Probate valuations
for books from £30

HMRC-compliant valuations
delivered in 2-3 days

No visit required in most cases.
Send us your photos. Our experts do the rest.

Start your valuation

Rated ‘Excellent’ on Google and Trustpilot

Online or in person valuation? Both Available

At Swift Values we provide complete probate valuations whichever route you choose. Most estates suit our online service well, though if your circumstances need a valuer on site, we offer that too.

Online Valuation

£30 single item – £60 multiple items

Best for most inherited books, rare books and smaller book collections. We regularly value antiquarian books, Folio Society editions, signed books, first editions, illustrated books, children’s books, sets and specialist collections from clear photographs. For larger collections, we can usually work from overall photos and a representative sample, then apply an average value where suitable.

Start your valuation

Best for: 95%+ of estates

In-Person Valuation – from £298

Only needed for very large collections of good books, specialist libraries, rare books needing closer inspection, or where volume makes a visit more cost-effective. Most estates should start online. A large number of books does not automatically mean a home visit is needed.

Enquire Now

Best for: high-value or specialist estates

Not sure which you need? Call the office on 0330 088 4099 and we will be happy to help.

What we can value

We provide specialist probate valuations for single books, rare books and inherited book collections. Whether the estate includes a signed first edition, Folio Society sets, antiquarian books or a larger private library, our valuers can usually assess the books for HMRC from clear photographs.

ITEMS WE CAN VALUE FOR PROBATE

Rare, Antiquarian & First Edition Books

First editions, early printings, antiquarian books, leather-bound volumes, dust jackets and complete sets where age, condition, edition and scarcity affect probate value.

Signed, Inscribed & Association Copies

Signed books, author inscriptions, bookplates, limited editions and presentation copies. Provenance, authenticity and the importance of the author can make a significant difference.

Folio Society, Private Press & Illustrated Books

Folio Society editions, private press books, illustrated works, art books, natural history books and decorative volumes, including boxed or slipcased examples.

Children’s Books, Annuals & Collectable Fiction

Older children’s books, annuals, classic fiction, fantasy, science fiction and collectable series where condition, completeness and original jackets are important.

Libraries, Sets & Larger Book Collections

Inherited libraries, academic books, local history, military, religious, travel and mixed book collections. For larger groups, values may be assessed using a representative sample.

Need help? Call the office on 0330 088 4099 and we will be happy to help.

“Valuations are the biggest single area of risk, accounting for a large part of our compliance checks. You are strongly advised to instruct a qualified independent valuer.”

Source: Inheritance Tax Toolkit, HMRC, Published July 2018

Your probate valuation in 3 easy steps

Swift Values provides a simple, cost-effective way to meet your probate valuation obligations. Here’s how it works:

Take photos

For one book, photograph the cover, spine, title page or frontispiece, publication details and any signatures, inscriptions or damage. For up to 10-20 better books, photograph each one. For larger collections, send overall photos plus a representative sample of around 10-20 books.

We value the items

Our valuers assess the books individually where appropriate, or work on an average basis for larger collections of up to 100 books. We consider author, edition, age, condition, dust jackets, signatures, scarcity and current open-market value.

Receive your HMRC compliant report

Typically delivered within 2–3 working days and prepared under Section 160 IHTA 1984, ready to submit with confidence.

✔ No home visit required ✔ 100% transparent with no hidden costs ✔ From just £30

✔ No home visit required

✔ 100% transparent with no hidden costs

✔ From just £30

How to photograph your jewellery for a probate valuation

Simply take clear, useful photographs so our gemmologists can prepare your probate report quickly and accurately.

You do not need professional photos or a home visit. In this short video our founder Mark explains exactly what to photograph, how to capture each piece, and which details help our valuers identify anything that may need closer attention.

See exactly what you’ll receive

Every Swift Values report is a professionally formatted PDF, ready to submit with your probate application. It includes:

Fully illustrated PDF report

High-value item breakdown for IHT 407

Valuer notes to detail specifics

Section 160 compliance statement

Signed declaration for IHT400

Valuer bio

View example report

Online vs In-Person: Real-World Example Valuations

Not sure what each valuation service can cover — or when an in-person visit is really needed?

Let’s take a look at three real-world examples to show what our valuers can provide from photos alone, and when they recommend a closer look.

Mixed Jewellery Collection (online valuation)

A varied group of everyday pieces you might expect to see in a typical jewellery box in the UK including gold and silver items.

What Was Submitted
Our Assessment

The valuation was completed by a qualified jewellery valuer (FGA, DGA, Professional Jewellers Diploma) with over 20 years’ experience. Their expert comments included:

“This assortment consists of a typical varied collection. Some items appear to be gold (possibly high carat), others silver, and some may be costume jewellery. While we wouldn’t expect any individual item to exceed the inheritance tax threshold, a more precise open-market valuation would require physical inspection to confirm hallmarks, weights, and condition.”

Estimated Range: £800 – £1,500

Suggested Probate Value: £1,200
Next Steps & Outcome

Diamond Ring? (online valuation)

A ring which a solicitor found in an estate on an inspection. They had no idea if it was a diamond or costume jewllery.

What Was Submitted
Our Assessment

The image was reviewed by a senior jewellery specialist holding FGA, DGA, and the Professional Jewellers Diploma. Their expert comments included:

“This appears to be a diamond ring. Based on the image, the stone could be between 1.5 and 3 carats, and looks bright and white — likely above average quality.

If it’s a natural diamond, the ring could be worth between £4,000–£6,000. If the stone is larger or of particularly high clarity and colour, it could exceed £7,000–£10,000.

However, a precise valuation would require in-person verification of the diamond’s size, colour, clarity, and authenticity.”

Estimated Range: £2,000 – £10,000
Next Steps & Outcome

Diamond-Ring-Swift-Values-Value-2-819x1024-450x450

A 1.6ct Diamond Solitaire Ring (in person valuation)

A large diamond solitaire ring subject to dispute between beneficiaries.

What Was Submitted

This item was specifically mentioned in the will and was clearly of known value. However, the solicitor managing the estate was unsure how to assign a fair probate figure — especially as the only available documentation was an insurance valuation that appeared unusually high.

Given the ring’s importance and potential value, an in-person valuation was arranged.
Our Assessment

The item was assessed by a senior jewellery valuer with over 20 years of experience, holding the FGA, DGA, and Professional Jewellers Diploma.

Description Provided in Report:

A round brilliant cut diamond in a white eight-claw coronet setting, with slightly tapered shoulders on a plain polished shank.

Estimated weight of the diamond is approximately 1.60 carats. The diamond measured 8.2mm x 8.2mm x 3.9mm, with an assessed colour of G/H and clarity of VS2/SI1.

The ring was unhallmarked but stamped ‘S&C’ and valued as 18ct white gold.

Finger size: N.

Gross weight: 2.8 grams.
Why an In-Person Valuation Was Needed

Due to the absence of hallmarking, the need for accurate diamond grading, and the dispute between beneficiaries, a physical inspection was essential. This ensured a reliable open-market valuation for probate — rather than relying on an inflated insurance estimate.

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Why executors choose
Swift Values

Book collections can be difficult to judge.

Inherited books can feel overwhelming. Executors often worry about whether every book needs checking, whether a signature changes the value, or whether an ordinary-looking volume might be a rare first edition, Folio Society set or valuable antiquarian book.

Most collections do not need to be valued one by one. Our book valuer is a second-generation specialist, able to separate ordinary reading copies from signed books, early editions, private press books, specialist libraries and better collectable volumes.

Online prices can also be misleading. A book listed for a high price is not always worth that amount for probate. We assess the realistic open-market value at the date of death and provide a clear, HMRC-compliant figure for the estate.

Swift-Values-Probate-Valuations-For-Executors

Trusted by thousands of executors

Rated ‘Excellent’ on Google. Over 1,000 valuations completed UK-wide.

I was overwhelmed by my mother’s estate. Swift Values made it simple and sent a professional report within two days. The service was perfect.

Barbara, Ipswich

Clear, thorough and incredibly quick. Exactly what we needed for probate to go through quickly.

Richard, Southampton

The report was far more detailed than I expected for the price. HMRC accepted it without question.

James, Salford

What’s included in your probate valuation?

Our online valuation starts at just £30 for a single item and £60 for multiple pieces, which suits the vast majority of estates.

If anything requires specialist input, we’ll tell you early and confirm any additional costs before proceeding. No surprises.

Service

Single book

Upto 150 books

Price

£30

£60

Ready to start your probate valuation?

From just £30. Delivered in 1-3 working days.

HMRC-compliant – guaranteed, or your money back.

Start your valuation

Questions? Call the office on 0330 088 4099

Swift Values FAQs

How much does a jewellery probate valuation cost?

We offer online jewellery valuations from just £30. A single-item valuation is £30, which is ideal where one piece, such as a ring, has been left to a named beneficiary in a will. For multiple pieces, our £60 valuation covers a standard UK jewellery box and is suitable for most estates.

The £60 service is subject to a fair use policy. If you have an unusually large collection, you are still welcome to submit it, but we may be in touch to advise on the best approach. If in doubt, call the office first on 0330 088 4099 and we will be happy to help.

For higher-value or specialist estates, we also offer in-person valuations from £298 per hour plus travel. London visits are subject to a two-hour minimum charge, which includes travel. In most cases, though, there is no need to overpay: our online service handles the vast majority of jewellery estates quickly and at a fraction of the cost.
What is the difference between an online and in-person valuation?

In both cases the work is carried out by the same experienced team of FGA and DGA-qualified gemmologists. The only real difference is how the items are assessed. With an online valuation, you photograph the pieces yourself and upload them through your account, and our valuer assesses them remotely. With an in-person valuation, the valuer inspects each piece in hand, which allows for closer examination of larger or more unusual stones.

In-person visits are only worthwhile when the estate justifies the cost, typically where significant diamonds, gemstones or important signed jewellery are involved. For the vast majority of estates, our online service provides the same expert assessment quickly and at a fraction of the cost.
Will my probate valuation be accepted by HMRC?

Yes. Swift Values has a 100% acceptance rate with HMRC across thousands of probate valuations. Every report is fully compliant with HMRC guidelines and prepared in accordance with Section 160 of the Inheritance Tax Act 1984.

We’re confident enough in our work to offer a full money-back guarantee: if your valuation is not accepted by HMRC, you get your fee returned.
Can you really value jewellery remotely?

Yes, and it is far more straightforward than most people expect. Our valuers have decades of experience working in some of the busiest auction houses in the UK, where they handled thousands of pieces every week. Once you have seen and assessed that volume of jewellery, valuation becomes second nature. A piece that feels rare and unique to its owner is usually very familiar to an experienced valuer.

By following our short video guide, taking clear overall photographs and weighing items on ordinary kitchen scales, you give us everything we need to provide an accurate valuation. This is, in fact, exactly how the major UK auction houses assess items and generate business every day. Valuing jewellery from good photographs is well-established practice, not a compromise.
How can you tell a diamond from cubic zirconia in a photograph?

This is where qualified experience matters. Our valuers are FGA and DGA-qualified, meaning they hold the Fellowship and Diamond diplomas of Gem-A, the Gemmological Association of Great Britain. These are among the most respected gemmological qualifications in the world.

Combined with decades of handling tens of thousands of pieces, that training allows a valuer to recognise the tell-tale signs that distinguish a genuine diamond from cubic zirconia, or a natural stone from a treated one, often from good photographs alone. Where any doubt remains, we will simply ask for further images or recommend a closer inspection. You are never left guessing, and nothing is valued on assumption.
How long does a probate valuation take?

Online probate valuations are typically completed within one to three working days from the point your photographs are uploaded. In-person valuations are usually finished within a single visit of around an hour, with the written report following shortly after. Timing depends on the size of the estate and how quickly photographs or access can be arranged, but most executors get what they need well within the timescales required for the probate application.
Why is our valuation cheaper than a high street jeweller?

It comes down to purpose. High street jewellers typically charge £50 to £100 per item because their valuations are prepared on an insurance replacement basis. That means recording every detail, from the setting and the number of stones to the precise specification of the mount, because all of it affects the cost of replacing the piece.

HMRC has no need for that level of detail. For probate, they require a fair open-market value for the estate, not a replacement specification. Our valuations are prepared specifically for that purpose, which is why they are far more proportionate in cost. Many people also simply want a figure for tax, with no intention of selling. It seems unfair to spend hundreds of pounds to meet a tax obligation, and our service is priced to reflect that.
What types of items can you value?

We value almost any piece you might find in a household estate. That includes gold and silver jewellery, diamond and gem-set pieces, and fine jewellery from signed houses such as Cartier, Tiffany and Boucheron. We regularly handle vintage and antique jewellery, Art Deco and Georgian pieces, engagement and eternity rings, necklaces, bracelets, brooches and earrings.

We also value watches, from everyday wristwatches to fine timepieces, along with pearls, coloured gemstones, loose stones and costume jewellery. Whether it is a single inherited ring or an entire jewellery box of mixed pieces, we can value it. If something especially rare or specialist comes up, we have a network of experts to call on.
What if I live abroad but need a UK probate valuation?

Living abroad isn’t a barrier. As long as someone can access the property and take photographs of the contents, an online valuation works perfectly well. That person can either upload the images directly to your account or send them to you to upload yourself. For in-person valuations, we can collect keys or coordinate with a UK-based solicitor or family member, so you don’t need to fly back to manage the process.
Do I need to bring items to you?

No. You don’t need to bring or send anything. For online valuations, you simply photograph the items where they are and upload the images through your Swift Values account. The valuer works from those photographs. For in-person valuations, the valuer comes to the property and handles the photography and cataloguing themselves. Items stay exactly where they are throughout the process, which avoids the risk and hassle of moving valuables.
Can you help after the valuation is complete?

Yes. Once the valuation is done, we can help with what comes next. That includes recommending trusted house clearance companies, advising on the best way to sell individual pieces, and pointing you towards the right auction houses or private sale routes depending on what is involved. Selling jewellery well takes a real understanding of the market, from current gold prices to demand for particular stones and signed pieces, and we are happy to share ours so executors get a fair return.

Probate valuationsfor books from £30

HMRC-compliant valuationsdelivered in 2-3 days

Online or in person valuation? Both Available

Online Valuation

£30 single item – £60 multiple items

In-Person Valuation – from £298

What we can value

Rare, Antiquarian & First Edition Books

Signed, Inscribed & Association Copies

Folio Society, Private Press & Illustrated Books

Children’s Books, Annuals & Collectable Fiction

Libraries, Sets & Larger Book Collections

“Valuations are the biggest single area of risk, accounting for a large part of our compliance checks. You are strongly advised to instruct a qualified independent valuer.”

Your probate valuation in 3 easy steps

Take photos

We value the items

Receive your HMRC compliant report

✔ No home visit required ✔ 100% transparent with no hidden costs ✔ From just £30

✔ No home visit required

✔ 100% transparent with no hidden costs

✔ From just £30

How to photograph your jewellery for a probate valuation

See exactly what you’ll receive

Online vs In-Person: Real-World Example Valuations

Mixed Jewellery Collection (online valuation)

Diamond Ring? (online valuation)

A 1.6ct Diamond Solitaire Ring (in person valuation)

Trusted by

Why executors choose Swift Values

Trusted by thousands of executors

Barbara, Ipswich

Richard, Southampton

James, Salford

What’s included in your probate valuation?

Service

Single book

Upto 150 books

Price

£30

£60

Ready to start your probate valuation?

From just £30. Delivered in 1-3 working days.

Swift Values FAQs

Probate valuations
for books from £30

HMRC-compliant valuations
delivered in 2-3 days

Why executors choose
Swift Values