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Frequently Asked Questions

1. What is a jewellery valuation?

 A jewellery valuation is a professional assessment of an item’s authenticity, quality, and current market value. It includes details such as metal content, gemstone characteristics, craftsmanship, and provenance, accompanied by a written report with photographs.

2. Why do I need a jewellery valuation?

Valuations are essential for insurance, probate, family division, or resale purposes. For insurance, a valuation ensures your policy covers the full replacement value if your item is lost, stolen, or damaged. For probate, it provides an accurate figure for estate settlement.

3. How often should I get my jewellery valued?

It’s recommended to update your valuation every 2–5 years, as precious metal and gemstone prices fluctuate. Insurers often require an up-to-date valuation to maintain accurate coverage.

4. Who can carry out a jewellery valuation?

Always choose an independent, qualified valuer, ideally a member of recognised UK bodies such as the Institute of Registered Valuers (IRV) or National Association of Jewellers (NAJ). This ensures impartiality and professional standards.  Major insurance companies now request that valuations are carried out by a professional with the correct qualifications rather than retail jewellers, failure in doing so could incur you with extra cost if the valuation is disputed.

5. What types of valuations do you provide?

Common valuation types include:

  • Insurance replacement

  • IHTA (inheritance tax assessment purposes, formerly known as probate)

  • Private sale or purchase verification

  • Post-loss assessment (for claims)

6. Do I need an appointment?

Yes. Jewellery valuations require careful examination, so appointments ensure dedicated time and secure handling of your pieces. You can book an appointment online or by phone.

7. Can you come to my home for an appraisal?

Yes, many professional valuers (including myself) offer home visits for clients in the Berkshire, Wiltshire, Hampshire, and Oxfordshire areas. This is ideal for larger collections or those preferring privacy and convenience.  For appointments in excess of  30 miles, a travel expense may occur.  Please contact us for more details.

8. What should I bring to my appointment?

Bring any previous valuations, receipts, certificates (e.g., GIA, HRD), insurance documents, or details about the item’s history or provenance. These can help confirm authenticity and speed up the process.

9. How long does the valuation process take?

This depends on the number and complexity of items. A single piece typically takes around 15–30 minutes, while multiple items or antique pieces may require a few hours to access.  The research and finalising of your report takes longer, however we aim for completion within a week.

10. Will my jewellery leave my sight?

No. Through the duration  of the appointment your jewellery will alway's be in sight and after the appointment to you are free to take your jewellery away.,  If laboratory testing, repair or cleaning is required, it’s discussed in advance with full consent.

11. What does a valuation report include?

A comprehensive report is presented in a professional bound folder and also emailed via PDF. for ease of forwarding onto the relevant parties.  It will contain:

  • High-resolution photographs

  • Full description of each item

  • Details of gemstone weights, grades, and measurements

  • Metal type and purity

  • The Values ascribed by the Appraiser, either for replacement, probate or sale between parties

  • The valuer’s signature and credentials

  • A letter of transmittal

  • Notes to the schedule

12. Is the valuation fee based on item value?

No — our fees are based on time and professional expertise, not on the value of your jewellery.
This approach ensures complete impartiality and fairness. Pricing is typically structured per item, with clear and transparent rates provided in advance.
We believe in absolute transparency, and therefore recommend exercising caution with any valuation services that charge fees based on the item’s monetary value.

13. Are your jewellery valuations recognised by insurers?

Yes. Our Reports are issued by qualified members of the NAJ's Institute of Registered Valuers and are widely accepted by major UK insurers.

14. Can you value antique or vintage jewellery?

Absolutely. Antique and vintage items are carefully assessed using specialist knowledge of historical jewellery styles, makers, hallmarks, and gemstone cutting techniques.

15. Do you offer online valuations?

For the sake of accuracy, in-person valuations are essential. During an assessment, each piece is meticulously examined for condition, craftsmanship, and authenticity, with every detail carefully recorded.

While receipts and supporting documentation can provide useful background information, a qualified valuer must still personally measure, test, and grade gemstones to ensure precision. It is therefore imperative that all items are assessed in person to produce a truly professional and reliable valuation report.

We would strongly advise against using online “valuation report” services, as these cannot offer the level of scrutiny or accuracy required for a credible appraisal.

16. Do you offer re-setting or repair services?

Yes, if damage, wear, or loose settings are found during appraisal, you’ll receive repair advice or a quote for restoration.

17. How do I book an appointment?

You can book directly via the Book Online page on the website, call the studio, or send a message via the Contact Us form. Appointments are available in-studio or at your location.

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