7 reasons you need a valuation for your collectables

Whether you’ve inherited a few pieces of jewellery, are starting to collect sports memorabilia, or have invested in wine or fine art over the years, your collectables are a part of your history and your story. They may even be worth a substantial amount of money. Any time you own a valuable collection, consider getting the items appraised. Here’s why:
 

• If you’re looking to having your collectables insured, you’ll need to know how much they’re worth. Keep in mind that most homeowner’s policies will provide limited coverage for valuables. To fully protect your collectables, you may need a separate valuables policy.
• You may want to sell them. If you’re looking to sell your valuables, you’ll need to know how much to charge, and potential buyers will probably want to know the process by which the item’s value was determined. A professional appraisal is the way to go.
• You may have inherited them. If you inherited collectables, you will need to have them appraised for the “date-of-death” value. You’ll need this value to calculate capital gains taxes later if you decide to sell the collectables.
   

• Wardrobes tend to be routinely overlooked, despite regularly containing highly valuable clothing collections. From bespoke designer dresses and extensive shoe collections to suits, luggage and designer handbags, high net worth individuals can have wardrobes worth upwards of £40,000 for women and £35,000 for men. For people with a dedicated interest in clothing, these figures can increase significantly.

• When seeking a valuation, find an expert who doesn’t have an active interest in purchasing your items. A good place to start is to select a valuer that is a member of the National Association of Jewellers. The NAJ is the UK’s leading jewellery trade association. Every NAJ member abides by the NAJ’s Code of Conduct, based on honesty, integrity and professionalism. The Institute of Registered Valuers is part of the NAJ family, comprised of around 150 professional valuers with formal qualifications and substantial experience.

• Collections can fluctuate in value based upon the market. The price of gold, for example, has been steadily increasing over the last few decades meaning vintage pieces in your collection may now be significantly more valuable today than at any point previously
  
  
• Different types of valuation may assign the same item with different prices. Fair market value, for example, is the price at which an item would change hands between a willing buyer and a willing seller. Retail replacement value is the highest amount that would be required to replace a piece with another of similar age, quality, and condition. This value is typically used for insurance purposes.
   

At Chubb, we have a list of trusted, professional appraisers ready to help. Contact us today and learn what your valuables are really worth.
 

Chubb – expert insurers of your most valued possessions.