Being a valuer takes a considerable amount of
knowledge, experience and training to achieve the required qualifications. At
Gatwards, we have a registered valuer who comes into store regularly to provide
valuations on both jewellery and watches for insurance, probate, sale between
parties & family division.
We recently held a Q&A on our Instagram & Facebook, so that you could ask Gaynor anything about valuations & here’s a few of the questions we received:
HOW LONG HAVE YOU BEEN A VALUER?
I’ve been a valuer for twenty years, eight of which I have been working independently.
IT MUST BE AN INTERESTING JOB. WHAT'S THE MOST INTERESTING THING YOU'VE VALUED?
Oh, that’s difficult to say but probably a large collection of Dorrie Norrister jewellery from the Arts & Crafts period. Just beautiful!
DO YOU WORK IN HOUSE?
Yes. I carry out my appraisals in-house so there are no courier concerns, as everything stays on the premises at Gatwards. As an independent valuer, I have to allocate my time according to the work booked in, so recommend booking in any valuations in advance & at least the day before. I’m usually at Gatwards every two weeks, but you can always phone for more details on availability.
WHAT DO YOU LOVE MOST ABOUT BEING A VALUER?
Definitely the variety of work. Every day is different & I get to look to at wonderful pieces, some of which you may only see once in a lifetime.
WHY WOULD YOU RECOMMEND GETTING YOUR JEWELLERY VALUED FOR INSURANCE?
Its really important that you have an up-to-date valuation on your jewellery to ensure that, should the worst happen and you need to make a claim, your insurance company adequately cover the cost of a replacement. It is your proof of what you own.
The condition is also checked during an appraisal, so any wear, or damage is assessed & noted. This reduces the risk of losing gemstones & if you do, proves to your insurer that it’s due to accidental damage as opposed to long term wear & tear.
HOW OFTEN DO YOU RECOMMEND THIS IS DONE?
It really depends on the piece. It is worth checking with your insurance company to see what they specify as they can vary with their requirements but usually it’s around every 3-4 years for most items. With certain items I would recommend more frequent valuations. For example, some Rolex watches may need assessing every 18 months due to market fluctuations.
If you would like to arrange for an item or items of jewellery to be valued then they would be held securely in our safe until Gaynor, our valuer visits to assess them on site. You would then be able to collect them from us once the valuation has taken place, and the valuation report would follow.