Prized family relics resurface at Gold Coast Antique Collectable and Jewellery Fair at Carrara Stadium

Vintage jewellery stole the show for many on the first day of the Gold Coast Antique Collectable and Jewellery Fair, which drew more than 1500 visitors

VINTAGE jewellery stole the show for many on the first day of the Gold Coast Antique Collectable and Jewellery Fair, which drew more than 1500 curious visitors.

Among them, appraiser Richard Macdonald was thrilled to check a haul of antique mechanical watches and women’s jewellery yesterday.

Appraiser Richard Macdonald inspects a piece at the Gold Coast Antique Collectable and Jewellery Fair at Carrara. Picture: Jason O'Brien

Coast residents have been unearthing family keepsakes to make a buck and see their historic heirlooms recycled instead of gathering dust.

“I’ve bought some exquisite Chinese silver, which is most unusual,” Mr Macdonald said.

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“I bought a beautiful Omega pocket watch from World War One. Watches and jewellery have been popular, their mother’s and grandmother’s jewellery which has hung around.

“I’m just about to buy some beautiful pearl, gold and diamond jewellery off a gentleman, which is his mother’s who died 47 years ago.”

Chip Lantz with a piece used in the hit Game of Thrones TV show at the fair. Picture: Jason O'Brien

Robina Lions Club member Allan Lawson said up to 2000 people walked through the doors at Carrara Stadium yesterday.

Many more were expected today and tomorrow.

“It’s been extremely well supported. A lot of stuff has been carried out the door,” he said.

A selection of unusual items that surfaced included a collection of Punch magazines from 1870-80, mahogany writing slopes with hidden drawers from the Victorian era and a miniature apprentice set of drawers from about 1860.

Isaac Jones admires a statue of Don Bradman at the Gold Coast Antique Collectable and Jewellery Fair at Carrara. Picture: Jason O'Brien

The fair, a fundraiser for the Lions Club Big Red Kidney Bus, is open today from 10am-5pm and 10am-3pm tomorrow.

Entry is $10 for adults and free for children aged under 14.