Our Valuations Process

Every journey begins with a conversation

Every valuation begins with a personal consultation. This conversation allows us to carefully consider your items and confirm that a formal valuation is the service you require. If another approach would better serve your needs, we will guide you toward the most appropriate solution.

Understanding the story of your pieces—their history, significance, and the purpose behind seeking a valuation—ensures that we provide the most accurate advice. By sharing how you intend to use the valuation, we can recommend the service best suited to your circumstances, giving you confidence and clarity from the very beginning

Safe guarding your treasures with care

Once you decide to proceed, each item is carefully documented with a full description, precise measurements, and professional photographs. If you are entrusting us with several pieces, please allow time for this detailed process—it is designed to safeguard both you and your treasures.

We recognise that your items may carry deep sentimental significance or considerable financial value. For this reason, the take-in process is conducted with the utmost care and transparency. You will receive a signed record of the items, and upon request, we are pleased to provide copies of the photographs for your peace of mind.

Where expertise meets precision

The technical stage of your valuation begins with the careful identification of each metal and gemstone. Metals are initially tested using trusted methods that ensure no harm comes to your piece. Should further confirmation be required, we utilise advanced XRF scanning technology to determine metal purity with precision.

Gemstones are examined using a suite of specialised instruments available in-house, including refractometers, spectroscopes, microscopes, and UV light analysis. These techniques reveal the unique characteristics of each stone, allowing us to distinguish between natural, treated, synthetic, or imitation gemstones. Every test is performed with the utmost care, ensuring that your jewellery is both respected and understood at the highest professional standard.

Uncovering the true measure of every stone

Accurately determining carat weight is essential to valuing gemstones. Each stone is carefully measured under magnification, with advanced formulas used to calculate its weight as precisely as possible. Irregular cuts, unusual depths, or tiny chips are all taken into account, ensuring the unique nature of every gemstone is respected and reflected in the valuation.

Evaluating beauty and craftsmanship

Once weight has been determined, each gemstone is assessed for its quality—considering cut, colour, clarity, and overall condition. Equally, the craftsmanship of the jewellery itself is carefully examined, from the precision of the setting to the finish of the metal. These details ensure that both the stones and the workmanship are valued with fairness and accuracy.

Placing your jewellery in context

With the details of your jewellery confirmed, we turn to the marketplace. We research where comparable items are available. Whether through chain retailers, overseas suppliers, or luxury brands to analyse current selling prices. This ensures the valuation reflects not only the intrinsic qualities of your piece, but also its position within today’s market.

Documenting your piece with authority

At this stage, all findings are brought together in a formal certificate. This includes detailed descriptions, confirmed quality, and professional photographs of your jewellery. The valuation concludes with a clear value statement, signed and sealed with the NCJV mark—providing you with an authoritative record for insurance, resale, or personal peace of mind.