About us
I started working at my local jeweller after I left school, and over the past two decades, I have been privileged to work for some of the most respected names in the jewellery industry throughout the UK. But watch and jewellery valuations are the one aspect of the trade that has always interested me. So, it wasn't too much of a surprise to those who knew me when I started my own valuation business in 2016 or when I became an award-winning valuer in 2023.
When I started in the trade, most jewellers still had a 'valuer' on staff. Valuations were done on-site and handwritten, with little importance on working notes, evidence, or the valuer's ability to justify the ascribed value; longevity and time in the trade were enough. But as with everything in life, things change. The valuing profession has become more specialised and now has national governance. Longevity in the industry alone is no longer enough to make you a valuer. A prospective valuer needs substantial experience in the jewellery trade, must hold internationally recognised gemmological and diamond grading qualifications, and have passed an approved course on valuing methodology. Only then can an aspiring valuer apply to and become a member or fellow of the Jewellery Valuers Association. The work does not end there, as valuers must undertake continuing professional development to maintain their membership status.
The requirements for the compilation of watch and jewellery valuations have also become more stringent. Now, a valuation is required to be a 'fully researched and justifiable expert opinion.' The work that goes into a watch or jewellery valuation combines scientific analysis, mathematical formulas, research, experience and diligence. These factors enable a professional valuer to arrive at a thoroughly researched and ultimately justifiable value.
It is now a rarity to walk into a jeweller and find a qualified independent registered valuer on site. Now, most companies require you to send your watch or jewellery away to be valued, often with a turnaround time stretching from weeks into months, which, in my opinion, is far too long to ask anyone to be parted from their most precious pieces.
So, when I set up Clarity Valuations, I had a straightforward objective. I wanted to make getting a valuation easy again and get back to how straightforward things used to be while ensuring the valuation was fit for purpose and conform to today's stringent guidelines.
So what makes me and Clarity Valuations different? Firstly, I am entirely independent and have no vested interest in the pieces I value. My fees are fixed and based on a per-item system, not a percentage of the item's value. Ensuring there is no conflict of interest so that I can provide an expert and non-biased report. I also do not accept commission payments from jewellers or insurance companies. Neither do I buy, sell, or broker. For me, offering my clients independence and honesty is of paramount importance.
I also want it to be easy for you to obtain a valuation. I want to keep the disruption to yourself to an absolute minimum, and I don't want you to have to send your most treasured items away for weeks. So we specialise in providing onsite valuations where the client is always present, whether at our office, home, bank or solicitors we can accommodate.
During the appointment, I'll make sure to record all the pertinent information about your item(s) and take digital photographs of each piece. Once the inspection has been completed, I leave the item(s) with you and return to the office to undertake the valuation research aspect. The completed report is then sent to you within a few working days. Nothing but simplicity and peace of mind.
So whatever your valuation needs may be, whether you live in Bristol, Bath, Cardiff, Cheltenham, Gloucester, Newport, Swansea, Taunton, Tenby, Worcester, or anywhere in the South West of England or South Wales. You can rest assured that I and Clarity Valuations will provide you with a truly personal, professional, independent watch or jewellery valuation.
Gareth Brown FGA, DGA FJVA
Director
Jewellery Valuers Association, Registered Valuer® No: 20106
Jewellery Valuers Association, Registered Valuer of the year 2023
