'I worked on Antiques Roadshow - here's what really happens to high-value items'

Antiques Roadshow often sees people left speechless as they discover the true value of their personal items. The much-loved BBC show showcases people from around the country bringing all sorts of items, from jewellery to collectables and everything in between, to be evaluated by an expert.

There have been a number of memorable items brought onto the BBC show, with some being valued for amounts of money that no one would expect - but what happens to those very valuable items once the cameras stop rolling? Expert Marsha Bemko started working for Antiques Roadshow 25 years ago and she has seen many items valued for thousands, and sometimes even hundreds of thousands. When she first started on the programme, she admitted that she just assumed that most guests would be rushing to the auctioneer, keen to cash in on those items. However, she found that it isn't the case at all, quite often.

"Most of what you see on Antiques Roadshow never parts with its owner," the expert shared. "Guests love learning about their item, bringing it home, and sharing its history with others."

This is often because many of the items featured on the show are imbued with family history and deep sentimental value, making it difficult for the owners to part with them.

The expert went on to share that whether or not the guests ultimately decide to sell their items, appraisers will always advise owners to obtain an insurance policy and a written appraisal for their pieces.

The appraisals that the Antiques Roadshow professionals offer are verbal only, so item owners need to try and get what has been said in writing.

Extra security is also offered to anyone with an extremely valuable piece. Over in the States, if a guest's item is valued at over $50,000, they are escorted to their car by law enforcement to ensure their safety.

Show bosses always reach out to those who have appeared on the show to see if there have been any further updates on their items, but the expert explained that in most cases the owners decide to keep their items, rather than selling.

Despite offering valuations, the specialists on the Antiques Roadshow are not permitted to engage in any commercial activity related to items seen on recording days, nor are they in a position to buy your items or to sell them for guests.