FAQs

FAQs

Frequently Asked Questions

An independent valuer provides impartial advice without the conflict of interest that can arise from buying or selling jewellery and watches. Independent valuations are prepared solely for the client’s intended purpose, whether for insurance, probate, family division, or any other specified purpose.

A Registered Valuer is a professionally recognised and accredited specialist who works to the highest valuation standards and methodologies. This helps ensure valuation reports are accurate, well researched and suitable for their intended purpose. Many underwriters will only accept reports from a registered valuer. We are registered with the two highest awarding bodies in the industry: the Jewellery Valuer’s Association and the Institute of Registered Valuers, signified by MJVA and MIRV post-nominals.

Clients should look for recognised industry qualifications, gemmological expertise and substantial market experience. Elizabeth Bailey holds MA, FGA, DGA, CPAA and FoAP qualifications alongside over 14 years’ specialist experience in jewellery and watches, and a continued dedication to professional development – keeping abreast with market changes, advances in simulants and treatments, and maintaining relationships with respected Industry peers. We are also dedicated to conducting our valuations with the latest and most accurate testing equipment, further enhancing our services.

The Jewellery & Watch Consultancy provides valuations for:

  • Insurance
  • Probate
  • Division of Assets
  • Private client and collection management purposes
  • Other valuation purposes including Sale by Private Treaty, Cash Liquidation, Capital Gains, Complex Disputes and post-loss assessment – contact us for more details.

An insurance valuation provides a recommended replacement figure to help ensure jewellery and watches are appropriately insured in the event of loss, theft or damage. Values detailed in insurance valuations reflect the researched price of current prices of visually similar items of equivalent quality based on the date the valuation has taken place, the category of replacement value, and the specified market level.

A probate valuation reflects the open market value of an item at the date of death for estate administration and inheritance tax purposes. A valuation for the purpose of probate is required to comply with Section 160 of the Inheritance Act 1984, which states: ‘Except as otherwise provided by this Act, the value at any time of any property shall for the purposes of this Act be the price which the property might reasonably be expected to fetch if sold in the open market at that time, but that price shall not be assumed to be reduced on the grounds that the whole property is to be placed on the market at one and the same time.

It is generally recommended that fine jewellery and watches are revalued every two to three years to reflect changes in precious metal, gemstone and luxury watch markets. At The Jewellery & Watch Consultancy, we are happy to advise our clients, according to the type of items they have and current market conditions. We can also send our existing clients reminders for valuations, guarding them against possible under-insurance.

Items are carefully examined, measured, tested and photographed by our qualified valuer before detailed research and assessment are undertaken. All diamonds are screened, tested, measured and graded. All coloured gemstones are tested, identified, measured and graded. Notes of any reports or cases are made, and condition is carefully noted. Following extensive research, a professional valuation report is then prepared for the required purpose.

In the vast majority of cases, the answer is no. Many valuations can be completed by appointment while clients are present. Where items do need to be retained temporarily, they are handled with the utmost care, security and cover.

Yes, we provide independent, registered valuations for fine jewellery, antique jewellery, diamonds, coloured gemstones and luxury watches, including vintage and contemporary pieces.

Yes, The Jewellery & Watch Consultancy works with private clients, solicitors, executors, trustees and other professional advisers requiring independent valuation services.

The Jewellery & Watch Consultancy is based in Derbyshire and provides valuation services across the East Midlands, West Midlands, Cheshire, Cumbria, Yorkshire and surrounding areas. Valuation appointments outside of our stated areas are also available, contact us to check availability.

Any further questions?

Need any more information from us? Do not hesitate to get in touch.