Expert Probate Jewellery Valuations

HMRC Compliant Reports

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.

Get Your Jewellery Professionally Valued For Probate Today

Begin with a cost-effective online valuation or arrange a comprehensive in-person visit — both fully HMRC-compliant.

For Private Executors

Quick, secure booking for probate valuations.

Start Valuation

For Solicitors

Access your portal to manage valuations and track reports.

Choose the Right Valuation Approach For Your Jewellery

Whether you’re dealing with a single ring or an entire collection, we offer two probate valuation services to suit your needs — a quick, convenient online option or a detailed in-person appraisal when greater accuracy is required.

Online Valuation – £25+VAT per item or group

Who Is It For?

Who Is It For?
How It Works

Our online service is ideal if you’re unsure what something’s worth or whether it needs a full appraisal. Upload photos and details, and one of our probate experts will provide a fast, HMRC-compliant valuation, often the perfect starting point before deciding if an in-person visit is necessary.

You can submit a single item, or a small related group, such as a few watches, pieces of jewellery etc.

Submit Photographs
Upload clear, close-up images of the jewellery, along with any relevant details such as hallmarks, inscriptions, or known provenance.
Specialist Assessment
A qualified jewellery valuer will review the images, assess the item(s), and provide an estimated open-market value based on visible characteristics and supporting details.
Receive Your Report
You’ll receive a professionally prepared, HMRC-compliant valuation report, along with guidance on whether a physical inspection or further appraisal is recommended.

Online and In Person Probate Valuations6

In-Person Valuation – From £249+VAT

Who Is It For?

Who Is It For?
How It Works

For high-value pieces of jewellery or larger collections our in-person service provides a appraisal at the property where the jewellery is located. A qualified valuer will inspect, photograph, and document items on-site, delivering a comprehensive HMRC-compliant report within around 7 days.

Book a Visit
Choose a convenient time for a valuer to attend the property, solicitor’s office, or secure location (such as a bank deposit box) where the jewellery is held.
In-Person Assessment
A qualified jewellery specialist will examine each item on-site, taking measurements, inspecting hallmarks, and documenting key details and images for the report.
Receive Your Report
You’ll receive a detailed, HMRC-compliant valuation report within approximately 7 days, including itemised values and expert notes on each piece.

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.

Example 1: Mixed Jewellery Collection (submitted online)

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

Example 2: Diamond Ring (submitted online)

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

Example 3: Diamond Solitaire Ring (In-Person Valuation)

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 item’s likely high value, a physical inspection was essential. This ensured a reliable open-market valuation for probate — rather than relying on an inflated insurance estimate.

Trusted By

“Valuations are the biggest single area of risk, accounting for a large part of our compliance checks. It is important to properly ascertain the value of assets. For assets with a material value you are strongly advised to instruct a qualified independent valuer.”

Source: Inheritance Tax Toolkit, HMRC, Published July 2018

Why Choose A Swift Values Professional Jewllery Valuation?

Protecting Executors and Legal Professionals

Whether you’re a private executor or legal professional, proper valuations are essential for fulfilling your legal obligations and managing risk. Our professional in-person valuations provide documented evidence of “reasonable care” for private executors and demonstrate due diligence for solicitors.

With our HMRC-compliant methodology and professional indemnity insurance backing, we help protect you from potential challenges, penalties and unexpected tax liabilities.

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.

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 House Contents Probate Valuation Report

Included in Our Valuation Report	Why It Matters
HMRC-Compliant Open Market Valuation	Meets Inheritance Tax Act 1984 Section 160 requirements for accurate probate reporting.
Professional Valuation Opinion	An expert assessment of your jewellery’s worth based on market conditions.
Clear Valuation Format	Online 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 Notes	Important details on jewellery composition, metal type, gemstone quality, and condition.
Photographs	Visual documentation for probate records and future reference.
Hallmark Identification & Metal Content	Verification of gold, silver, platinum, and other precious metals where applicable and possible.
Specialist Input Where Needed	If 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.

Pricing & Turnaround

Service Type	Description	Price (ex. VAT)	Turnaround Time
Online Valuation	Valuation via photos. Ideal for specific bequests, office-held items, or when unsure of an item’s value.	£25 per item	1-2 working days
In-Person Valuation	Home or office visit by a qualified FGA/DGA valuer. Best for high-value jewellery or full collections.	From £249	Report within 7 days

Common Questions About Jewellery Valuations for Probate.

How Is Probate Value Different from Insurance Value?

What is probate value?
Probate value refers to the open market value of an item at the time of death, as defined under Section 160 of the Inheritance Tax Act 1984. It reflects what the item might reasonably fetch if sold at auction or on the second-hand market. This is the figure HMRC uses to calculate inheritance tax and is not based on original purchase price or retail value.

What is insurance value?
Insurance value represents the cost of replacing an item with a new equivalent of similar quality. It tends to be higher than probate value because it reflects current retail prices or the cost of commissioning a like-for-like replacement, rather than what the item might sell for second-hand.

Why are the two values different?
Probate value considers likely sale proceeds in today’s market, while insurance value is about replacement cost. For example, a watch might be worth £500 at auction (probate value) but cost £2,000 to replace new (insurance value). Each serves a different legal and financial purpose.
Do I Need to Value Every Item of Jewellery for Probate?

Not necessarily. HMRC doesn’t require each item to be individually valued — but all personal possessions (chattels) must be declared as part of Schedule IHT407.

Jewellery worth over £1,500 should be listed individually, while lower-value items can be grouped within a general contents valuation. Some providers itemise everything, which can drive up costs, but HMRC guidance only requires detailed listings for higher-value pieces. Our approach keeps things compliant and cost-effective.

If you’re unsure what something is worth — or whether it even needs to be listed — our £25 online valuation is the perfect place to start. Upload a few photos and one of our experts will guide you from there.
What if I’m an Executor Living Abroad?

That’s no problem. Our online valuation service is designed to work seamlessly for international executors. You can begin the process remotely by uploading photographs and information from anywhere in the world.

If a site visit is required, we’ll handle the logistics by sending a valuer to the property or liaising directly with your UK-based contacts. You won’t need to travel to the UK to get things moving.
Will an online valuation accepted by HMRC for probate?

Yes. All our online valuation reports are fully HMRC-compliant and meet the standards required under Section 160 of the Inheritance Tax Act 1984. For many estates, especially those without high-value collections, an online valuation is a cost-effective and legally valid way to provide open-market values. If we spot anything that may need closer inspection, we’ll let you know and recommend next steps.

Need Help or Have Questions?

We’re here to support you — whether you need guidance choosing the right service or have questions about an ongoing valuation.

Call us: +44 (0)330 088 4099
Email: enquiries@swiftvalues.co.uk

For Private Executors

Quick, secure booking for probate valuations.

Start Valuation

For Solicitors

Access your portal to manage valuations and track reports.