Q. Why do I need to have my jewellery valued?

A. A professional valuation is an important safeguard if your jewellery is lost, stolen or damaged for many reasons. It provides proof of ownership in the happy event that the jewellery is recovered. Insurance companies are unlikely to provide full compensation for an expensive piece of jewellery unless you can prove its true value. A valuation also gives you a comprehensive description of the item, which is invaluable if you decide to have the piece remade. Valuation is also an effective means of ensuring you receive a fair price if you sell your jewellery, provided the valuation is undertaken for that reason.

Q. Why use a registered valuer?

A. The question should be: “Why risk using someone who is not registered”? Accurate valuation is a demanding, scientific procedure that requires extensive experience and knowledge. Valuers registered with the NCJV are experts in their profession who undergo extensive training in gemmology, diamond grading/technology and valuing. They must also commit to lifetime education to retain their valuation qualifications. Registered valuers qualifications are provided by the Gemmological Association of Australia and accredited by VETAB.

Q. How do I find a registered valuer?

A. A list of valuers is contained in this website under Find a Valuer or you can contact the NCJV in your State. There are about 550 registered valuers in Australia with about 2000 jewellery stores serviced by NCJV members.

Q. How do I know the valuer is registered?

A. You can check if the valuer is a full member of the National Council of Jewellery Valuers by asking to see his or her certificate of registration. Jewellery stores employing registered valuers will have an NCJV decal in their window. Your valuation should be embossed with the NCJV seal which prominently displays that the valuer is a member in the current year.

Q. What does a valuation involve?

A. Your jewellery is carefully assessed using scientific analysis and is then valued using current market research. After the appraisal you will receive a valuation certificate which contains a full description of your jewellery, including gram and carat weights, and a statement explaining the reason for the valuation and the intended market.

Q. How often should valuations be updated?

A. It is important to have your jewellery reassessed every two or three years to ensure the valuation is current. Prices can fluctuate and insurance companies may request up-to-date information. The revaluation also notes any wear and tear and ensures you are not paying excessive premiums if prices decrease.

Q. Why is there a cost for performing a valuation?

A. Professional valuation is not a case of simply looking at an item and guessing a price. It is a scientific process that uses the latest testing equipment and procedures, together with current pricing of all the parts of the jewellery item. They are trained to identify the tiniest details that can affect a valuation and are familiar with the techniques used in the past to create antique jewellery and to manufacture imported and modern jewellery today.

Q. Is it possible to have jewellery valued prior to purchase?

A. Yes. By arrangement with your jeweller and valuer it is possible for this to occur. There are many good reasons for this. Advances in reproduction technology have resulted in increasing numbers of synthetic stones reaching the marketplace. For example, synthetic rubies could be worth 95 per cent less than natural rubies but they look identical to the untrained eye. Registered valuers are kept up-to-date with new developments in the industry and are trained to identify imitations. If you are unsure about an item's authenticity, have it checked by an NCJV valuer. Such an appraisal will also help ensure you pay a fair price.

Q. How important is a diamond certificate?

A. Diamond certificates provide important information about the quality of a stone, however this information can be confusing to an untrained person. There are also several different diamond certification systems operating in various parts of the world, including one in the United States and two in Europe. These systems are not always comparable. A trained valuer can help explain the certificate and interpret it for you. A diamond certificate only applies to the diamond, not the article of jewellery and needs to be interpreted by an expert to quantify its value. It can be a confusing tool in comparison shopping if not fully understood.

Q. Should I have my jewellery photographed?

A. Photographing your jewellery is a further safeguard in the event of loss or damage. It is particularly useful for police trying to match recovered property.