Valuing jewellery?

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I need to value, and insure, a selection of jewellery that I’ve just been given. It’s a mix of valuable and not, of various ages.

Can anyone recommend a valuation service, either to use or to avoid? I’m also googling, but I’d really like a personal recommendation, or even better some advice on the trusted names from someone who works in the industry.

I’m in London, but I don’t want to pay excessive central London prices aimed at the super rich.

Check if your insurers require the jewellers to be certified in any way. I get my jewellery valued by an independent jewellery who does it all for a set price. It works out loads cheaper than using valuers who price per item or as a percentage of the valuation. Try asking on your local Facebook group.

@YeOldy Thanks! I may need to change insurers, I think, as I’ve got a very basic policy at the moment. If I’m changing, do I want to look for one that accepts valuations from any jeweller rather than requiring a specific firm? It is there an accreditation scheme that they have to be members of?

I used Goldsmiths on the high street. They sent jewelry away and I needed insurance valuations. They came back higher than I expected but person explained that amount would definitely allow me to get another more or less identical item. If rather be overinsured for items than underinsured. I had 2 rings engagement and eternity valued. It cost £60.

I’ve had a quote for £40 per piece, with a discount for more than 4, which seems like a decent deal.

Just wondering how you got on OP. I have a bunch of old jewellery from my Mum. It's been sat in a drawer for 4 years and I've been thinking about what to do with it. She wasn't a big jewellery wearer, and was never very well off, so most of it is probably worthless (although gold is at a high at the moment so even basic simple gold chains have some value at the moment) but there is also an engagement and 2 wedding rings. I'd ideally like to take it somewhere where they can say "this this and this is gold plated and worth nothing but these items are worth x y and z" Then I know what to sell, what to maybe have made into something I will keep and wear. There is probably 30 items of which maybe 6-10 might have a value, so I don't want to end up paying per item which will cost more than the overall value!

I’ve just sold a 9ct gold bracelet on marketplace. All I did was look at the hallmark, easily looked at with your phone or magnifyier. Google price per gram, weigh and price accordingly. Sold within the afternoon. Or you could go to somewhere like Ramsdens who will give a price.

@Otins The jeweller in my nearest town centre valued them for me in the end, took 6 weeks as he’s so busy, but I got an itemised list for insurance purposes. Then I had to change my home insurance mid-year, as what I had wouldn’t cover more than four items over a certain value.

It cost me £300 for the valuation of around 25 items.

Use an independent registered jewellery valuer rather than a shop.Choose someone who charges a flat fee instead of a percentage.