Every item that crosses our threshold here at Charles Fish gets a thorough inspection from our in-house jewellery experts. But when we come across something that truly stands out – maybe it's the dazzling size and quality of the stones (hello, diamonds!), a rare and breathtaking cut, or an iconic designer piece – we send it off for external evaluation.
Once it returns, it earns a coveted spot in our Signature Collection, and will be sold along with the full report and a certificate of authenticity.
But what exactly is a jewellery evaluation? Who does it and why is it important? Worry not: we’ve got the answers right here!
Who carries out our evaluations?
We send all pieces to be evaluated off to the Birmingham Assay Office, one of the four assay offices in the UK. It’s been running since 1773 and today carries out services including:
- hallmarking
- nickel testing
- metal analysis
- plating thickness determination
- bullion certification
- consultancy
- gem certification.
What is evaluated?
The evaluation will include an assessment of the gems, such as colour, clarity, cut and carat weight. Settings and styles will also be noted as well as any hallmarks noting metal purity. Where hallmarks are not already in place, the metal will be tested and stamped.
Why is jewelley evaluation important?
Whether you've got a sparkling heirloom or a shiny new investment piece, getting it properly evaluated is key. Here’s why:
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Insurance peace of mind
Losing a treasured piece of jewellery can be heartbreaking, but imagine not being able to get its true worth back! An evaluation ensures you’ve got an accurate value for insurance, so if the unthinkable happens (theft, loss, or damage), you're covered for the full cost of making that piece from scratch. -
Selling smart
Thinking of parting ways with your jewellery? Knowing its current market value is your ticket to getting a fair price. Whether it's a vintage necklace or a trendy ring, an evaluation helps you avoid underselling your precious pieces.
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Keeping it fair in estate planning
When jewellery becomes part of estate planning, things can get a little tricky. Evaluations help ensure everything’s divided fairly, whether it’s for probate or a family legal situation. No guessing, just transparent value! -
Spot the real deal
Got a designer piece or something that looks too good to be true? An evaluation can confirm its authenticity, making sure you’re not dealing with a cleverly disguised fake. After all, when it comes to high-value items, you want to be sure it’s the real deal. -
Jewellery as an investment
For some, jewellery isn’t just about looking fabulous, it’s an investment too! Having it evaluated helps you track its worth over time, so you’ll know if it's appreciating like a fine wine (or in this case, a fine diamond).
In short, jewellery evaluation is like giving your pieces the recognition they deserve. So, whether it’s for insurance, resale, or peace of mind, it’s always worth it for those bigger value items.
