gem

Specifically, that involved drawing up a list of what they called “hidden gems” – alternative holiday destinations in the Dominican Republic, the Bahamas and Colombia.

A sign promising “junk to gems” points the way.

Like keeping a precious gem in the dark where its facets can’t shine.

The gem eventually ended up in the hands of an investor, who reported it missing from a South El Monte vault a few years later, according to previous Times coverage.

“I like the idea of finding gems. I found a Versace handbag for £15 once. The jumpers are always better quality too,” she adds.