Expert Valuations

If your jewellery is precious to you then having a good valuation is a must. We are members of the National Council of Jewellery Valuers, the only national body solely devoted to providing independent and fair valuations.

Get peace of mind with the right valuation

One of these rings is a 18ct gold diamond ring, while the other is an inferior gold-plated, cubic zirconia. Could you tell the difference? At Class A Jewellers we can perform a few simple tests to find the true value of any piece of jewellery.

Heat Conductivity Test (one of many tests)

Firstly we test the two ring stones with a heat probe. When the heat probe’s tip touches a diamond the probe will detect an immediate heat discharge. (Note needle in left pic)

However, when the heat probe touches the cubic zirconia there is no apparent heat discharge and the needle stays static.
(Note needle in right pic)

Acid Test

We take minuscule fragments from the two rings by streaking their bands metals across and onto a carborundum slip stone. (Note left pic) Acid is applied to the two streaks that will only etch away all metals other than 18 ct gold.

Note (Right pic) that the 18 ct gold of the left ring is still apparent, whereas the metal from the right ring’s band has been etched into a grey sludge, of sterling silver and gold plating.

Estimation Stone Weight

We calculate the weight of the set stones without removing them from the setting by taking measurements with a leverage gauge (as shown in pic). The width of the stone is measured and this known value is then calculated in to the estimated stone weight by using tables from yellow table book.

These are just simple examples of how we can find the true value of your jewellery. There are other, more complex procedures we can follow based on the type of jewellery we’re testing.

Jewellery Appraisal Certificate

Once these tests are performed we provide a valuation schedule outlining the findings of the tests. Note that ring one is 18ct gold solitaire engagement ring valued at $2,065.00, and ring two is a silver, gold-plated solitaire cubic zirconia.

TOP