What should be on a jewellery valuation certificate?
A useful valuation report lets the intended reader understand the assignment, identify the item, review the evidence and limitations, and interpret the value conclusion. No generic template can guarantee insurer acceptance, so treat this as a working checklist and confirm the requirements for the engagement. If you’re unsure which value basis applies, start with how to value jewellery for insurance — insurance uses replacement value, not resale.
The header — who and when
- Business name, address, contact — yours, as the valuer
- Valuer’s name and credentials — who actually assessed it
- Certificate / reference number
- Date of valuation — a valuation is a snapshot; prices move
- Customer name
The item description — enough to replace it exactly
- Item type — e.g. solitaire engagement ring, tennis bracelet
- Metal and fineness — e.g. 18ct white gold, 950 platinum
- Total weight in grams
- Hallmarks and maker’s marks, recorded as present
- Overall condition — new, excellent, worn
- Measurements — ring size, chain length, dimensions
The stones — the part that moves the value most
For every significant stone:
- Stone type — diamond, sapphire, emerald
- Cut / shape — round brilliant, oval, emerald cut
- Estimated carat weight (state “estimated” if not removed and weighed)
- Colour and clarity grade — and whether these are visual estimates or from a report
- Setting — claw, bezel, pavé
- Lab report reference — GIA / IGI / HRD number if one exists
The valuation — clearly labelled
- Replacement value in local currency, explicitly stated as “for insurance / retail replacement”
- The basis of valuation in a sentence
- Any assumptions or limitations (e.g. “stones assessed in setting”)
Supporting details that improve clarity
- Photograph(s) of the item alongside the description
- Valuer’s signature
- A review recommendation suited to the item, engagement, and insurer guidance
A consistent structure for every assignment
Jewel Value’s guided wizard captures each field above, pulls live metal rates, supports GIA/IGI/HRD references, and outputs a branded PDF certificate your customer can open via a secure link.
General operational information only. Report contents, professional duties, and insurer requirements vary. Compare this checklist with the GIA appraisal-report guidance and the rules that apply to the valuer’s jurisdiction and engagement.