When you are dealing with an estate, jewellery can be difficult to judge. Costume pieces sit alongside fine jewellery, hallmarks can be worn or missing, and sentimental value rarely matches market value. Here is how we suggest approaching it.
1. Don’t sort, clean or split anything yet
Keep everything together, including boxes, receipts, old valuations and certificates, as these can all add value. Please don’t separate pieces into “real” and “costume”, or send broken items for scrap. In May 2025, a mixed lot of jewellery in our sale made £2,100 thanks to a hallmarked George Christou 18ct gold and diamond necklace among the other pieces.
2. Get a proper probate valuation
For probate, the estate needs a fair market value – what the items would reasonably achieve if sold – rather than an insurance or replacement figure. Our probate valuations start from £225 + VAT. We usually allow one to two hours at the property and aim to send your report as a PDF within three days, ready to forward to your solicitor.
Our enhanced jewellery valuation for probate uses electronic gold and gemstone testers, digital gemstone gauges and XRF analysis, giving a precise, scientific assessment of each item’s true metal content. That clarity also helps families divide an estate fairly.
3. Decide what to keep and what to sell
Once you know what everything is worth, it is much easier for executors and beneficiaries to agree what stays in the family and what is sold. There is no obligation to sell through us.
4. Selling at auction
Our monthly sales reach bidders across the UK and overseas, and gold and jewellery are among our strongest categories. Recent results include an 18ct gold necklace and bracelet set at £2,700 and an 18ct white gold diamond cluster ring at £1,900. We charge 0% seller’s commission on gold coins and bullion, and sellers are paid within 21 days of the sale.
5. The rest of the contents
If the property needs clearing, our house clearance service identifies anything of value before the clearance begins, so suitable items go to auction rather than being missed.
To arrange a confidential consultation, call 020 3092 2737 or email [email protected]. Our first conversation is always free.
