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How to value jewellery for probate

 

Expert Probate Jewellery Valuations

HMRC Compliant Reports

 

Valuation

Professional Probate Valuations For Jewellery

Managing an estate is challenging, but valuing jewellery for probate doesn’t have to be. At Swift Values, we provide expert jewellery valuations for probate, whether you’re a solicitor handling an estate or an executor managing a loved one’s affairs.

We offer HMRC-compliant jewellery valuations through both our online and in-person services, making the process straightforward and stress-free.

Unsure where to start? Our £25 online valuation provides a broad estimate of your jewellery’s value and identifies whether further assessment is needed.

Book Your Valuation

Probate Valuations Jewellery

Why Choose a Professional Probate Jewellery Valuation?

We offer expert, cost-effective jewellery valuations tailored to probate requirements. Whether online or in-person, our swift and reliable service ensures accuracy, compliance, and peace of mind, helping you navigate the probate process with confidence.

The Risks of Incorrect Valuations:

Incorrect valuations during probate can lead to serious consequences. Over- or under-valuing jewellery risks HMRC penalties and tax issues, creating unnecessary burdens. Inaccurate assessments slow down estate administration and delay asset distribution. They can also trigger family conflicts, as misjudged values often lead to inheritance disputes that strain relationships during an already difficult time.

Ensure accuracy and compliance – start your valuation today.

The Benefits of a Professional Jewellery Valuation with Swift Values:

✔ HMRC-compliant reports – Fully accepted for probate and estate settlement.
✔ Accurate open-market pricing – Avoids overpayment of inheritance tax or undervaluing assets.
✔ Expert assessment – Qualified FGA/DGA valuers ensure precise evaluation of diamonds, gold, and other precious metals.
✔ Convenient services – Choose between an affordable online valuation or an in-person expert visit for larger collections.
✔ Trusted by solicitors – Our valuations are relied upon by legal professionals across the UK.

How Our Probate Jewellery Valuation Works – Online & In-Person

At Swift Values, we offer two flexible valuation services—online for convenience or in-person for detailed assessments. Our step-by-step approach ensures accuracy, compliance, and ease of use.

Online Jewellery Valuation – £25+VAT

Ideal for solicitors handling specific bequests, executors unsure about value, or items stored in an office.

1️⃣ Submit Photos – Upload clear images of the jewellery, watches, or collectables.
2️⃣ Expert Review – A specialist valuer assesses the item and provides a valuation range.
3️⃣ Receive Your Report – You’ll get a professional valuation opinion, plus guidance on whether further authentication is needed.

Our online valuation service provides HMRC-compliant reports in line with the Inheritance Tax Act, offering quick assessment of whether items need full valuation. Our qualified jewellery experts will examine your items, providing an initial value range assessment and clear guidance on next steps. For significant pieces, we may recommend formal valuation (£249/hour) for defensible reports.

Ideal for those unsure where to start and need to determine if watches, jewellery, artwork or collectables in wills have significant value. Perfect low-cost due diligence for solicitors handling estate valuations.

In-Person Jewellery Valuation – From £249+VAT

For high-value collections or where physical inspection is essential for accurate assessment and documentation.

1️⃣ Book a Visit – A qualified FGA/DGA valuer attends your property or office.
2️⃣ Thorough Examination – Jewellery and valuables are assessed, photographed, and documented.
3️⃣ HMRC-Compliant Report – A fully illustrated report with detailed descriptions and market-accurate values.

Our in-person jewellery valuation service provides HMRC-compliant reports aligned with the Inheritance Tax Act. We offer  detailed jewellery appraisals by FGA/DGA registered valuers. Most visits take under an hour, with additional research agreed beforehand. We provide adjustable thresholds for itemising.

Ideal for high-value jewellery, extensive collections or estates requiring thorough documentation.

Start Your Jewellery Valuation Today

Begin your probate valuation process with confidence. For private executors, our Online Valuation (£25+VAT) allows you to quickly submit photos for assessment or book a comprehensive In-Person Valuation with our expert team.

Solicitors can efficiently manage client valuations through our dedicated portal.

If you have any questions feel free to call us on 0330 088 4099

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What You Receive from a Swift Values Jewellery Valuation

Every valuation report we provide is fully HMRC-compliant, ensuring a smooth probate process with accurate and defensible valuations. Whether you choose an online or in-person service, you will receive a professional assessment prepared by a qualified jewellery specialist.

Included in Your Jewellery Probate Valuation Report

Included in Our Valuation ReportWhy It Matters
HMRC-Compliant Open Market ValuationMeets Inheritance Tax Act 1984 Section 160 requirements for accurate probate reporting.
Professional Valuation OpinionAn expert assessment of your jewellery’s worth based on market conditions.
Clear Valuation FormatOnline valuations provide a valuation range and suggested next steps. In-person valuations provide a categoric value for each item over the £1,500 threshold.
Item Descriptions & Condition NotesImportant details on jewellery composition, metal type, gemstone quality, and condition.
PhotographsVisual documentation for probate records and future reference.
Hallmark Identification & Metal ContentVerification of gold, silver, platinum, and other precious metals where applicable and possible.
Specialist Input Where NeededIf an item requires further expertise (e.g., rare gemstones or signed pieces), we provide clear recommendations.
Next Steps Guidance (Online Valuation Only)If an item is of significant value, we advise whether a formal valuation (£249/hour) or further inspection is necessary.

Tailored to Your Needs

Our services are designed to match your specific requirements. The Online Valuation (£25+VAT) is ideal for quick estimates and determining whether further assessment is required. For high-value jewellery or large collections, our In-Person Valuation service provides detailed itemisation for any pieces over £1,500. By choosing Swift Values, you ensure a reliable, cost-effective, and fully compliant valuation that protects executors, solicitors, and beneficiaries from costly errors or disputes.

Pricing & Turnaround

At Swift Values, we offer transparent pricing with no hidden fees. Our valuation services are designed to be cost-effective and efficient, whether you need a quick online assessment or a full in-person valuation.

Service TypeDescriptionPrice (ex. VAT)Turnaround Time
Online ValuationValuation via photos. Ideal for specific bequests, office-held items, or when unsure of an item’s value.£25 per item1-2 working days
In-Person ValuationHome or office visit by a qualified FGA/DGA valuer. Best for high-value jewellery or full collections.From £249Report within 7 days

Start Your Probate Jewellery Valuation Today

Begin your jewellery probate valuation with confidence. Private executors can submit photos through our £25+VAT Online Assessment or book a comprehensive In-Person Valuation with our experts.

Solicitors: Efficiently manage client valuations through our dedicated portal.

Questions? Call 0330 088 4099.

Common Questions About Jewellery Valuations for Probate

Do I Need to Value Every Piece of Jewellery for Probate?

It depends.

There is no explicit requirement in the HMRC Inheritance Tax Manual for every piece of jewellery to be individually valued. However, chattels (personal possessions) must be valued and declared as part of Schedule IHT407.

  • Jewellery valued over £1,500 must be itemised in the relevant section.
  • Lower-value items can be included as part of the overall chattels valuation.

Some valuers itemise every piece, which can increase costs unnecessarily, but HMRC guidance only requires jewellery over £1,500 to be listed individually. Our approach ensures compliance while keeping valuations cost-effective.

What if I’m an Executor Living Abroad?

No problem—we can start the valuation process remotely.

  1. Submit Photos – We begin with an online valuation using images and details you provide.
  2. Assessment & Guidance – If further inspection is needed, we’ll advise on the next steps.
  3. In-Person Visits (if required) – Our valuers can visit properties, solicitors’ offices, jewellers, or even safety deposit boxes to assess high-value items.

This flexible approach ensures you can manage probate valuations efficiently, no matter where you are.

How Is Probate Value Different from Insurance Value?

Probate value and insurance value serve very different purposes and are calculated using different methods.

Probate Value (for Inheritance Tax)

  • Defined under Section 160 of the Inheritance Tax Act 1984:

    “The value at any time of any property shall … be the price which the property might reasonably be expected to fetch if sold in the open market at that time.”

  • Open market value – Typically based on what an item would sell for at auction without reserve, rather than a retail price.
  • Used for tax calculations – Ensures estates are valued fairly for HMRC compliance.
  • Not based on private sales – The valuation reflects a realistic selling price rather than what someone might eventually achieve on platforms like eBay or Facebook Marketplace.

Insurance Value (for Replacement Purposes)

  • Retail replacement cost – What it would cost to replace the item with an equivalent new one.
  • Often significantly higher than probate value, as insurers need to cover the full cost of finding a comparable replacement at retail prices.
  • Designed for protection, ensuring policyholders can replace lost or stolen items.

Key takeaway: Probate value reflects realistic market worth (typically auction value), while insurance value represents the cost to replace an item at retail.