Practical Valuation Techniques Tutorial

 

Did you know?

As part of the course, you will receive a folder containing information that you have learnt over the three days, as well as useful reference documents that can go towards building your own comprehensive valuation portfolio.

 

Course Structure

Day One and Two
  • Descriptive text writing
  • How to properly describe an item, using the correct terminology, (settings, styles, chain patterns, parts of a ring, fittings and clasps.) 
  • How to describe watches, period jewellery, pearls and bead necklaces 
  • Writing a valuation, layout and presentation (specific examples of good and bad practice) 
  • Using limited descriptions for low value multiple items (i.e a grouped lot). Working notes, recording pricing sources and the use of worksheets 
  • Valuing modern, mass produced commercial jewellery 
  • Valuing antique, rare jewellery, discussing the market data comparison approach as opposed to the cost, deconstructive component parts approach. 
  • Cleaning, weighing and identifying
  • Gemmological equipment and tools for the valuer 
  • Formulae for assessing diamond and gemstone weights 
  • Practical techniques, tips and methods 
  • Caution that should be exercised regarding limitations that maybe imposed by the mountings. (i.e. talking about estimated weights, calculated and stated weights.) 
  • Care that should be exercised, and when to take into consideration regarding the 'condition' of a jewellery item or watch 
  • Assessing and grading diamonds
  • Assessing the four 'C's (cut, carat weight, colour and clarity) 
  • Identifying common diamond simulants
  • Identifying treated diamonds (laser and fracture filled) 
  • Pricing information for valuing diamonds 
  • Diamond grading reports
  • Manufacturing methods
  • Assessing and identifying the method of manufacture, handmade, assembled cast and cad cam mounts - pricing accordingly. 
  • Workshop charges and prices - with refence to Barry's Sullivan’s 'Welcome to Valuing Guide'
  • Identifying Hallmarks, hallmarking law present and past historical relevant hallmarking amendments. 
  • Foreign marks 
  • Metals
  • Other metals used in jewellery modern manufacture
  • Precious metal testing techniques
  • Electronic gold testers, use of XRF
Day Three
  • Assessing and grading coloured gemstones and pearls
  • Coloured gemstones 
  • Treatments and enhancements
  • Treatments to include, heat, surface and bulk diffusion, oil, resin and glass filling, dying, composite stones 
  • Quality assessment grading. i.e commercial, good, very good and fine with applying appropriate quality reference numbers, working with 'The ‘GemGuide' 
  • Applying a colour reference description. With reference to 'World of Colour' 
  • Pricing information on coloured gemstones in general. How to arrive at a value. Using different diamond and gemstone price guides and sources appropriately and correctly 
  • Sourcing pricing information and data. 
  • Plus: 'One to one' time with the tutor to review descriptive text, working notes and methodologies

 

Entry Requirements and Recommendations

  • A minimum of three years trade experience - required 
  • Gemmological and/or diamond qualification(s) and/or gemmological trade experience - recommended

 

What will I need?

  • 10x lens
  • Watchmakers eyeglass loupe
  • Leverage measuring gauge
  • Scales
  • Calculator

 

PVT cropped 1

Image: A PVT course run at Federation House, Birmingham

Testimonials

From beginning to end I thoroughly enjoyed the whole experience. The amount of knowledge I have gained over the three days is phenomenal and given me a greater understanding of my current studies - the C.A.T. course.

I will definitely use all my notes and knowledge gained over the past few days to succeed in the course and any further education. Both David & Barry were great tutor's for our class and I hope to stay in contact with them as I pursue my career path of hopefully one day becoming an IRV.

The 1-to-1 tutor time gave me the opportunity to gain some career guidance on which paths to follow on completion of my C.A.T. course, which I can't wait to get started on. It was lovely to get a 'hands on' experience with the different tools of the trade and the gemstones and jewellery.

Caitlin Little, a recent Practical Valuation Tutorial Attendee

Booking

Fees

Non-member - £950+VAT

Member - £850+VAT

CAT students/CMJ members - £750+VAT 

 

Available dates and locations

Date Location Address  Closes
7th - 9th March 2023 London

Gem-A
21 Ely Place
London
EC1N 6TD

 6th February 2023

 

Register

Phone:     0121 237 1145

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Booking is subject to the following Terms and Conditions