Three Top Tips for Getting a Fair Jewellery Valuation

Whether you are insuring a treasured piece or thinking of selling old and unwanted items, a fair jewellery valuation is the foundation of a good decision. For a first-timer, though, it can be hard to know whether the figure you are offered is reasonable. The good news is that a little preparation puts you firmly in control. The stores of Hatton Garden, London's historic diamond quarter in the EC1N postcode, are well placed to help. Here are three top tips for getting your jewellery valued fairly and with confidence.

Be Prepared Before You Visit

Before taking your jewellery to be valued, make sure it is looking its best. Clean each piece gently with a specialist jewellery cleaning solution, and check it over for loose settings or missing stones so there are no surprises.

Gather any original documentation you have, such as receipts, certificates or grading reports. A GIA or IGI report for a diamond, for example, helps a jeweller assess the stone fairly and gives you both an objective reference point.

Well-presented, well-documented pieces are simply easier to value accurately, which works in your favour.

Do Your Research First

Spend a little time looking at both new and second-hand prices for the kind of item you own. Take into account qualities such as carat weight, clarity and the overall condition of the piece, since all of these affect value.

This research gives you a realistic sense of the figure to expect, so you are neither disappointed nor caught off guard. For gold items, remember the scrap value tracks the live precious metals price by weight and carat, which changes daily.

Knowing roughly what your piece is worth before you walk in is the single best protection against a low offer.

Fun fact: An insurance valuation and a resale valuation are not the same figure, the first reflects the cost to replace a piece new, while the second reflects what a buyer will actually pay today.

Shop Around and Choose Wisely

Different jewellers prioritise different metals, gems and stones, so it pays to visit a few and compare what they offer. A short walk around the quarter can reveal a meaningful difference between quotes.

Choose reputable jewellers with a strong track record and genuine experience, as they will give you a realistic assessment and a fair, considered price. You can find trusted specialists in our jewellery valuation listings.

With your piece prepared, your research done and a few quotes in hand, you can part with or insure your jewellery knowing you have been treated fairly.