Selling Inherited Designer Jewellery
Inheriting jewellery can be both emotional and confusing. This UK guide explains how to identify the makers, get a fair valuation, handle probate, and sell at the right price.
What Is Your Inherited Jewellery Worth?
Send photos of the pieces and any signatures or hallmarks for a free, no-obligation valuation. We handle estates sensitively and reply within one working day.
When jewellery passes down through a family it often arrives without papers, sometimes without anyone knowing what it is. The good news: fine designer and signed jewellery is usually identifiable from its marks, and a clear identification is the first step to an accurate, fair valuation — whether you keep, divide or sell.
First, identify what you have
Start with the signature and hallmarks. UK gold and platinum carry a standard mark (9ct/375, 18ct/750, platinum/950), often with an assay-office mark and date letter; designer pieces add a maker's signature — Cartier, Van Cleef & Arpels, Tiffany, Bulgari, and many more. A maker's name can transform value far beyond the metal. Our designer jewellery authentication guide shows what to look for.
Probate and valuations
For probate you may need a written valuation for the estate; this is a fair-market figure for HMRC, which can differ from what a piece will actually sell for. We can advise on the difference and provide a clear valuation. If beneficiaries decide to sell, we buy directly, so there is no auction wait or commission.
This is general information, not legal or tax advice. For probate and inheritance-tax matters, consult the estate's solicitor or a qualified adviser.
Keep, divide or sell?
Identify
Confirm the maker, metal and gems before any decision — knowledge is leverage.
Value
Get an honest market valuation, not just a scrap-metal figure.
Divide fairly
A clear valuation helps split an estate fairly between beneficiaries.
Sell well
Sell signed pieces as designer items — never as scrap — to capture the premium.
What inherited designer jewellery can be worth
Value depends on maker, metal, gems and condition — indicative tiers:
Indicative only — every estate is different. Send photos for a free, accurate valuation.
How We Help With Estates
- Identification — makers, metals, gems.
- Valuation — fair, honest, in writing if needed.
- Discretion — sensitive, private handling.
- Direct purchase — no auction wait or fees.
- Immediate payment — once agreed.
We buy whole collections or single pieces — fair prices, immediate payment.
Identify the maker — our brand guides
Not sure what you've inherited? These guides show the signatures, models and value drivers of the makers we most often see:
Value Your Inherited Jewellery
Send photographs of the pieces and any marks — we'll give you an honest, no-obligation valuation, handled with discretion.
⚠️ Strictly by appointment only — no walk-ins at either showroom.
Frequently Asked Questions
Selling inherited designer jewellery — common questions.
How do I find out what inherited jewellery is?
Look for a maker's signature and hallmarks. These identify the maker, metal and often the date. Send us clear photos and we'll identify it for you.
Do I need a probate valuation?
Often, yes — estates may need a written fair-market valuation for HMRC. This can differ from the actual selling price. We can advise and provide a clear valuation.
Should I sell it as scrap?
Not if it is signed designer jewellery — selling a recognised maker's piece as scrap can lose most of its value. Always identify first.
Can you buy a whole collection?
Yes — we buy single pieces or entire estates, with fair prices and immediate payment, handled discreetly.
Is the service discreet?
Always. We understand inherited jewellery is sensitive and handle every estate privately and respectfully.
Can you value it on WhatsApp?
Yes. Message +44 7494 214652 with photos of the pieces and any marks and we'll reply, usually within a working day.
Send Us Your Photographs
Attach photos of the pieces and any signatures or hallmarks. We'll respond within one working day.