For insurance
A clear description and replacement value help your insurer cover the piece properly. Ask us about updating an older valuation; prices for gold and diamonds change.
Nash & Co · Caversham, Berkshire
Jewellery valuations
in Reading.
A ring you would like insured properly. An inherited box of jewellery for probate. A piece you simply want to understand. Bring it to Nash & Co, an independent jeweller on Bridge Street in Caversham, and talk to us about the right kind of valuation.
Jewellery valuations
Not every valuation is the same.
Insurance, probate and selling each ask a different question of the same piece of jewellery.
An insurance valuation describes a piece and states what it would cost to replace with a new equivalent at retail. A probate valuation records the open-market value of jewellery in an estate at the date of death. A selling price is different again: it is what a buyer would pay today. Knowing which figure you need is the first step.
Bring the piece to our Caversham shop with any paperwork you already have, such as receipts, certificates or an older valuation. We will look at the jewellery with you, explain what we can see, and tell you which kind of valuation applies and how it would be arranged. Written valuations for insurance or probate are discussed in person, so call ahead if you need one by a particular date.
If you are thinking about selling, you do not need a formal valuation first. We can look at the piece and discuss an offer directly. If you would rather keep it, we can also talk about repairs, resizing or remodelling at the same visit.
For probate
Inherited jewellery is often valued as part of an estate. Bring the pieces together with any lists or paperwork and we will explain what is involved.
For your own peace of mind
Sometimes you just want to know what you have. A conversation at the counter can tell you a lot about a stone, a hallmark or a maker before you decide anything.
Before your visit
Make the first conversation count.
If you are coming from elsewhere in Reading, Berkshire or South Oxfordshire, contact us first to discuss your piece and confirm the best next step.
- The piece itself, with any box it came in.
- Receipts, certificates, previous valuations or insurance documents.
- A note of why you need the valuation and any deadline, so we can confirm what is possible.
Your questions
Before you decide.
What is the difference between an insurance valuation and what a piece would sell for?
An insurance valuation is a replacement figure: what it would cost to buy an equivalent new piece at retail. A selling price is what a buyer would pay for the piece today, and it is normally lower. Both are useful, but for different purposes.
How much does a jewellery valuation cost?
A written valuation may be charged for, depending on the number of pieces and the work involved. Ask the shop what applies before you travel, and tell us if you are thinking of selling instead, as that is a different conversation.
Do you offer free valuations?
Ask the shop. Looking at a piece you are thinking of selling to us is a different conversation from preparing a written valuation for insurance or probate, and the shop will explain what applies to each.
Can you value jewellery from a photograph?
No. A valuation needs the piece in hand so the metal, stones, condition and construction can be examined. Photographs are useful background, but they cannot replace an inspection.
My valuation is ten years old. Does it need updating?
Gold and diamond prices have changed considerably in that time, and insurers often ask for a valuation that is no more than a few years old. Bring the old document with the piece and we can discuss an update.
Do you value watches?
Tell us the make and model when you call. Some watches need a specialist, and we will say so before you make a journey.
Caversham, Reading · Berkshire
Making a special journey?
Tell us about your piece before you set off. Whether you are nearby or travelling from further afield, a call helps you check what to bring and plan time at the shop.