All You Need To Know About Jewellery Valuations
Whether you're wanting to protect the jewellery you own, sell your jewellery or need to value an estate, here at Hatton Jewels we are able to help you find the valuation that is right for you.
Whether it’s your new engagement ring, a family heirloom or just your collection of jewellery over the years, your jewellery is precious, so it’s important to make sure it’s properly valued.
It’s not as simple as one type of valuation fits all, it’s important to make sure you get the right type for its purpose. So search no further if you’re confused about jewellery valuations…here we explain the different types of valuations and which one is right for you.
Insurance
An insurance valuation is the retail value of an item. This is the type of valuation that insurance companies may require. It would be the most detailed of the valuations and it would be the documentation that would be referred to in the event of a claim.
Our Insurance Valuation top tips are….
1. Check your policy - Depending on your individual policy, some items will be automatically covered under the general contents insurance, often up to around £1500. If a single item of jewellery is below this threshold, you may not need to get the piece itemised on your insurance. Also check your policy protects you against accidental damage to your jewellery. If you have many valuables it may be worth using jewellery insurance specialists, such as TH March - use our code AH757T to get preferential rates.
2.Make sure your jewellery is reasonable condition -When you take your jewellery to be valued, make sure it’s in good condition. If it’s not the insurance valuation may be reduced and potentially make the insurance policy void.
3.Keep valuation updated - To keep your policy valid, it’s important to make sure it’s are up to date. Due to how much the market fluctuates, some insurers may specify how often they require jewellery to be re-valued. It’s generally recommended every 3-5 years.
4.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, such as the settings, 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. It’s also great for your own peace of mind!
5. Make sure your valuation is accurate - Your jewellery valuation is legally binding, so it should include a detailed description of the item. A photograph of your piece of jewellery is not essential but is advantageous. Also make sure you take along any documentation that relates to the jewellery, such as Diamond Certificates so the details can be included on the valuation.
6. Type of Values - NRV- This is the abbreviation for ‘New Replacement Value.’ This means how much money you would require to be able to replace your item with the new equivalent. SHRV – This is the abbreviation for ‘Second-hand Replacement Value.’ This is used for antique and vintage items that you could only replace by buying a second-hand item.
Probate
Probate valuations can be used for a multitude of reasons for example by HMRC to value the estate of deceased or to value assets for court proceedings, such as a divorce settlement. This value will be lower than the insurance valuation as it is the value of the item if it were to be sold immediately in the current state.
Sale
Sales valuations are for customers wishing to sell their jewellery. The process for this differs between companies, so it’s worth enquiring how a business choses to offer this service. Here at Hatton Jewels you can visit our ‘Sell Your Jewellery’ page and fill out our form to get a valuation.
