Frequently Asked Questions
Answering your questions about selling jewellery, valuations, bespoke pieces, and the most commonly asked questions about London's iconic jewellery district, Hatton Garden. Our aim is to provide clear, helpful answers to guide you every step of the way.
Selling Jewellery
What types of jewellery do you buy?
We purchase a wide variety of jewellery, from modern engagement rings, signed Cartier jewellery, to antique family heirloom pieces.
If you are unsure send it through and we can have a look or you can call us on 0203 116 0069 if you'd like to check.
What types of jewellery do you not buy?
We do not purchase silver, lab grown diamonds or moissanite.
What information to include when selling jewellery?
The more information we have to assess, the better. So, please include all the details you know of your item, any documentation you have such as old valuations or receipts, along with some images of the piece so we are able to get a good look at the item from multiple angles.
What if I don't have any documentation?
Not a problem, send us through pictures of the item and just give us any information about the piece that you do know or have.
What happens once I’ve sent through the details?
Once you have sent through the details of the item you are looking to sell, we will assess the details and establish if it is something would be interested in purchasing. If we have enough information, we will endeavour to provide you with a provisional offer. If you are happy with our provisional estimate, we would invite you for an appointment at our 5 Hatton Place showroom, where we can examine the piece in person and provide you with a final offer.
Should you accept the offer, the money would be deposited into your account the same working day.
What if I can’t visit in person?
If you are unable to visit us in person, we can advise on suitable fully insured postal services for you to send the item to us. Using the postal option, we will examine the items when they arrive with us and provide you with our best offer for the item. Should you accept our offer, payment would be made the same day.
If you choose to have the item returned to you, it would be sent back by fully-insured post the next working day.
Valuations
Do I need a full valuation report?
The term 'valuation' can cover a wide variety of purposes. You may need a full valuation report for a variety of reasons, for example:
- To insure your items of jewellery
- For HMRC for probate purpose
- For a divorce settlement
- For a family dispute
This is not an exhaustive list of reasons you may need a valuation, but if you are unsure if you require one, please get in contact with us and we would be happy to advise further.
Why do I need to have a valuation done by an IRV?
Having your valuation carried out by a competent and qualified professional is of the upmost importance. This may seem an obvious statement and you may assume that all companies that offer a valuation service, are providing this service with a qualified Valuer, however in many instances this is not the case.
There is no minimum requirement of competence for anyone to be able to offer valuations, unless they are a registered IRV; those who achieve IRV status have studied and qualified to show a high level of competence and understanding of jewellery, Gemstones, and Diamonds to provide detailed and accurate assessments.
Each candidate must perform to the highest levels during examinations and regularly show continued development to be granted and keep their IRV status as a Valuer.
How long does a valuation take?
Our service for one item is usually completed within 5 -7 working days. A 24-48 hour fast-track service is available upon request, where available, at an additional charge.
Providing sufficient time for your item to be accurately assessed is a standard requirement, this enables the valuer to carry out the vast number of measurements, detailed inspections, documenting, photographing, Gemmological testing and market pricing; that will ensure your item is correctly identified and listed for the purposes of replacement in the event of loss, for insurance.
It is worth noting accurate valuations should not be rushed and can never be conducted online. There is no way to test or measure any item correctly through images and most insurance companies wil not accept ‘while you wait’ or ‘online’ valuation services. Check with your insurer before be caught out with a potentially incorrect and invalid valuation.
When could I get an appointment?
We would be happy to schedule you an appointment to bring in the items for valuation. Our appointments are available Monday to Friday 10:00am to 5:00pm.
What should my valuation include?
Your valuation should provide your insurance company and any professional jeweller, the ability to replace your lost item for an exact replica, having never seen the original piece.
This should include but not be limited to a number of measurements of individual Diamonds, Gemtsones and parts of the jewellery item, individual assessments and grading of each stone, identification of materials, manufacture styles and revenant ages required for insurance, alongside detailed images and the insurable value for replacement.
Is a cheaper valuation the same?
Buy cheap, buy twice is a well known phrase that also applies when having your jewellery items valued for insurance. If a company is able to offer rock bottom charges, it is usually an indication that corners are being cut somewhere to keep prices down.
The charges for your valuations are to cover the expertise, experience and time of the IRV, professional jewellery equipment used for testing, as well as insurance of your item being valued whilst with the company.
Using a highly skilled valuer results in the best value for money, should it come to needing your item replaced, as any incorrectly detailed valuations may result in the failure of a claim with your insurer.
Bespoke Jewellery
How long does it take to make a piece of bespoke jewellery?
This very much depends on the complexity of the piece we design, it can be from as little as two weeks to eight weeks if you are sourcing specialised gemstones or very specific materials. Usually it is a good idea to allow two to four weeks from start to finish.
What is the cost of bespoke jewellery?
Bespoke jewellery commissions depend completely on the materials used, so the price is hard to determine. It’s normally cheaper than you might think, but it depends on the quality and size of any gemstones used. If you are after just a simple engraving, these can be done to a high standard and at a very reasonable price, but if it is a completely bespoke design with more work required then there will be additional costs.
We are always happy to be able to provide you with a no obligation quote and provide you with full details for the costs. Alternatively if you are working to a specific price range we can show you pieces and designs available with this in mind.
What type of jewellery can I create?
The sky’s the limit as they say, and it’s very true when it comes to bespoke jewellery. No designs can seem too extravagant nor too simple when it comes to making the perfect individual piece, the design possibilities are endless.
Can I redesign an item I already own?
If you already have a item of jewellery you would love to have remade into a bespoke design to give it a new lease of life, our high-skilled team can help you with that too, just head over to our Redesign page to find out about the redesign and revive process or give us a call.
Shopping
What is your returns policy?
We are confident you will be delighted with your Hatton Jewels purchase. However, you do have the option of returning items purchased online within 14 days of receipt for a full refund or exchange if you decide that the item is not right for you or the goods are faulty.
We regret that we cannot offer refunds or exchanges on goods that have been worn, damaged, had any alterations by ourselves or a third party, or for items that have been bespoke-made, made to order or discounted.
Do you offer insured delivery?
Any item purchased online will be sent to by fully-insured postage. The parcel will require a signature on delivery, so we can make arrangements with you to ensure the parcel arrives on a suitable day.
Can I view items in person?
Absolutely. We operate by appointment, so if there is a particular item you want to view, we would be happy to schedule you an appointment at our 5 Hatton Place showroom. Our appointments are Monday to Friday 10am to 16:30.
What if the item doesn't fit?
If you have purchased a pre-owned item online that cannot be resized, you do have the option of returning items within 14 days of receipt for a full refund or exchange, subject to terms and conditions.
If you have had a bespoke ring made by us, usually we can offer a resize service, so just get in contact with us and one of our team can advise how we can help.
FAQ's About Hatton Garden
Why are there so many Jewellers in Hatton Garden?
Hatton Garden has been a hub for the jewellery trade for over 200 years. The area started attracting jewellers in the 1800s because of its proximity to the rich clientele in the West End. As the demand for jewellery grew, more Hatton Garden Jewellers began opening shops in Hatton Garden, creating a competitive and thriving marketplace.
Which part of London is Hatton Garden?
Hatton Garden is located in the Holborn district of the London Borough of Camden, near Farringdon station and the historic Clerkenwell area.
Why is Hatton Garden famous?
Hatton Garden is famous for its long history as a jewellery hub and its reputation for exquisite and unique one-off pieces. The area gained further notoriety after the infamous Hatton Garden heist in 2015, which involved a group of burglars stealing millions of pounds worth of jewellery and gems from a safety deposit box vault in the area.
What is the best jeweller in the world?
While there are many renowned jewellers around the world, Hatton Jewels is one of the most famous and reputable. The company has gained its reputation through its exquisite one-off items, although it also sells more widely available pieces, such as the Cartier Love Bracelet.
Which area in London is best for jewellery?
Hatton Garden is the go-to area for jewellery shopping in London, with over 300 jewellery businesses located in the area. Visitors can explore the many independent jewellers, as well as the Hatton Garden market, which offers a wide range of antique and modern jewellery, gems, and precious metals.
Can you negotiate in Hatton Garden?
While bargaining is still commonplace in Hatton Garden, customers should focus on the value of the item and the service they receive, rather than solely on the price. Bargaining may lead to lower quality or misleading discounts, and bespoke items are unlikely to be heavily negotiated.
How much can you haggle in Hatton Garden?
The level of bargaining in Hatton Garden depends on the item and the service provided. Customers looking for pre-produced mass-produced items may have more bargaining power, but those looking for bespoke pieces should expect to pay for the expertise and service provided.
What is the biggest jewellery theft in the UK?
The Hatton Garden heist in 2015 is considered the biggest jewellery theft in the UK, with over £14 million worth of jewellery and gems stolen from a safety deposit box vault in the area. The Brinks-Mat Robbery in 1983 is another infamous jewellery heist that took place in the UK, where gold bullion and diamonds worth £26 million were stolen from a warehouse in Heathrow.
Is Hatton Garden cheaper than the high street?
Hatton Garden is often 50% cheaper than the high street, thanks to the intense competition among the many independent jewellers in the area. Shopping with small companies can provide much better value, as the markup is often lower than that of more prominent jewellery companies.
Do you need to book Hatton Garden?
Hatton Jewels require a booking in advance for all appointments, however, we also offer a range of services that don't require customers to visit in person. Customers can purchase ready-to-wear jewellery on the website and have it sent by insured post, and bespoke commissions can be arranged through phone calls and emails with high-resolution photographs and videos.
How much should he spend on an engagement ring?
The amount one should spend on an engagement ring is highly subjective and depends on the individual's personal circumstances. There is no fixed rule or pattern regarding how much should be spent. While the traditional guideline of spending three months' full salary on an engagement ring was popular in the past, it may not be practical or relevant in today's context where the cost of living has increased. It is recommended to consider your budget and priorities when selecting an engagement ring. Additionally, considering pre-owned diamonds can be a great way to maximise your budget and find unique options.
What is the average carat engagement ring?
The average carat weight of an engagement ring varies from company to company and can also depend on the location within the UK. Market trends and fashion preferences also influence the average carat weight chosen for engagement rings.
In recent years, with the rise of social media platforms like Instagram, there has been a growing trend of larger, lower-quality stones becoming more popular. However, it's important to remember that the choice of carat weight ultimately comes down to personal preference and budget considerations.
At Hatton Jewels, we offer a wide range of engagement rings with varying carat weights to cater to individual preferences.
Can't find what you're looking for?
Contact us to speak with one of our experts.
Phone 0203 116 0069
Email contact@hattonjewels.com
WhatsApp 07 930 997 298