BBC Studios Productions Australia is looking for Australians with unusual and meaningful objects to appear on upcoming episodes of Antiques Roadshow Australia.

According to the application, producers are searching for objects of interest from any period, pieces with personal or historical significance, and items that spark curiosity and conversation. Applicants must be aged 16 years or over and must be an Australian citizen or permanent resident.

The call-out comes as one Australian woman discovered the surprising value of a brooch she had treasured for decades after taking it on the show.

She told Antiques Roadshow Australia she received the jewellery in 1971 after a whirlwind weeklong romance with an American traveller she met at Bondi Beach.

“He was from New York on holiday in Australia by himself for a week,” she explained.

Lauren Boustridge, Senior Jewels Specialist, laughed and asked, “So you had a week of fun romance together?”

“It was just fabulous, you know. At the end, we were just having a farewell drink at The Wentworth, and he presented me with this little brooch as a memento for a happy week,” the woman responded.

She also recalled wearing a Carla Zampatti hotpant suit on their final date before he returned home.

“Clearly, it’s a week that left an incredible impression on you, and it brings a lot of joy,” Lauren said.

The brooch, which dates to about 1880, features three intertwining horseshoes with pearl detailing. Lauren described it as “gorgeous” and “very characteristic” of the 1880s to the turn of the century.

She said the horseshoe motif symbolised good luck and protection for the wearer, which she noted was a lovely connection to the story behind the gift.

Because the brooch is not hallmarked, Lauren said she could not confirm exactly when it was made or who produced it.

“But I would say that it’s likely, given the period, made in nine-carat or 15-carat gold,” Lauren said.

“You can see the horseshoes are set with these lovely seed pearls, which is very typical of the style and of the period.

“And, of course, the horseshoe itself represents good luck, and it means protection to the wearer, which I think is a lovely meaning given your story and the time that you had together.”

Lauren estimated the retail value of the Victorian brooch at between $3,000 and $4,000, before adding, “A very beautiful gift.”