Woman breaks down in tears after learning family heirloom's value

The owner of an antique art-deco bracelet was left in tears on a British TV show after a valuer told her it was worth a whopping $250,000.

The woman was taking part in the BBC's Antiques Roadshow in which members of the public have their collectables assessed by experts.

In an episode broadcast in the UK on Sunday, the woman presented the delicate, sparkling bracelet to jewellery expert Geoffrey Munn.

She explained it was a family heirloom but she had no idea where it originated from.

"I inherited it from my mother in law," she said. "It was bought for her by her husband, who may have bought it in an auction. He travelled a lot around the world so he may have purchased it anywhere on his travels."

Munn was visibly impressed by the item, taking over two minutes to explain its design features and how it was made sometime in the late 1920s by a famous Paris jewellery house.

Footage shows the large group of onlookers gathered around the bracelet and its owner waiting patiently for what they really want to learn - its value.

And after Munn revealed the piece was worth £150,000 ($253,000), the owner gasped in amazement - as did a few onlookers - before she broke down in tears.

A few moments later she told Munn: "I can buy a Bentley now, thank you."