Jewellery is often one of the most valuable and sensitive categories within an estate. Accurate valuation is essential for probate and inheritance tax purposes.
At Dawsons Auctioneers, we provide professional jewellery probate valuations across the UK, preparing independent, HMRC-compliant reports for executors, solicitors and families.
Our valuations reflect true open market value at the date of death — not insurance replacement cost.
Jewellery values can vary significantly depending on:
Online estimates and insurance schedules are not suitable for probate. A professional jewellery probate valuation ensures:
Each piece is physically inspected by a specialist.
Where applicable, we assess:
Valuations are supported by current market evidence to determine open market value at the date of death.
Where appropriate, we may recommend laboratory certification or further specialist testing before finalising a probate value.
Our service includes:
Jewellery may be valued as a standalone instruction or as part of a wider estate valuation.
Where jewellery forms part of a broader estate valuation, our jewellery specialists work alongside our house contents, art and antiques teams to ensure consistent documentation across the probate report.
Significant items are identified and listed individually where appropriate, while the overall estate is presented in a clear and proportionate format suitable for probate submission.
We provide probate valuations for:
Each item is assessed individually where required.
It is important to understand that probate valuations differ from insurance valuations.
HMRC requires open market value for probate purposes.
Our time-based pricing structure ensures independence and clarity:
£495 + VAT Includes the first two hours on site, with travel included.
£125 + VAT per additional half hour Charged only if additional time is required.
There are:
We are happy to discuss likely time requirements before confirming an appointment.
Some valuation providers offer free jewellery valuations tied to a commitment to sell.
Our probate jewellery valuations are not contingent on consignment and are prepared solely for probate purposes. Any discussion about sale or auction occurs only if requested and is separate from the valuation instruction.
Do I need a professional jewellery valuation for probate?
Yes. Jewellery is often one of the highest-value asset categories in an estate. Professional valuation ensures accuracy and compliance with HMRC requirements.
Can I use an insurance valuation for probate?
No. Insurance valuations reflect replacement cost and are usually higher than open market value. Probate requires open market valuation at the date of death.
What if I don’t know whether jewellery is valuable?
Many pieces appear modest but may contain valuable gemstones or gold content. A professional assessment ensures nothing significant is overlooked.
Can you value jewellery separately from the rest of the estate?
Yes. Jewellery probate valuations can be carried out independently or as part of a full estate valuation.
Do I have to sell the jewellery after valuation?
No. There is no obligation to sell. The probate valuation is entirely independent of any future decision.
If you require a professional jewellery valuation for probate, our specialists are here to help.
Request a Probate Valuation
Tel: 0207 431 9445
Email: probate@dawsonsauctions.co.uk
Over £10m worth of valuables assessed each year.
Members of The Society of Fine Art Auctioneers & Valuers and The Art Loss Register.
Trusted by many of the UK’s top 500 law firms.
No hidden costs, we agree our fees with you in advance.
