Your Jewellery – What do you value?

We all know, deep down, that we should see valuations and insurance as a positive thing, but merely uttering the words after the purchase of a piece of fine jewellery can detract from the emotions associated with your experience.

The thought that we may ever need to replace our jewellery is furthest from our minds at that point, but too often I have seen the sadness that comes when a piece has been lost or damaged and the replacement value has been incorrect.

There is often confusion associated with jewellery valuations if carried out for the wrong purpose or not done accurately.

An Insurance Valuation should detail the full retail replacement value “as new” of your jewellery, VAT inclusive, and will take into account the components, quality and design of the pieces. It is, therefore, a statement of the highest value of your assets.

An antique dealer might alternatively provide you with an appraisal which indicates a much lower value, the indemnity value “like for like”, and if this basis is used to insure your jewellery you may simply not be covered to the desired extent, should you wish to replace it. This value would be more appropriate to determine the piece’s value for sale at auction or via a second hand jewellery dealer.

In any instance it is astute to have your fine jewellery valued by an experienced and fully qualified NAJ (National Association of Jewellers) jewellery professional, as recognised by the Institute of Registered Valuers. These skilled gemmologists will thoroughly examine each component part and supply the detail required in a comprehensive report with an accurate replacement value, so that you are properly covered by your insurers.

At Heidi Kjeldsen your jewellery pieces will also be cleaned and inspected, and included within the valuation will be a condition statement which may also advise of any repair work required, such as for loose stones or damaged claws.

Jewellery should ideally be valued every 2-5 years, as raw material prices do fluctuate over time.

Sometimes it may be tempting to go with a ‘FREE’ or low cost alternative to a proper NAJ Valuation, but more often than not this can lead to inaccurate valuation statements.

All of this is so important for you to consider, and will ensure that you acquire the correct value of insurance cover for your jewellery. If the worst were to happen then you will have peace of mind, and your “investment” will be protected.

SOME USEFUL POINTS

1. Do not keep your jewellery, proof of purchase and valuation documents together. This will simply aid thieves.

2. A safe for your jewellery will increase your own peace of mind, and in some cases reduce your premiums.

3. Try not to put it off! Potentially failing to satisfactorily negotiate a compensation amount to replace your jewellery will be an added emotional strain on you in the event of a claim.

4. Do not have your jewellery valued abroad. You will be insured for a replacement based on prices and rates which will not take into consideration the expense of getting to that destination and furthermore may have no real guarantee as to their quality or provenance.

5. In many cases your purchase may be covered by your household insurance policy but we recommend you always inform your insurers of a new purchase so that they can advise accordingly.

6. It is important to check the small print in your insurance policy document and negotiate the cover required. If necessary do shop around to acquire quotations to cover your jewellery on its own; you may find it more cost effective to insure it in this way.

If you have any questions relating to the value, safe keeping or care of your jewellery please do not hesitate to contact us at heidi@heidikjeldsen.co.uk or 01572 722666