Is someone qualified to be a watch or jewellery valuer?

You can easily tell whether someone is qualified to be a watch or jewellery valuer based on their post-nominal initials. Post-nominal initials are those fancy little letters placed after someone’s name to indicate they hold a particular qualification or accreditation. And any post-nominal should be applauded, especially in the jewellery trade, as they can only be obtained through hard work. But when it comes to valuations, not all post-nominals are equal.

Two of the most recognised and prestigious post-nominals in the UK jewellery industry are ‘FGA’ and ‘DGA’, both awarded by the Gemmological Association of Great Britain (Gem-A). FGA means that a person has gained the gemmological qualification required to be called a Fellow of the association. While DGA means they have completed the association’s diamond diploma.

Both qualifications have their place in the valuation profession because they are relevant to identifying and grading gemstones and diamonds. However, neither qualification enables someone actually to value.

Too many companies incorrectly use these qualifications as poof, that they or their staff can undertake professional valuations. It’s akin to me using the same post-nominals as proof that I can work at a jeweller’s bench to re-size a ring. I’ve spent nearly thirty years in the jewellery trade, but not a single day has been spent at a bench. Now, I’ve seen the work done, so there is a chance I could bodge the job and get it over the finish line, but I can categorically state that the work would be atrocious compared to that of a qualified and experienced goldsmith, which is why I don’t do bench work.

Like any professional job, you must ensure the person is qualified and experienced to do the work. So when you need a valuation, the post-nominals you are looking for are FJVA, MJVA, FIRV or MIRV. This means the person is either a fellow or member of one or both of the UK’s two jewellery and watch valuation organisations and is qualified to undertake valuation work.

Use the Jewellery Valuers Association ‘Find a Valuer’ or the institute of registered valuers ‘Find a Valuer to check whether someone is a registered valuer.