Professional Jewellery & Watches Valuations
At Sparklet, we provide professional jewellery valuation services for a range of purposes, including insurance, probate, private sale, family division and post-loss assessment.
Our jewellery and watch valuations are undertaken by a Registered Valuer with the Institute of Registered Valuers (IRV).
Your jewellery is carefully examined and researched before a detailed written valuation is prepared, giving you an accurate and appropriate value based on the purpose of the valuation.
Whether you have a single treasured ring, an inherited collection, or a number of pieces requiring updated insurance values, we are happy to help.
Types of Valuation
Insurance Replacement Valuation
An insurance valuation provides an appropriate replacement value for your jewellery should it be lost, stolen or damaged.
Values are based on the most appropriate replacement market for the individual item and may include:
- New replacement value
- Second-hand replacement value
- Antique replacement value
- Another appropriate basis of replacement, where applicable
We consider the age, condition, quality, materials, gemstones, construction and availability of comparable items when determining the appropriate replacement value.
As jewellery and precious metal prices can change considerably over time, we recommend having existing insurance valuations reviewed periodically.
Probate Valuation
Probate valuations are prepared for the administration of an estate and reflect the appropriate open market value at the relevant date, rather than an insurance replacement value.
We can assess individual pieces or complete jewellery collections and provide a clear written report suitable for use by executors, solicitors and other professional advisers.
Private Sale Valuation
If you are considering selling an item of jewellery, a valuation can provide an informed assessment of its likely value within the most appropriate market. The valuer will consider the nature, age, quality, condition and desirability of the item, together with relevant market evidence, to determine the appropriate basis of valuation.
This is different from an insurance valuation, as the purpose and basis of the valuation are different, and therefore the resulting value may also differ.
Valuation for Division of Assets
Where jewellery is being divided between family members, beneficiaries or other parties, an independent valuation can help establish a fair and consistent basis on which the items can be assessed.
This may be useful for:
- Estate division
- Family settlements
- Divorce or separation
- Gifts between family members
- Distribution of inherited jewellery
Post-Loss Valuation
If a piece of jewellery has already been lost or stolen and no recent valuation exists, it may sometimes be possible to prepare a retrospective or post-loss assessment using available evidence.
This may include photographs, receipts, previous valuations, certificates, measurements or other supporting documentation.
Please contact us to discuss what information is available before booking this type of valuation.
What Does a Valuation Include?
Each piece is individually examined and, where appropriate, the valuation may include:
- Identification of precious metals
- Hallmark examination and interpretation
- Gemstone identification
- Diamond and gemstone assessment
- Estimated gemstone weights where stones cannot be removed
- Measurements and weights
- Assessment of condition
- Period, style and manufacturing characteristics
- Maker or designer information where identifiable
- Market research and comparable items
- Appropriate valuation methodology
- Detailed item descriptions
- Photographs of the jewellery
- The final valuation figure appropriate to the stated purpose
Where necessary, specialist gemmological equipment may be used as part of the examination.
Gemmological Expertise
Jewellery valuation involves considerably more than simply estimating the retail price of an item.
Correct identification and assessment of gemstones, metals, construction, age and condition are essential before an appropriate value can be established.
At Sparklet, jewellery is examined with a strong gemmological focus, supported by professional gemmological training and specialist testing equipment.
Where a gemstone or item requires laboratory testing beyond the scope of an in-house examination, we will discuss this with you and obtain your approval, including for any additional costs, before proceeding.
How the Valuation Process Works
1. Contact Us to Make an Appointment
Please contact us to arrange an appointment for your jewellery valuation, so that we can ensure our valuer is available to meet with you.
2. Examination & Documentation
We will discuss the purpose of the valuation and carefully examine each item. Your jewellery will be measured, photographed and fully documented, with any necessary gemmological testing carried out during your appointment.
It is important that we know why the valuation is required, as the appropriate value can differ significantly depending on whether the report is for insurance, probate, sale or another purpose.
3. Your Jewellery Is Returned to You
Once the examination and documentation are complete, your jewellery will be returned to you on the same day. We do not retain your jewellery while the valuation research and report are being completed.
4. Research & Valuation
Following your appointment, our valuer will carry out the necessary market research to establish the appropriate value for the stated purpose of the valuation.
5. Your Valuation Report
Once completed, you will receive your professional written valuation report electronically, including detailed descriptions, photographs and the appropriate valuation figure for each item. A professionally printed hard copy of your valuation report is also available on request for an additional fee.
Why Have Your Jewellery Professionally Valued?
A professional valuation can help ensure that your jewellery is:
- Adequately insured
- Not significantly over-insured
- Correctly described
- Properly documented in the event of loss or theft
- Fairly assessed for probate or division
- Better understood in terms of its materials, gemstones, age and quality
For particularly valuable jewellery, having good photographs and detailed descriptions recorded before a loss occurs can also be extremely helpful when dealing with an insurer.
How Often Should Jewellery Be Revalued?
For insurance purposes, we generally recommend reviewing your jewellery valuation regularly, particularly where the item contains:
- Gold or platinum
- Diamonds
- High-value coloured gemstones
- Antique or period jewellery
- Rare or difficult-to-replace pieces
Precious metal prices and jewellery replacement costs can change considerably, and an outdated valuation may leave an item under-insured.
Jewellery Valuation Appointments in Tavistock
Professional jewellery and watches valuations are available through our Tavistock shop.
Sparklet
Unit 3, Eastside Stores
The Market
Tavistock
Devon PL19 0AL
Telephone: 01822 851339
Email: admin@sparklet.co.uk
Book a Valuation
Our jewellery and watch valuations are undertaken by a Registered Valuer with the Institute of Registered Valuers (IRV).
If you would like to arrange a professional jewellery or watches valuation, please contact us for further information or to make an appointment.
If you are unsure which type of valuation you require, simply let us know what the valuation will be used for and we will advise you on the appropriate service.