Sparkling jewels and china were a few items Aiken area senior citizens taken to the Aiken County Recreation Center for appraisal Tuesday.

For its monthly meeting, the Coffee Corner group invited Kennie Clifford, of Antique Liquidators in Augusta, to visit and look at some of the seniors' antiques.

Lila O'Conner took in housewares, classic jewelry and a one book she thought was valuable.

"I was hoping this was a keeper," Mrs. O'Conner said after Mr. Clifford told her the book of miniature drawings from the Metropolitan Museum of Art wasn't worth very much.

Her big-ticket items included a silver bracelet with diamonds and a tray from 1985 that had New Orleans painted on the bottom .

The 10 seniors crowded around Mrs. O'Conner to hear how she obtained the items. Many, they learned, were purchased in flea markets and yard sales.

Heirloom christening cups and Easter plates from her German ancestors were among items Annie Weeks had appraised.

Ms. Weeks' was shocked when Mr. Clifford told her the dishes were worth at least $500 apiece. The intricate hand paintings, bright colors and gold made them special, he said, and the dishes were a design he'd never seen before.

"If you want to sell them, come see me," Mr. Clifford said.

With five more of the cups and plates at home, Ms. Weeks' said her heirlooms had become a treasure:

"I have no use for them, so I'm not sure what I'll do."

She said she tried to give the dishes away but no one in her family wanted them.

"I guess I'll leave it for when I die and let them fight over it," she said, laughing.