At Lords, we understand that every piece of jewellery tells a unique story. Whether it’s an engagement ring passed down through generations or a recently acquired diamond ring, knowing your collection’s true worth is essential. As experienced valuers with specialist knowledge in jewellery valuation, we’re here to guide you through the comprehensive valuation process that ensures your precious pieces are accurately valued and adequately insured.
Why Professional Jewellery Valuation Matters
Over our years as independent valuers, we’ve witnessed countless situations where cherished pieces were significantly under-insured, leaving their owners vulnerable in the event of loss or damage. A professional valuation service isn’t just about determining monetary value – it’s about protecting your investment and preserving your collection’s legacy.
Insurance companies increasingly require recent valuations for high-value items, and with good reason. The value of precious metals and gemstones fluctuates with market conditions and exchange rates, making regular valuations crucial for maintaining adequate insurance coverage. Our valuation reports provide the detailed breakdown that insurance companies need, helping you avoid the heartbreak of discovering your pieces areunderinsuredd after an unfortunate event.
The Comprehensive Valuation Process at Lords
When you choose our expert valuation service, you’ll benefit from our membership in the National Association of Jewellers and our status as registered valuers with the Jewellery Valuers Association. Our valuation process involves the following:
Meticulous Examination
During your valuation appointment, we examine each piece with meticulous attention to detail. This includes:
– Precise measurement of carat weight for diamonds and precious stones
– Thorough gemstone grading and quality assessment
– Evaluation of jewellery manufacture and design elements
– Authentication of precious metals
– Documentation of any unique features or historical significance
Advanced Technical Assessment
We employ state-of-the-art equipment and draw upon our specialist knowledge to ensure accuracy in every valuation. Our gemstone grading process follows internationally recognised standards, providing you with reliable assessments that stand up to scrutiny.
Comprehensive Documentation
Each valuation report we produce includes the following:
– Detailed descriptions of individual items
– High-quality photographs
– Technical specifications
– Current market analysis
– Supporting documentation for insurance purposes
Types of Valuations We Offer
Insurance Valuation
The most common type we provide is insurance valuations, which determine the replacement value of your pieces. This helps ensure your household insurance policy provides sufficient coverage. We recommend updating these valuations every 2-3 years to account for market changes.
Probate Valuation
When dealing with estate matters, our probate valuation service provides the accurate assessments needed for legal proceedings. We understand this can be a sensitive time, and we approach such valuations with appropriate care and respect.
Family Division Valuation
For situations involving divorce or family settlements, we provide impartial family division valuations that stand up to legal scrutiny. Our role as independent valuers ensures fair and unbiased assessments.
Private Sale Valuation
If you’re considering selling pieces from your collection, our private sale valuations provide current market values to help you make informed decisions.
The Value of Professional Experience
While jewellers charge varying amounts for valuations, the true value lies in the expertise behind the service. Our experienced valuers bring:
– Decades of combined experience in jewellery design and manufacture
– Continuous professional development and training
– Membership in relevant professional bodies
– Deep understanding of current market trends
Valuation Costs and What They Cover
We believe in transparency regarding valuation costs. The price reflects the time-consuming and detailed work involved in producing accurate valuations. Factors affecting valuation cost include:
– Number and complexity of items
– Type of valuation required
– Urgency of service
– Level of detail needed in the report
Regular Valuations: A Matter of Good Practice
Regular valuations aren’t just about maintaining adequate insurance coverage – they’re about preserving the legacy of your precious pieces. We recommend scheduling valuation days with us:
– Every 2-3 years for general insurance purposes
– After significant market changes
– Following modifications or repairs
– When acquiring new high-value items
The Lords Difference
When you choose Lords for your jewellery valuation, you’re selecting a service that prioritises:
– Accuracy and attention to detail
– Comprehensive documentation
– Professional integrity
– Customer service excellence
We take pride in ensuring that every piece we evaluate receives the attention it deserves, whether it’s a contemporary engagement ring or an antique family heirloom.
Beyond Monetary Worth
While our primary role is to determine monetary value, we never lose sight of the sentimental value your pieces hold. Each item in your collection represents memories, relationships, and personal milestones. Our valuation process respects both the financial and emotional significance of your jewellery.
Protecting Your Investment
Having your jewellery valued by a professional isn’t just about knowing its worth – it’s about protecting your investment. Accurate valuations help:
– Ensure appropriate insurance coverage
– Prevent excessive insurance premiums
– Protect against underinsurance
– Facilitate smooth claim processes
– Support future sales or transfers
Getting Started with Your Valuation
Booking a valuation appointment with Lords is straightforward. We’ll guide you through:
– What documentation to bring
– How to prepare your pieces
– What to expect during the appointment
– Timeline for receiving your valuation report
Making Informed Decisions
Armed with an accurate valuation from Lords, you’ll be better equipped to:
– Update insurance policies appropriately
– Make informed decisions about sales or purchases
– Plan for inheritance or division of assets
– Understand your collection’s true worth
Choose Lords for Your Jewellery Valuation Needs
As specialists in jewellery valuation, we combine technical expertise with a deep appreciation for the artistry and emotional significance of fine jewellery. Whether you’re seeking an insurance valuation, probate valuation, or family division valuation, our team provides the professional service you need.
Contact us today to schedule your valuation appointment and ensure your precious pieces are properly valued and protected. With Lords, you’re choosing more than a valuation service – you’re choosing peace of mind, knowing your collection’s true worth is in expert hands.
Remember, regular valuations are an investment in protecting your precious pieces. Don’t wait until it’s too late – contact Lords today and take the first step in securing your collection’s future.
Address
162 Hutton Rd, Shenfield,
CM15 8NL, United Kingdom
Phone Number
+44 1277 217151
Frequently Asked Questions About Jewellery Valuation
How often should I have my jewellery valued?
We recommend having your jewellery valued every 2-3 years for insurance purposes. However, more frequent valuations may be necessary if there have been significant changes in the market, particularly affecting precious metals and gemstone prices. Additionally, new pieces should be valued immediately upon purchase to ensure they’re adequately insured from day one.
What’s the difference between retail value and insurance value?
Insurance value typically represents the replacement cost of an item – what it would cost to recreate or replace the piece with one of similar quality and characteristics in the current market. This often differs from retail value or resale value. As independent valuers, we provide accurate valuations that reflect true replacement costs, which helps ensure you’re fully insured without paying excessive insurance premiums.
What documents do I need to bring to my valuation appointment?
For the most comprehensive valuation service, we recommend bringing:
- Previous valuation reports (if any)
- Original purchase receipts
- Any certificates, particularly for diamonds or significant gemstones
- Insurance policy details
- Any relevant historical documentation or provenance information. However, don’t worry if you don’t have all these documents – we can still provide a thorough valuation of your pieces.
How long does a jewellery valuation take?
The time required depends on the number and complexity of items being valued. A single piece might take 30-45 minutes to examine and document properly, while a substantial collection could require several hours or multiple appointments. We believe in taking the necessary time to ensure meticulous attention to detail rather than rushing through this important process.
Why do I need a professional valuation when I have the original receipt?
Original receipts are useful supporting documentation, but they quickly become outdated due to fluctuating market prices for precious metals and gemstones. Additionally, many factors affect a piece’s value beyond its original purchase price, including:
- Changes in gemstone quality assessment standards
- Shifts in market demand
- Variations in precious metal prices
- Alterations or improvements to the piece
- Historical significance or provenance A professional valuation provides an accurate, current assessment that insurance companies will accept when processing claims.