What Is My Jewellery Worth? Understanding Valuations

At Furlong Auction House, our team of expert valuers are here to guide you through the process. In this blog, we’ll break down the key factors that determine jewellery value, what to expect from a professional valuation, and how to get the best result when selling.

A 'Be Boodles' Rose Gold Diamond Bangle, and a Boodles Single Ashoka Mosaic Bangle

Why Jewellery Valuation Matters

A professional valuation gives you a clear picture of what your item could achieve at auction or through private sale. It also helps with:

• Insurance coverage

• Estate planning or probate

• Divorce or legal settlements

• Resale or investment decisions

  
  

But not all valuations are created equal. The context — insurance vs auction vs retail — matters enormously. At Furlong, we specialise in market-led auction valuations to reflect real-world selling prices. We also have in-house, renowned NAJ Insitute Registered Valuers to assist with insurance valuations, probate valuations and division of asset valuations.

What Determines the Value of Jewellery?

Here are the main factors our valuers assess:

Materials & Gemstones

• Precious metals (like gold, platinum or silver) are assessed by purity and weight.

• Gemstones (especially diamonds, sapphires, rubies, and emeralds) are graded by the 4Cs — cut, colour, clarity, and carat weight.

• Natural stones are generally more valuable than synthetic or treated gemstones.

  
  

Craftmanship & Design: The level of workmanship can significantly affect value. Intricate, hand-crafted designs, or pieces that reflect a certain design era (e.g., Art Deco or Edwardian), can command premium prices.

Brand & Provenance: Branded jewellery — such as pieces by Cartier, Van Cleef & Arpels, Tiffany & Co., or Bulgari — typically holds more value due to the reputation and collectability of the house. Provenance (e.g. royal ownership or celebrity history) can also increase desirability.

Age and Rarity: Antique and vintage jewellery may be more valuable depending on rarity, condition, and collector demand. Limited-edition or discontinued designs often perform strongly at auction.

Condition: Wear and tear can impact value. Our experts will assess any repairs, replacements, or alterations that may have affected the integrity of the piece.

What Happens in a Professional Valuation?

At Furlong Auction House, our valuations are carried out by qualified gemmologists and jewellery experts. Here’s what to expect:

1. Initial consultation – in person or via secure online submission

2. Detailed examination of gemstones, hallmarks, settings, and design

3. Comparative market analysis based on recent sales and market trends

4. Transparent valuation report with a realistic auction estimate

There’s no pressure to consign your item with us — but if you do, we’ll guide you every step of the way.

Thinking of Selling?

Once you know what your jewellery is worth, the next step is deciding how to sell it. Our auctions attract global collectors, offering a platform that combines expert curation with international exposure.

Book a Free Valuation with Furlong

If you're ready to discover the value of your jewellery, click here to arrange a free, no-obligation valuation with our team.