Founder & Market Researcher
What a Valuation Certificate Includes
A jewellery valuation certificate is a formal document prepared by a qualified valuer that describes your item in detail and states its value for a specific purpose. Whether you need an insurance valuation or any other type of report, the certificate is your proof of value. A properly prepared certificate should include all of the following elements.
Item description. A detailed written description of the piece, including the type of jewellery (ring, necklace, bracelet, watch), its design, and any distinguishing features such as hallmarks, maker's marks, or serial numbers.
Measurements and weight. Physical dimensions of the piece in millimetres and its weight in grams. For rings, the finger size should be recorded. These measurements help identify the item and distinguish it from similar pieces.
Materials. The type and purity of precious metals used (for example, 18ct yellow gold or 950 platinum), confirmed by hallmark or assay testing. Any non-precious components should also be noted.
Gemstone details. For each stone: the type (diamond, sapphire, emerald, etc.), cut, colour, clarity, carat weight, dimensions, and whether the stone is natural or treated. Diamond grading should reference an established scale such as the GIA system.
Photographs. Clear, colour photographs of the item from multiple angles. These are essential for identification and claims purposes. Most professional valuers now include high-resolution digital photographs as standard.
Replacement value. The stated monetary value, clearly linked to the purpose of the valuation. For insurance certificates, this is the replacement value — the cost of purchasing an equivalent new item from a reputable retailer.
Valuer's credentials. The name, qualifications, and professional memberships of the valuer (for example, IRV, JVA, or NAJ registered). This establishes their authority to produce the certificate.
Date and signature. The date the valuation was carried out and the valuer's signature. The date is critical because values change over time with market conditions.
Valuation purpose. A clear statement of the basis of value used — replacement value for insurance, open market value for probate, or realisable value for resale. This tells the reader exactly what the figure represents.
How to Read a Valuation Certificate
Reading a valuation certificate for the first time can feel overwhelming. Here is a practical walkthrough of what each section means and what to look for.
Start with the header section, which identifies the valuer, their business details, and professional registrations. This establishes credibility. If you cannot find any qualifications or membership numbers here, that is a concern.
The item description is the longest part of the certificate. It should be specific enough that someone could identify your exact piece from the description alone. Generic phrases like "gold ring with diamond" are not sufficient — you should see precise metal types, stone specifications, and measurements.
The value statement is the figure most people skip straight to, but context matters. "Replacement value" means the cost of buying an equivalent new item at retail. This will always be higher than what you originally paid and higher than what you could sell it for. It is not what the item is "worth" in a general sense — it is specifically what it would cost to replace.
Other value types you might encounter include open market value (what it would sell for between a willing buyer and seller) and realisable value (what you would actually receive through a specific selling channel). Make sure the value type on your certificate matches the purpose you need it for. Learn more about the differences in our guide to getting jewellery valued for insurance.
Certificate Formats in the UK
There is no single mandatory format for a jewellery valuation certificate in the UK, but several professional bodies set standards that their members must follow. Here is how the main formats compare:
| Format | Issuing body | Key features | Accepted by insurers |
|---|---|---|---|
| IRV format | Institute of Registered Valuers (RICS) | Standardised layout, mandatory photograph, RICS-compliant methodology | Widely accepted |
| GVJ format | Gem-A / Guild of Valuers & Jewellers | Detailed gemmological descriptions, laboratory-grade stone analysis | Widely accepted |
| JVA format | Jewellery Valuers Association | Structured template, consistent terminology, emphasis on replacement value | Widely accepted |
| Independent | Individual qualified valuers | Variable layout, depends on valuer’s training and standards | Accepted if valuer is suitably qualified |
| Digital certificate | Various providers | PDF format, embedded photographs, easy to store and share electronically | Accepted — increasingly preferred |
| Paper certificate | Various providers | Traditional printed format, physical signature, harder to replace if lost | Accepted — still common |
Digital certificates are becoming the norm. They are easier to store, share with insurers, and duplicate if the original is damaged. If your valuer still issues paper-only certificates, ask whether a digital copy is available.
Red Flags on a Valuation Certificate
Not all certificates are created equal. If you spot any of the following issues on a certificate, it may not be accepted by your insurer — or worse, it may leave you exposed in the event of a claim.
- No photograph of the item included with the certificate
- Missing valuer credentials — no qualifications or membership numbers listed
- No date of valuation, making it impossible to assess currency
- Rounded values (e.g. exactly £5,000) rather than precise figures reflecting actual market research
- No basis of value stated — the certificate does not specify whether it is replacement, open market, or realisable value
- Generic descriptions like "gold ring with stones" instead of precise metal purity, stone types, and measurements
- No mention of the valuation methodology or standards followed
- Certificate issued by the same retailer who sold you the item, with no independent verification
- Detailed, item-specific description with precise measurements
- Clear, colour photographs from multiple angles
- Named valuer with verifiable professional qualifications
- Specific value figure with a clearly stated basis of value
- Date of examination and valuer's signature
- Reference to professional standards (RICS, JVA, or NAJ guidelines)
If your current certificate shows any of the red flags above, consider getting a new valuation from a properly qualified, independent valuer before your next insurance renewal.
How Insurers Verify Certificates
Insurers do not simply accept every valuation certificate at face value. They have processes in place to verify the documents you submit, particularly for high-value items.
Credential checks. Insurers verify that the valuer is registered with a recognised professional body. Some maintain approved panel lists of valuers whose certificates they accept without further scrutiny. If your valuer is not on their panel, the insurer may request additional verification.
Value reasonableness. Insurers compare the stated replacement value against market data and their own claims experience. If a value appears unusually high or low for the type of item described, they may query the certificate or request a second opinion.
Random audits. Some insurers conduct random audits where they select a percentage of submitted certificates for independent verification. This may involve contacting the valuer directly or commissioning an independent check.
Submitting an inflated or fraudulent valuation certificate is a serious matter. It can void your entire policy, not just the claim on the overvalued item. Always use a qualified, independent valuer who will provide an honest assessment based on genuine market research.
Storing and Protecting Your Certificates
Your valuation certificate is useless if you cannot find it when you need it. A house fire or burglary that destroys your jewellery may also destroy a paper certificate stored alongside it. Proper storage is essential.
Digital copies. Scan or photograph every paper certificate and save the digital files. Most valuers now provide PDF certificates as standard — always keep a copy of the original digital file.
Cloud storage. Upload digital copies to a secure cloud service (Google Drive, iCloud, Dropbox, or similar). This ensures you can access them from anywhere, even if your home is damaged or your devices are stolen.
Solicitor or executor. If your jewellery collection is valuable, consider lodging copies of your certificates with your solicitor or the executor of your will. This makes it easier for your estate to handle insurance claims or probate if needed.
Safety deposit box. For paper originals, a bank safety deposit box provides fire-proof, theft-proof storage. This is especially sensible for certificates covering items worth over £10,000.
Updating records. Each time you get a new valuation, update all your storage locations. Remove outdated certificates to avoid confusion about which is current, but keep superseded certificates as they provide a useful history of value changes.
What to Do If You Lose a Certificate
Losing a valuation certificate is not uncommon, and it is not a disaster. Here are the steps to take.
Contact the original valuer. Most professional valuers retain copies of all certificates they issue, typically for at least six years and often longer. Contact them with as much detail as you can — your name, approximate date of valuation, and a description of the item. They should be able to provide a duplicate.
Request a duplicate. A duplicate or replacement certificate from the original valuer is the simplest solution. There may be a small administrative fee, but it will be far less than the cost of a full new valuation. The duplicate should carry the original date and be clearly marked as a copy.
Get a new valuation. If the original valuer cannot be traced, has retired, or if your certificate was more than five years old anyway, the best course of action is to get a fresh valuation. This ensures your insurance cover reflects current replacement costs and gives you a brand-new certificate to store properly this time.
Notify your insurer as soon as you realise a certificate is missing. They may have a copy on file from when you originally submitted it, or they can advise on what they need to maintain your cover while you arrange a replacement.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long is a jewellery valuation certificate valid?
Most insurers accept valuation certificates for three to five years before requiring an update. However, there is no fixed expiry date printed on the certificate itself. If precious metal or gemstone prices move significantly, your insurer may request an earlier update. It is good practice to review your valuations every three years to ensure your coverage reflects current replacement costs.
Does my valuation certificate need to include a photograph?
Whilst not a legal requirement, a photograph is considered best practice and most reputable valuers include one as standard. Insurers strongly prefer certificates with photographs because they make it far easier to verify and identify items during a claim. A certificate without a photograph may be accepted, but it weakens your position if you ever need to make a claim.
Can I use a valuation certificate from a high-street jeweller?
It depends on their qualifications. A certificate is only as credible as the valuer who signs it. High-street jewellers who are registered with the Institute of Registered Valuers (IRV), the National Association of Jewellers (NAJ), or the Jewellery Valuers Association (JVA) can produce perfectly valid certificates. However, a receipt or informal estimate from a shop counter is not the same as a formal valuation certificate and will not be accepted by most insurers.
What is the difference between a valuation certificate and an appraisal?
In the UK, the terms are often used interchangeably, though "valuation" is the more common professional term. Both refer to a formal document produced by a qualified valuer stating the value of an item for a specific purpose. In the United States, "appraisal" is the standard term. What matters is the content, methodology, and the credentials of the person who prepared it, not what the document is called.
Do I need a separate certificate for each piece of jewellery?
Yes. Each item should have its own individual certificate with a unique description, measurements, and stated value. Insurers require per-item certificates so they can assess and settle claims on a piece-by-piece basis. A collection can be valued in a single appointment, but the valuer should produce separate certificates or clearly itemised entries for each piece.
How much does it cost to get a valuation certificate?
Valuation certificates typically cost between £50 and £125 per item, depending on the complexity of the piece and the valuer’s qualifications. Many valuers offer reduced rates for multiple items assessed in the same appointment. The cost of the certificate is a small price compared to the financial risk of being under-insured or having a claim rejected due to inadequate documentation.
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