery adds sparkle to Highland Hospice appeal
A sapphire and diamond ring that was discovered among items handed in to a charity shop has sold for £19,500 at auction.
All the proceeds will be going to the Highland Hospice in Inverness caring for terminally ill adults in the region.
The ring, which went under the hammer at McTear’s Auctioneers in Glasgow, who are waiving its fee to the seller, was the subject of fierce bidding.
It pushed the price far beyond its original estimate of a few thousand pounds.
A volunteer found the sapphire and diamond ring in a donation to one of Highland Hospice’s shops in Tain and staff decided to get it valued due to the size and quality of the stone.
Susan Cooper, Retail Manager for the Highland Hospice said: “It is quite shock that so much was paid for it but we are absolutely thrilled.
"I got an email notification as I couldn’t make the auction and I thought I was reading it wrongly or there had been a mistake.
"I called McTear’s who confirmed that I had read it correctly and thousands of pounds would soon be with the hospice.
"When we were given the ring we thought we might get some money for it but we never imagined we would raise this much.
“We are currently in the midst of the Project Build Appeal to rebuild our In Patient Unit on Ness Walk in Inverness so we need to raise more funds than ever.
"This money will go towards the running cost so we can continue to provide the highest level of care to patients and their families across the Highlands.”
Mr Brian Clements, Managing Director of McTear’s added: “This ring is proof that anything can happen during an auction if you have interested parties who are determined to win a lot.
"Jewellery is always popular and this ring caught the eye of a few buyers who were instantly taken by the large sapphire's fantastic cut, colour and clarity.
"The ring attracted fierce bidding and I am delighted that it has raised such a fantastic amount for such a worthy cause."
The Project Build Appeal will double the size of the current In Patient Unit, upgrade the day therapies centre, provide a sanctuary room and increase space for physiotherapy, occupational therapy and bereavement support.
To find out more about the hospice visit www.highlandhospice.org