One of the things we get asked about a lot here at Christopher Evans Goldsmiths is jewellery valuations – so we thought we’d put together a handy guide to explain why they’re so important.

Why Should I Get My Jewellery Valued?

A professional jewellery valuation gives you an up-to-date record of what your jewellery is worth. This is really important if you ever need to make an insurance claim. If something gets lost, stolen, or damaged, having a detailed valuation makes the whole process much smoother – and it means you’re more likely to be properly covered.

What’s Involved in a Jewellery Valuation?

It’s a bit like a jewellery health check! We look closely at each piece, noting the materials, gemstones, condition, and craftsmanship. As part of the appraisal process, we research the whole of the market to make sure the value reflects where the item could be replaced — not just where it was originally purchased. We’ll also take detailed photographs and provide a full written report with all the information and the current value. It’s really important for insurance purposes (and can also be lovely to have for your own records).

But I’ve Got the Receipt – Isn’t That Enough?

Receipts are useful, but they don’t tell the whole story. Prices can fluctuate significantly over time, especially for gold, diamonds, and other gemstones. A professional valuation takes into account the current market conditions and provides an accurate estimate of what it would cost to replace your item today, rather than reflecting the price you paid in the past. For a deeper dive into this, check out this JVA article for expert insights on the subject.

Why Should I Use a Registered Valuer?

Our appraisals are carried out at both our Poynton and Stockton Heath showrooms by Nicky Acton, a fully accredited member of the Jewellery Valuers Association (JVA). This means your jewellery is in expert hands. 

The JVA sets the highest professional standards, and its members are trained and experienced in delivering accurate, reliable valuations you can trust. If you ever need to make a claim, you’ll have the right paperwork to support it. 

Find out more about Nicky and the rest of the team here. 

How Often Should I Get My Jewellery Valued?

We usually recommend updating your jewellery valuation every three years. This helps ensure you stay in step with the market and that your insurance remains accurate. It’s worth remembering that valuations don’t always increase – they can fluctuate depending on market conditions. Some insurers may also request more frequent updates for particularly valuable pieces, or ask for additional documents like claw check reports or fitness-for-purpose letters to confirm the condition of your jewellery. We can provide these if needed – just let us know when you book your valuation.

Does It Take Long?

Not at all. Most jewellery valuations are completed within 7 to 10 working days. This gives us the time we need to carefully assess each item, carry out thorough research, take detailed notes and ensure every detail is accurate. We take great care with every valuation, but if you have a special request or an urgent deadline, just let us know – we’ll always do our best to help.

Do I Need to Leave My Jewellery With You?

We completely understand that your jewellery, especially pieces like engagement rings, can be very sentimental and worn daily. In most cases, we do need to keep your items for a short while so we can carry out a thorough and accurate appraisal. But don’t worry – we’ll always explain how long we’ll need them for, and we take great care of every piece while it’s with us. If you’re concerned about timing, just give us a call – we’ll do everything we can to work around you.

Do I Need to Do Anything Beforehand?

You don’t need to do anything special before bringing in your jewellery. If you have any original paperwork, receipts, or certificates for your items, it’s a great idea to bring those along too – while they aren’t essential for your valuation, they can help corroborate the details and provide useful background. This additional information also forms part of the item’s history and creates a valuable reference for the future.

What Will I Get at the End?

After the valuation, you’ll receive a full written report, including detailed descriptions, photographs, and the current replacement value of each item. We can provide the report as a printed copy or a digital file – whichever works best for you.

How Much Does It Cost?

Pricing can vary depending on the number and type of items you’d like valued. If you’d like a quote, just give us a ring or pop into one of our showrooms – we’ll be happy to talk it through with you and give you a clear idea of the cost before we go ahead.

It’s worth remembering that a valuation is a formal legal document, not just a simple estimate. The fees reflect the time, expertise, and responsibility involved in producing an accurate and reliable report – something that plays a crucial role in protecting your treasured pieces.

Fancy a Chat?

If you’re unsure whether a jewellery valuation is right for you, or if you’d simply like some advice, pop in and see us or give Nicky a call on 01625 850 545 – she’s always happy to help.

Whether it’s for insurance, probate, division of assets, or just for your own peace of mind, we’re here to support you. We look forward to welcoming you soon!