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    Jewellery Valuation, Everything You Need To Know

    07/09/2018

    Your jewellery isn't just an accessory, it’s a collection of memories, milestones, and valuable investments. Whether it’s a dazzling new engagement ring, a treasured family heirloom, or a growing jewellery collection, ensuring your pieces are accurately valued is essential for protection and peace of mind.

    Here are our Top 10 Jewellery Valuation Tips to help you protect your precious pieces:

    1. Establishing the purpose of the valuation

    The term 'valuation' can cover a wide variety of purposes. You may need a full valuation report for a variety of reasons, for example:

    • Insurance – to ensure your items are covered for loss, theft, or damage

    • Probate (HMRC) – for legal and tax purposes after a loved one passes

    • Divorce Settlements – to fairly divide assets

    • Family Disputes – to determine value for inheritance or other purposes

    This is not an exhaustive list of reasons you may need a valuation, but if you are unsure if you require one, please get in contact with us and we would be happy to advise further.

     

    2. Check your insurance policy 

    Not all jewellery needs to be separately listed on your insurance. Many policies automatically cover items under general contents insurance, typically up to £1,500 per item. However, for high-value pieces, you may need specialist jewellery insurance—consider providers like TH March, who specialise in jewellery cover.

    Also, check whether your policy includes accidental damage protection—this can be a crucial safeguard.

     

    3. Expertise is important, ensure they are IRV registered

    Your valuation is a legally binding document, so it is important for it to be carried out by a qualified professional. The document should include  a detailed description of the item, along with a photograph of your piece of jewellery and an accurate value.

    Did you know? In the UK, anyone can offer jewellery valuations, but not all are qualified to do so.

    Look for an Institute of Registered Valuers (IRV) certified expert. IRV members undergo rigorous training in diamonds, gemstones, and jewellery assessment, ensuring accurate, detailed valuations.

    In-house valuers are also worth looking out for, as they will not have to send any items away and typically have a faster turnaround. 

     

    4. Looking for a quick value estimate?

    Are you simply looking for a diamond ring valuation? This is a question we get asked a lot and unfortunately the answer is not straight forward as there are many types of valuations. 

    The value of the same item varies depending on the purpose:

    • Insurance Value – how much it would cost to replace it

    • Market Value – how much you’d get if selling it

    • Probate Value – its worth for legal or tax assessments

    Before requesting a valuation, consider why you need it. This can help a professional guide you to the most suitable service. 

     

    5. Cutting costs can cost money

    If a company is able to offer rock bottom charges, it is usually an indication that corners are being cut somewhere to keep prices down. It might be tempting to go for the cheapest valuation service, but cutting costs can cost you later.

    A low-cost valuation may indicate: 

    • Inexperienced valuers

    • Lack of proper testing

    • Insufficient or incorrect details - which could lead to rejected insurance claims

    A high-quality valuation covers expertise, specialist equipment, and insurance protection while your jewellery is assessed. Investing in a professional service now can save you thousands if you ever need to replace your item.

     

    6. Be prepared to leave your jewellery with the valuer

    It’s natural to feel anxious and even sad about leaving your treasured pieces with a jeweller, but a proper valuation takes time and will need to be done in controlled laboratory-style conditions to make sure it is accurate.

    The process involves:

    • Detailed gemstone analysis

    • Precise measurements

    • High-resolution photography

    • Market pricing research

    Be wary of online or “while-you-wait” valuations, many insurers do not accept them due to their inaccuracy so we’d recommend you check with your insurer before being caught out with a potentially incorrect and invalid valuation..

     

    7. Keep valuation updated

    To keep your policy valid, it’s important to make sure it’s up to date. Jewellery values fluctuate over time, so insurers often require re-valuations every 2-3 years.

    Why?

    • Precious metal & gemstone prices change

    • Insurance policies may have new requirements

    • Under-insuring means you may not get full replacement value

    Some jewellers may offer a discounted re-valuation if they originally assessed your item, always ask!

     

    8. Get your jewellery checked regularly 

    It’s not just about jewellery being stolen or lost, sometimes jewellery gets damaged. It’s good to get in the habit of getting your jewellery checked, to make sure everything is secure. If you have a particularly valuable piece, it may be stipulated in your policy how often you need to get the jewellery checked by a professional. 

    Insurance companies may also specify for high-value items that the check of the security of the setting and condition of an item of jewellery is documented in a letter by a member of the Institute of Registered Valuers for the insurance to be valid. It’s also great for your own peace of mind.

     

     

     9. Avoid online insurance valuation services

    Online-only jewellery valuations have become more common, but they produce valuations far from the required standard. Without proper grading and testing, done using at least 10x magnification, gemstones can be misidentified, values miscalculated, and key details like measurements and laser inscriptions overlooked. 

    This can lead to inflated insurance premiums or insufficient coverage. Due to these inaccuracies, most reputable insurers no longer accept online valuations. Always opt for an in-person assessment by a qualified professional.

     

    10. Choose a company you can trust 

    When choosing a company for your jewellery valuations here are some things to think about:

    • Customer reviews 

    • Professional associations they belong to e.g. Institute of Registered Valuers 

    • Does the company make you feel comfortable 

    At Hatton Jewels, we're registered members of the Academy of Experts in jewellery and a member of the Institute of Registered Valuers (IRV), with our team having a vast wealth of experience in jewellery and valuations, offering a comprehensive and accurate valuation service. 

    If you require a valuation of your item of jewellery, whether that's an insurance valuation for your engagement ring or for an antique Diamond tiara. 

    Call us on 0203 116 0069 or email us on info@hattonjewels.com to discuss with one of our friendly team. Let our experts ensure your jewellery is accurately valued and fully protected.

     

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    Hatton Jewels,
    5 Hatton Place,
    London,
    EC1N 8RU
    Opening Hours
    Monday to Friday 9:30am to 5:30pm
    We are open by appointment only:
    Evening and early morning appointments available upon request.
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    Terms and conditions of sale for Hatton Jewels

    These terms and conditions relate to the use of Hattonjewels.com website and any purchase from Hatton Jewels Ltd, Registration Number: 06241877, and whose Registered Office Address is 57-59 Queens Road, Buckhurst Hill, Essex, IG9 5BU

    Ordering

    All orders for Goods shall be deemed to be an offer by the Buyer to purchase Goods pursuant to these Terms and Conditions and are subject to acceptance by Hatton Jewels Ltd. Hatton Jewels may choose not to accept an order for any reason.

    When the item you wish to purchase is not available from stock you will be notified and given the option to either wait until the Goods are available from stock or cancel the order and receive a full refund within 30 days.

    Bespoke Items

    Items that are manufactured from our Build Your Own Rings range are not eligible for a full refund however a life time credit note will be issued for the full value of the item. If the item you received was a special order for a non-standard ring size* or if you ordered a Bespoke Item made to order, we regret that it can only be able to return it to us if it is faulty, as it will have been specially made and cannot be resold. *Standard Rings Sizes - Ladies I - O, Gents L - V

    Cancellation & Return

    We are confident you will be delighted with your Hatton Jewels purchase.

    However, you do have the option of returning items to us within 30 days of receipt for a full refund or exchange if you decide that the item is not right for you or the goods are faulty. We regret that we cannot offer refunds or exchanges on goods that have been worn, damaged or have had any alterations by a third party. Returned items can only be accepted if they are:

  • In the same condition they were received
  • With all original paperwork and documents
  • In the original packaging
  • Via the returns procedure detailed below
  • Failure to do so will result in the item being returned to you. Please complete the following procedure should you decide to make a return.
  • Call us on 0203 116 0069 or e-mail info@hattonjewels.com within 30 days from the receipt of your purchase. We will give you a unique authorisation code which you must write on the original invoice which you need to include in the package.

    Address your package to Hatton J Ltd, 5 Hatton Place, London, EC1N 8RU. For security reasons please do not write ‘Jewels’ anywhere on the outside of the package.

    Post the parcel using the Special Delivery service available at the post office. We recommend that you obtain proof of posting. We cannot be held responsible for any items that are lost in transit.

    Once your package has been received by Hatton Jewels Ltd it will be assessed to verify that the item has been returned in the original condition. Once verified a full refund or exchange will then be issued.

    Delivery

    Every effort is made to deliver your purchase as swiftly as possible. You will be sent a confirmation of delivery date at the time your order is confirmed.

    For items that are in stock we aim to deliver to you within 5-7 days. If we cannot deliver within the agreed time we will notify you immediately and with your agreement arrange an alternative date. Items listed under 'Express Delivery' are items which are currently in stock and can be delivered within 5-7 days. Depending on the rate at which the payment clears, we might be able to deliver it to you sooner.

    All items dispatched are fully covered by insurance whilst in transit, and must be signed for on delivery. At this point they become the property of the purchaser and our insurance no longer applies. Please be satisfied that the parcel has in no way been tampered with in transit before accepting delivery.

    Hatton Jewels Ltd shall not be liable for any delay or failure to perform any of its obligations or promises if the delay or failure results from events or circumstances outside its reasonable control.

    Information on our website

    Whilst we make every attempt to ensure that our online catalogue is as accurate as possible errors can occur. Prices are subject to change without notice and will be confirmed upon receipt of your order. We may alter images for presentation purposes. Colour and size may vary slightly due to different monitors.

    If a product is not in stock and we are able to replicate it, this does not apply to antique pieces, Hatton Jewels guarantee the carat weight listed on the product as minimum and guarantee the same quality of gemstone, metal and workmanship for the order placed.

    Lifetime Warranty

    All Hatton Jewels handmade pieces come complete with a lifetime manufacturer’s warranty that covers any manufacturing defects and any necessary repair will be conducted free of charge under the following terms and conditions:

  • The item is identified by our production department as being defective as a result of a manufacturing default.
  • The item has not had any damage as a result of mishandling or Inappropriate impact (eg. knocks, dents or pressure), and has had no alteration, manipulation, repair or care by a service provider apart from ourselves or is the consequence of normal wear and tear.
  • Proof of purchase must be presented.
  • This does not apply on antique pieces or signed jewellery.
  • In order to ensure all stones are secure within your piece we advise having your piece checked by a jeweller at regular intervals.

    If purchased from ourselves even if not covered by guarantee we endeavour to resolve at the lowest price possible

    Repairs and Alterations

    All repairs on jewellery that has not been purchased through Hatton Jewels are completed at the customer’s risk. We will guarantee the specific work we complete for 1 year.

    Complaints

    If you have a complaint or concern please contact:

    Hatton Jewels Ltd

    5 Hatton Place
    London
    EC1N 8RU
    Tel: 0203 116 0069
    e-mail : info@hattonjewels.com