Insurance and estate jewellery valuer

Individuals needing insurance cover, executors and solicitors handling estates, brokers and some jewellers who outsource valuations.

Per-item or hourly valuation fees, with higher fees for large collections, estates and detailed reports.

• Gemmology qualification plus knowledge of jewellery pricing
• Accurate, defensible report writing
• Professional manner and trustworthiness

• Professional indemnity insurance is essential, and check whether it covers valuations you sign off
• Insurers may have approved valuer requirements, so check these before promising clients their report will be accepted
• Carrying instruments and handling high-value items: check cover for items in transit and your personal safety when visiting homes
• Market prices change, so state the valuation date and review period on every report
• Avoid conflicts of interest if you also sell or repair jewellery

Estimates suggest startup costs typically around $5,000 to $20,000, depending on your instruments, insurance and equipment for visiting clients. Monthly revenue is typically estimated at around $1,500 to $7,000, depending on your client mix and report volume.

Check professional indemnity cover includes valuations you sign off, and any insurer approved valuer requirements. Also check cover for items in transit, your safety when visiting homes, valuation dates and review periods on reports, and conflicts of interest if you sell or repair jewellery.

A gemmology qualification, knowledge of jewellery pricing, defensible report writing and a trustworthy manner are important. Estimates suggest at least around 15 hours a week, depending on how many valuations you take on.