frequently asked questions
1. Why do I need to have my jewellery valued?
Most valuations undertaken are for Insurance replacement purposes, but there are a number of other reasons why you may seek an IRV's assistance in connection with a valuation. For example: Probate Valuation Private sale Divorce/Family division.
2. Who should value my jewellery?
A Valuation is an informed opinion based upon many years of experience allied to formal training in gemmology and other specialist areas of product knowledge. Valuations need to be undertaken today to a very high standard, the highest level is represented by the Jewellery Valuers Association. The Jewellery Valuers Association is the only independent body in the UK and Ireland exclusively for valuers of Jewellery, gemstones, watches and silver. Valuers have proven their expertise to their peers, with formal gemmological qualifications and substantial experience within the industry. Valuations carried out by a member of the Jewellery Valuers Association will be undertaken professionally to the prescribed standards. They will be ethically and liable to routine monitoring by the association itself to maintain those standards
3. Why do values vary?
Values vary due to the fluctuation in the market and exchange rates. It is equally important when you leave your jewellery for appraisal that you clarify with the valuer the purpose for which you require the finished valuation. Items of jewellery are valued differently for different purposes. You might wonder about the gap between the insurance value of an item and the amount you would get as a private individual, if you choose to sell the pieces.
4. What documentation should I receive?
The schedule should include:
- Detailed descriptions
- Details of the assessment of diamonds and additional gemstones
- Hallmarking information
- Condition statement
- Provenance or research, if appropriate
- Visual digital images
- Values with the appropriate type of insurance qualification
- Duplicate copy of schedule to be forwarded to Insurance broker
5. How long should it take?
This depends on the number and complexity of the items. Your items would be returned to you and the documentation will follow within a couple of days once we have carried out the research and valuation. We do appreciate that sometimes a very quick service is required and where possible we do our very best to oblige.
6. What can I expect?
- Home Visit:
- By appointment
- Minimum 30 minute consultation
- Cleaning and cataloging process - gemstone and precious metal identification, high quality digital images
- Portable specialist gemmology lab equipment provided for highest quality feedback
- Educational and informative experience
- Timescale dependent on research required - same-day valuation available, printed and electronic PDF report in 48 hours
- By Secure Post
- By appointment
- By secure post via Royal Mail Special Delivery - by 1pm next day
- Return on day of reciept by same method
- Cleaning and cataloging process - gemstone and precious metal identification, high quality digital images carried out within secure office
- Timescale dependent on research required - same-day valuation available, printed and electronic PDF report in 48 hours
- Via retailers (on premises)
- Drop off and collection by appointment with the retailer
- Timescale arranged with the retailer
- Items valued on premise using the same techniques and equipment as a home or postal appraisal
- Report issued to the retailer for collection
- Collection & Delivery service
- By appointment
- Collection & Delivery date & time to be arranged
- Cleaning and cataloging process - gemstone and precious metal identification, high quality digital images carried out within secure office
- Timescale dependent on research required - same-day valuation available, printed and electronic PDF report in 48 hours
7. Which areas do you cover?
Lee-ona provides jewellery consultation and valuation services across Scotland. Lee-ona is based in Troon, South Ayrshire and works with select retailers within the West Coast, Glasgow and Edinburgh. Via the secure postal service, Lee-ona offers appraisals across the country, location is no barrier.
8. Insurance?
We are often asked for insurance company recommendations, we at LFL valuation services are fully insured through TH March insurance brokers. However, The Jewellery Appraisers of the World have prepared this useful directory to assist you with additional options. Please follow this link for further information.
