Jewellery Valuations: The benefits and what you need to know

Jewellery is often amongst the most valuable and sentimental of a person’s possessions, and therefore it’s important to know how much it is worth for insurance purposes. Obviously, we all hope that no harm will come to our precious possessions, and an insurance premium is one of those things that you always trust will be a waste of money in the hope that you’ll never have to use it, but it’s better to be safe than sorry. And this is where your local independent jeweller can come to your rescue: a professional jewellery valuation carried out in a local jewellery shop will help you to be fully protected against loss or theft and make insurance claims quick and simple.

If the worst does happen, most insurance companies will ask for proof of ownership and a professional valuation to prove how much your treasured items were worth. They will also often ask for good quality photographs of the items and detailed descriptions. By asking a local jeweller to carry out a professional valuation of your jewellery, you will receive all of the above and more. During a valuation by your local jeweller, your watches and jewellery will be carefully examined and a detailed written report will be compiled, noting any distinguishing features, as well as documenting your items photographically, to provide you with a legal document fit for insurance purposes. Through the valuation from your local jewellery shop, you will be able to prove the value of your pieces for your insurer, and if any stolen items are recovered by the police, you will also have evidence that you are the rightful owner.

Lots of your items can also be SafeMarked by your local jewellery shop. This is a tiny, discreet mark which your local jeweller can apply in the same way as a hallmark would be applied. The SafeMark is then permanently recorded in a secure national database, giving you absolute proof that you are the owner. This means that if your jewellery is ever lost or stolen, by notifying SafeGuard the details will be put onto a constantly updated register, and if your jewellery is recovered, the police will be able to check the SafeMark against the register. Therefore, it’s definitely worth asking your local independent jeweller about this service!

Your local jewellery shop will either charge a fixed fee for the valuation, or a percentage of the value of the piece itself, so it’s important to find out up front how your local jeweller intends to charge you. Either way, however, your local independent jeweller will give excellent customer service and attention to detail, and the valuation fee will be a small price to pay if the worst does happen.

Unique Christmas Gift Ideas from your local independent jeweller

Stuck for unique Christmas gift ideas this Christmas? Want to give something special but don’t know where to turn to or what to buy? Fear not! A trip to your local jewellery shop is all you need: your local jeweller will be able to give you plenty of ideas for Christmas gift ideas 2011, and here’s just a few to get you started:

1) A personally commissioned jewellery piece:
For truly unique Christmas gift ideas this year, how about commissioning a special jewellery piece for the recipient? What could be more exclusive and thoughtful than an item of jewellery which has been designed just for you? This really will win you brownie points this Christmas as a piece designed with the recipient in mind truly demonstrates the old adage that ‘it’s the thought that counts’. Ask your local independent jeweller for advice on both design and the type of piece to have commissioned.

2) Wonderful watches:
Jewellery isn’t just for women, and this is especially true when it comes to luxury Christmas gift ideas. Make the man in your life feel extra special with a new watch this Christmas; your local jewellery shop will stock a variety of timepieces, from gold and silver watches, stainless steel or plated metal pieces, through to diamond set watches. Your local jeweller will be able to find something to suit every taste and budget when it comes to luxury Christmas gift ideas this festive season.

3) Kit Heath Jewellery:
If you’re after beautiful jewellery by a top British designer, Kit Heath Jewellery is just the job! His new Champagne collection captures the spirit of celebration, having been inspired by the fizz and pop of the champagne bubble itself, and if you’re after a gift that will grow and grow, why not give something from the Kit Heath Beachcomber collection? The charm beads can be added to over time, meaning that a collection can be built up over birthdays and Christmases to come. Kit Heath jewellery will be stocked at your local independent jewellers, so why not ask about this unique brand?

4) Children’s jewellery and watches:
If you want unique Christmas gift ideas for children that will last longer than the latest trendy toy, why not think about asking your local jewellery shop about children’s jewellery? A particularly popular gift choice for kids is a child’s watch with a customised strap – your local independent jeweller will be able to help you pick a watch that will withstand the knocks and bumps inevitable incurred by children with a robust strap to match.

5) Giftware:
Remember, your local jewellery shop will stock more than just jewellery – they also offer great ranges of alternative giftware too, such as photoframes, clocks and porcelain figurines, so there really are unique Christmas gift ideas to suit everyone!

As you can see, your local independent jeweller really should be your first port of call this Christmas. Whether you’re just looking for a present that’s a bit different, or if Christmas shopping isn’t your speciality, your local jeweller will be able to offer friendly advice and a helping hand on the way to finding the perfect Christmas gift for everyone.

Kit Heath Jewellery: This Season’s Party Pieces

Christmas is coming and the new Kit Heath Jewellery collection, available at your local jewellery shop, is the perfect way to jazz up your party look! Having founded his sterling silver jewellery company at just 18 years of age, Kit’s beautifully designed pieces are now an internationally recognised British jewellery brand, with local jeweller stockists throughout the United Kingdom.

Many of the pieces are inspired by the dramatic Devonshire coastline, making each piece of jewellery quintessentially British – what more inspiration do you need to complete your Christmas look?!

Get that Extra Christmas Sparkle

Kit Heath’s new collection will certainly give your outfit that extra sparkle and pop, particularly as it has been inspired by every girl’s favourite tipple: Champers! Yes, the new collection of necklaces, rings, earrings and bracelets, all of which will be stocked by your local independent jeweller, have been inspired by the champagne bubble – a perfect way to add that additional fizz to your look! And if you’re looking for unique Christmas gift ideas, then look no further than the Champagne collection: gorgeously feminine and also full of fun, style and glamour, the new range is so gloriously different to the usual jewellery gift that every woman will adore the way that the elegant champagne bubble has been captured within the precious metal.

A Charming Gift

The charm of the charm bracelet continues to go from strength to strength this year, but if you’re looking for unique Christmas gift ideas this festive season, you need look no further than Kit Heath’s Beachcomber collection. The pebble-inspired beads offer a twist on the traditional charm bracelet, and by mixing and matching the various styles, a truly unique piece of jewellery can be created to reflect the individual’s style. The beads vary in style and size, and are inspired by nature, from sleek sea-rounded stones through to the sparkling moonlight reflected on the ocean, so whether you’re after something large or small, smooth or shiny, there really is something for everyone within this collection.

And if you’re not sure what will work best, remember that your local independent jeweller will be able to offer words of wisdom and advice. The Beachcomber collection also varies in price, so why not ask your local jeweller about a gift to suit your budget? And for something truly different, your local jewellery shop will also be able to help with a Kit Heath Beachcomber necklace – just like a charm bracelet, but on a longer chain; a few beautiful beads to create a beautifully individual necklace!

So as you can see, from luxury Christmas gift ideas through to celebration-inspired party pieces, Kit Heath jewellery really does offer something for everyone. And if you’re not sure where to start with such an extensive range, just ask your local independent jeweller for advice.