A Day in the Life of a Jewellery Valuer

When most people think about jewellery, they imagine beauty, sentiment, or luxury. But behind every treasured piece is a world of knowledge and expertise — and that’s where professional jewellery valuers come in. Today, we’re taking you behind the scenes into a day in the life of a jewellery valuer, and sharing what it really takes to step into this fascinating career.

A Day in the Life of a Jewellery Valuer

Each day begins with a careful process of examination. A jewellery valuer might inspect a vintage diamond engagement ring in the morning, a contemporary designer necklace after lunch, and a rare antique brooch by the end of the day.

Using microscopes, specialist testing instruments, and reference databases, they assess everything from gemstone authenticity and quality to craftsmanship and hallmarks. Every piece tells a story — and it’s the valuer’s job to uncover and record it in meticulous detail.

But the role isn’t only about what you see under a lens. Valuers must also understand the current market, resale values, manufacturing techniques, and the nuances of gemstones that aren’t always visible to the naked eye. Each valuation report must be precise, legally sound, and crafted with the understanding that a client’s insurance, estate, or financial security might rely on it.

And learning never stops. New gemstone treatments, changing jewellery trends, and fluctuations in the global markets mean professional valuers continually invest time in study and upskilling.

How Do You Become a Jewellery Valuer?

Becoming a jewellery valuer takes years of dedication, formal study, and hands-on industry experience.

Here’s a glimpse into the journey of one Wellington-based valuer:

The Pathway

• Early Experience (2002–2006):
Starting out in a Wellington manufacturing jewellery retailer, our valuer spent two years part-time and then two years full-time learning the basics of jewellery making, customer service, and handling different styles of jewellery.

• Formal Study and Industry Exposure (2007–2010):
They then moved to Australia to pursue full-time studies at the Gemmological Association of Australia, completing both gemmology and advanced diamond grading qualifications. Alongside study, they gained practical experience working for a reputable antique dealer (Rutherford Antiques), a major diamond dealer (Australian Diamond Trading Corporation), and a manufacturing jewellery store (MDT Design).

• Further Education (2011–2013):
Continuing their education via correspondence, they achieved a Diploma in Gemmology from the Gemmological Association of Great Britain while working part-time at Michael Hill.

• Professional Practice (2016–Present):
In 2016, they established their own valuation business in Wellington. By 2018, they became a full member of the Jewellery Valuers Society of New Zealand, reflecting their professional standing and commitment to high standards.

More Than Just Qualifications

While gemmology qualifications are essential, they are just the beginning.
To become a respected jewellery valuer, you also need:

• Formal valuation training under an experienced valuer.
• Years of hands-on experience with a wide variety of jewellery — modern, antique, designer, and bespoke.
• Deep knowledge of manufacturing processes, supply chains, gemstone sourcing, and jewellery history.
• Market awareness — understanding current jewellery trends, secondary markets, and resale conditions.
• Commitment to ongoing study to keep pace with changes such as new gemstone treatments, synthetic creations, equipment advancements, and market shifts.

Jewellery valuation is both a science and an art — blending technical expertise with a lifelong passion for craftsmanship and gemstones.

A jewellery valuer’s work might seem quietly detailed, but it plays a crucial role in protecting people’s most precious possessions. It’s a career built on integrity, knowledge, and continual learning — a fascinating blend of history, science, and beauty.

At Wellington Jewellery Valuations, we’re proud to bring this expertise to every piece we see. If you’d like to discover the story behind your jewellery — or need a trusted valuation for insurance, resale, or peace of mind — we’re here to help.

Meet our team of jewellery valuation experts.