Are these valuation days free, or is there a service charge involved?

Jewellery valuation days are not automatically free. A service charge may apply, depending on the purpose of the valuation, the type and number of items involved, and the level of written detail required. Before booking with Steven Charles Quance, confirm the current fee, what the service includes and whether any additional charges could apply.

A brief appraisal or informal indication of value is different from a formal written valuation. Insurance, probate, divorce, estate planning and sale-related valuations usually require more careful examination, research and documentation than a general discussion about an item. The fee should therefore reflect the work involved rather than simply the time spent at the appointment.

Charges may take different forms, including:

• a fee for each item assessed;
• a charge based on the number of pieces presented;
• a fixed fee for a written valuation report;
• a minimum appointment or administration charge; or
• a separate fee for additional research, particularly where an item is unusual, signed, antique or difficult to identify.

The valuation day information should make clear whether the quoted price covers examination only or includes a completed written report. It is also worth checking whether the fee includes photographs, item descriptions, replacement values, probate values, digital copies or printed documentation. If several pieces are being valued, ask whether they will be listed individually and whether a combined report is available.

The purpose of the valuation affects the wording and basis of the assessment. An insurance valuation generally considers the likely cost of replacing an item with an equivalent piece, while a probate valuation records an appropriate open-market value for the estate at the relevant date. These are not interchangeable, and a valuation prepared for one purpose may not meet the requirements of an insurer, solicitor, executor or other organisation.

For probate work, confirm whether the valuer can provide documentation suitable for the estate process and whether the valuation date required by the executor or solicitor can be accommodated. If the valuation is retrospective, additional research may be needed, which can affect the price and completion time. The report should identify the items clearly, describe the materials and gemstones where reasonably possible, state the valuation basis and show the value attributed to each relevant piece.

A valuation day can be an efficient way to have several items considered during one organised appointment, but it does not necessarily mean that the service is complimentary. Event arrangements may allow the jeweller to handle appointments efficiently, while the professional assessment and any written report remain chargeable services. In some circumstances, a simple consultation may be free, but this should not be assumed to include a formal valuation.

When arranging an appointment, ask these practical questions:

• Is there a charge for attending or making an appointment?
• Is the fee for an informal opinion, a verbal appraisal or a formal written valuation?
• Is pricing calculated per item, per report or according to the complexity of the work?
• Does the quoted fee include VAT, photographs and printed or electronic copies?
• Will additional research or specialist input be charged separately?
• How long will the report take, particularly if it is needed for probate or an insurance renewal?
• What happens if an item cannot be valued accurately without further testing or documentation?

Bring any purchase receipts, previous valuations, insurance documents, certificates, maker’s paperwork and provenance records that relate to the jewellery or watch. These documents do not determine the value by themselves, but they can help confirm an item’s identity, history and specifications. Keep valuable pieces secure during transport and ask in advance whether items will be examined during the appointment or retained temporarily for further work.

If you need a valuation for a specific legal or financial purpose, state this when booking rather than requesting a general jewellery valuation. Steven Charles Quance can then explain the appropriate service, the information required and the applicable charge before the appointment. Written confirmation of the scope and price helps prevent misunderstandings and ensures that the finished valuation is suitable for its intended use.