Famous diamond ring bought for writer by husband

The three-stone diamond ring was bought in the Bonhams Jewellery auction on Wednesday by writer Sophie Kinsella’s husband, as a surprise for his wife.

The ring, along with a diamond brooch, had been found hidden in a locked box in an old trunk that had belonged to Agatha Christie’s mother.

Both fetched extraordinary prices, with the ring selling for £21,875.

Ms Kinsella, who has written 20 novels, said, “I was bowled over by this incredible surprise. Agatha Christie is the hugest inspiration and source of pleasure to me. I’ve read all her books many times over and I feel very moved at the idea of having a piece of jewellery that was once hers.”

Agatha Christie, known for her detective novels, famously disappeared from her Surrey home in December 1926, prompting a nationwide police search. Her car was later found hanging over the edge of a cliff.

After 11 days the writer was found, safe and well, living the high-life in a Harrogate hotel, which she had checked into under the name of Theresa Neele, her husband’s mistress. She took the reason for her disappearance with her to the grave in 1976.