How to Identify a Certified Jewellery Valuer You Can Trust

When it comes to protecting, selling, or insuring your jewellery, finding the right valuer is just as important as the valuation itself. A trustworthy, certified valuer ensures you receive an accurate, unbiased appraisal of your items—one that can stand up to scrutiny by insurers, courts, and potential buyers. Whether you own heirlooms, engagement rings, or investment pieces, reliable jewellery valuation Melbourne services can make all the difference in how your valuable items are treated, safeguarded, or passed on.

What Does a Certified Jewellery Valuer Do?

A certified jewellery valuer is trained and accredited to appraise the value of jewellery items, including gemstones, precious metals, watches, and designer pieces. Their role involves identifying materials, assessing quality, and providing an accurate market value, usually in the form of a written report.

A professional valuer is independent, meaning they are not influenced by potential resale profits or commissions. This neutrality is crucial in situations like insurance claims, legal disputes, or estate planning, where objective, fact-based valuations are required.

Signs You’re Dealing with a Certified Expert

Before entrusting someone with your jewellery, ask the following questions:

• Are they a registered valuer with recognised industry bodies (e.g., NCJV, GAA, FGAA)?

• Do they specialise in valuations, rather than sales?

• Can they provide detailed reports with images, descriptions, and grading criteria?

• Are their valuation reports accepted by insurance companies and legal professionals?

A proper expert will be transparent about their qualifications, process, and turnaround time. They’ll also take the time to explain the findings and answer any questions you have.

Why a Valuation Certificate Matters

One of the key outcomes of a professional appraisal is the valuation certificate for jewellery. This document is your official proof of value and can be used for insurance, resale, or legal purposes. A valid certificate should include:

• Detailed item description (metal, gemstones, weight, size)

• Clear images of each piece

• Current market value (replacement or resale)

• Signature of a qualified valuer

• Date of assessment

Be cautious of providers who offer verbal appraisals or handwritten notes. These don’t meet industry standards and likely won’t be accepted by insurers or courts. A true valuation certificate should be formal, verifiable, and clear.

Avoiding Biased or In-Store Appraisals

Many retail jewellery stores offer valuations, but not all are truly independent. In some cases, the store’s valuation might be inflated to make the purchase seem like a better deal. In other cases, valuations may be kept low if the store is interested in purchasing your items.

That’s why it's important to choose a valuer who doesn’t buy or sell jewellery—just values it. This ensures that their appraisal is not influenced by potential profit, giving you a more honest and reliable result.

Importance of Expertise in Precious Metals

A certified valuer should be able to identify and assess all precious metals accurately. Whether your item is made from gold, silver, or platinum, the valuer should be using proper testing equipment (such as XRF analysers) to measure metal content and purity.

When requesting a gold valuation Melbourne, the expert should evaluate the piece based on:

This is especially important in estate valuations or sales, where accurate metal content can significantly affect the final valuation figure.

Experience in Diamond Grading

Diamonds require specialised knowledge to appraise correctly. Every diamond is graded on the 4Cs—carat weight, cut, clarity, and colour—and each factor plays a major role in determining value.

A qualified valuer offering diamond valuation Melbourne services will:

• Use certified gemmological tools and equipment

• Provide grading comparable to global standards (e.g., GIA, IGI)

• Identify any inclusions, chips, or treatments

• Assess the quality of the diamond setting

The more detailed the assessment, the more accurate the valuation will be. Never rely solely on diamond certificates provided at purchase—they may not reflect the stone’s current condition or market value.

The Role of Independence in Legal and Insurance Matters

Whether you’re dealing with a divorce settlement, deceased estate, or insurance claim, having an unbiased valuation is crucial. Legal professionals and insurers often require reports from independent valuers to avoid conflicts of interest.

A certified valuer must be prepared to:

• Provide written documentation that can be used in court or legal negotiations

• Offer fair market values, not retail prices or inflated estimates

• Present findings in a way that supports transparency and accountability

When a valuation comes from an independent source, it carries more credibility in the eyes of the law and insurers.

Red Flags to Watch Out For

When selecting a valuer, be cautious if:

• The provider refuses to explain their credentials

• You’re given only a verbal estimate or invoice-style report

• They offer to purchase your jewellery during or after the valuation

• The process feels rushed or lacking in detail

A trustworthy valuer will prioritise accuracy, professionalism, and your right to clear information.

Why You Should Revalue Jewellery Every Few Years

Even if you’ve had a valuation before, it’s essential to update it every 2–3 years. Market prices fluctuate, and even slight changes in the condition of your jewellery can impact its value. An outdated valuation could leave you underinsured or misinformed about your assets.

If your jewellery has been modified, cleaned, or restored since the last valuation, a reassessment is strongly recommended.

Let Jewellery Valuation Laboratory Help You Find Certainty

At Jewellery Valuation Laboratory, we specialise in independent, certified jewellery valuations for insurance, resale, estate planning, legal matters, and peace of mind. Our qualified team includes expert gemmologists and registered valuers with years of industry experience.

We are proudly independent—we don’t buy or sell jewellery, which means our reports are 100% unbiased and based on thorough analysis. Whether you're seeking a single valuation or need an entire collection appraised, we provide detailed reports accepted by all major insurers and legal professionals.

To schedule your valuation appointment or speak with one of our experts, call us today on 03 8596 5908. You can also visit our Google Business Profile to read verified customer reviews and see why we’re Melbourne’s trusted choice for professional jewellery valuations.