Can You Get An Online Jewellery Valuation? (And Why In-Person is Still Best)

In today’s digital world, it feels like almost anything can be done online — from banking to grocery shopping to planning a holiday. It’s no surprise, then, that online jewellery valuations are becoming more common too. But while it is possible to get an indicative valuation remotely, there are some important limitations to be aware of.

If you’re serious about understanding the true value of your jewellery nothing beats an in-person, professional valuation. This is especially true for insurance, resale, or legal purposes.

Here’s why.

Yes, You Can Get an Online Valuation… to a Point

Many jewellers and valuation services, including us at Wellington Jewellery Valuations, offer online consultation options. You can usually submit photos, describe your item’s history, and provide any documentation (such as receipts or certificates) you might have.

An experienced valuer can often give a general idea of what your piece is be worth based on the information provided. This can be useful if you simply want a rough estimate.  Or you’re deciding whether a full, formal valuation is worth pursuing.

The Limitations of an Online Jewellery Valuation

However, jewellery is a complex, tactile field. Photographs, no matter how good, can only show so much.

Here are some key limitations of remote valuations:

• No opportunity to test gemstones: Determining whether a stone is natural, synthetic, treated, or imitation requires specialist equipment and technique.  This can’t be done from a photo.
• Metal content can’t be confirmed: Visual assessment alone can’t reliably identify karat purity or verify plating vs solid metals.
• Weight and proportions matter: Accurate valuation often depends on precise measurements and weight, which can’t be assessed without handling the piece.
• Condition impacts value: Surface scratches, loose stones, worn settings — all these influence a valuation and can be easily missed in images.
• Provenance and maker’s marks: Tiny hallmarks, signatures, or inscriptions often need magnification to inspect properly and can significantly affect a piece’s value.

At best, an online valuation gives you a ballpark figure. But for official purposes — such as insurance, estate planning, relationship property division, or selling at auction — you’ll still need a formal, hands-on assessment.

A Real-Life Example: Hidden Value Revealed

Not long ago, a client sent us photos of a blue enamel and diamond ring they had inherited. In the images, it looked like a charming, if slightly worn, vintage piece — nothing particularly unusual.

However, when they later brought it into our Wellington office for an in-person assessment, a very different story emerged.

On closer inspection under magnification, we spotted a nearly hidden engraved date: 1826. It turned out to be a Georgian mourning ring — a rare and highly collectable piece.

Without seeing the ring in person, crucial historical details like the fine engraving, original workmanship, and authenticity of the materials could have been easily missed.

The final valuation was substantially higher than either the client — or we — would have estimated from photos alone.

Why In-Person Valuations Are More Credible

When you book an in-person valuation with a qualified expert like Wellington Jewellery Valuations, your jewellery is examined carefully under specialist equipment.

Our process includes:

• Confirming the authenticity of gemstones and metals
• Identifying manufacturing techniques and hallmarks
• Assessing craftsmanship, condition, rarity, and market trends
• Issuing a comprehensive, independent valuation certificate
• A full, written valuation provides official documentation that is recognised by insurers, courts, and auction houses. It’s also a vital record for your own peace of mind.

So, When Might an Online Jewellery Valuation Be Useful?

An online valuation or consultation might suit you if:

• You’re deciding whether an item is valuable enough to insure
• You’re looking for a very rough idea before selling a lower-value piece

In these cases, an online assessment can be a helpful first step — but always treat it as indicative, not definitive.

While online jewellery valuations have their place, they’re no substitute for the real thing.

Jewellery is intricate, personal, and valuable — and it deserves the care and accuracy that only an experienced, hands-on professional can provide.

If you’re ready for a proper, independent valuation, Wellington Jewellery Valuations is here to help.

We offer friendly, expert service from our Wellington office — ensuring you have all the information you need to protect, enjoy, or plan for your treasured pieces.

Meet our team of jewellery valuation experts.