What does the valuation entail?

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Your valuation will provide precise details of each piece of jewellery along with digital photographs of all pieces, and comes to you bound and presented in a report folder.  For your convenience, you'll also receive a digital copy of the report which, for example, in the case of insurance, can easily be shared with your insurer.  

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Why do I need to have my jewellery revalued for insurance?

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The Market:  A valuation for Insurance informs your insurer of the current replacement value of your item.  If you have the misfortune of suffering a loss, the value stated in your valuation will form the basis of settlement on your claim.  The value of a piece of jewellery, however, will typically change over time.  This can be owing to several factors.  Market forces cause the cost of precious metals and gems to rise and fall.  International exchange rates fluctuate. Political situations across the globe can cause shortages in supply to gems and metals.  Having your jewellery revalued periodically ensures that the values stated reflect the actual, current replacement cost so that you don't find yourself over- or worse under-insured should the need arise for you to make a claim.

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Your insurer and your insurance policy:  Most standard home insurance policies require you to submit an updated valuation of your jewellery periodically.  You'll find this requirement stated in your terms and conditions of cover. 

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How often should I have my jewellery revalued?

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Check with your insurer to determine what your policy states.  A good rule of thumb is once every 24 months, however some clients choose to undergo revaluation annually, especially during periods of volatility in international markets.

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Can revaluation be done online?

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No, Shelley needs to inspect your jewellery in person for revaluation. However, this type of appointment is a brief one because Shelley already has all of the precise details of your items from her original inspection.  Physically inspecting your jewellery although brief, is essential as it ensures that you are adequately covered for insurance.  It also provides you with a "health-check" for your jewellery.  Shelley will ensure that stones and clasps are secure and let you know if any damage has occurred during wear since her last inspection.  She'll provide advice if any repairs, big or small, need to be carried out by your jeweller.  Once the short inspection appointment is complete, Shelley will forward your valuation in the normal way.

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Why choose an independent valuer instead of my local jeweller?

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Our sole purpose is jewellery valuations.  We do not buy jewellery.  We do not sell jewellery and we are not affiliated with any brands.  Thus we can ensure that the valuations we provide are a thoroughly researched, independent, impartial and true reflection of current values in the Irish market.​

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​What is a "MIRV" and is it important?

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A registered valuer has undergone the robust and exacting scrutiny of their work by the awarding body.  Shelley is a member of the Institute of Registered Valuers (IRV) which is part of the National Association of Jewellers (NAJ).  In order to even be eligible to apply for membership, registered valuers must first:

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- Hold internationally recognised qualifications in both      Gemmology and Diamond Grading.

-  Have passed the Institute's Foundation in Appraisal Practice.

- Have a minimum of five years relevant experience in the jewellery trade.

 

Membership of the IRV requires submission of a substantial body of completed work to the institute for scrutiny by the expert examination panel.  This ensures that the IRV member employs the stringent methodologies of the institute and that their work achieves the required standard. Upon achieving membership, members are further required to:

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-  Commit to following the Institute's Code of Practice

-  Submit further examples of their work every 5 years

-  Maintain annual Continuous Professional Development (CPD)

 

For anyone undertaking jewellery valuations, CPD is an extremely important requirement.  New developments in diamond and gem treatments as well as advances in synthetic (man-made) gems occur all the time in our industry.  As a proud member of the IRV, Shelley is committed to constant upskilling and regularly attends valuation and gemmological conferences.  You can find an overview of Shelley's credentials as a valuer in the About section or locate her on the IRV register here.

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What is Gemmology?

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Gemmology is the science of gemstones and a branch of mineralogy.  Gemmology encompasses expert knowledge of gems, their formation, origin, characteristics, identification, synthetic counterparts (where relevant), treatments and quality factors.

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Shelley is proud to have studied with Gem-A, The Gemmological Association of Great Britain whose gemmology qualification is broadly regarded internationally as the utmost standard in gemmological study and examinations.  Shelley holds the distinction of being a Fellow of the Gemmological Association (FGA) and having also completed her diamond grading qualification with Gem-A, is a Diamond Grading Member (DGA) of this prestigious association as well.  Earlier in her career, Shelley worked as a tutor at Gem-A headquarters in London, teaching practical diamond grading and gem testing to gemmology students and professionals in the jewellery trade looking to upskill.

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Additionally, Shelley is a Graduate Gemologist (GIA GG) of the Gemological Institute of America (GIA).  The GIA is the world's largest gemological institute and recognized as a world-leading source of gem research, education and laboratory services. 

How long does the valuation take?

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When you book an appointment, Shelley travels to your location, examines your jewellery on site, then returns to the office to complete the research and prepare your valuation.  In many cases your valuation will be ready within a couple of days.  Less frequently, we may need extra time to research items with a particular provenance, but in those cases, we'll contact you by email to let you know.