Three values for the same piece
Before commissioning anything, it helps to know that these three figures routinely differ severalfold on a single ring — with nothing improper about it:
- Buying value. What you receive if you sell today. The lowest of the three, because it derives from material and real demand.
- Replacement or insurance value. What a comparable new piece would cost in a shop. The highest of the three — it includes manufacture, margin and VAT.
- Value per an expert report. Depends on the brief: an expert may determine customary price, market value or replacement cost, according to what is asked.
So if your insurer records a ring at 40,000 CZK and a buyer offers 12,000 CZK, both figures can be right. They are measuring different things.
By situation: what you actually need
- I want to sell. A non-binding valuation at a buyer's, free of charge, is enough. You do not need an expert, and a paid report will not raise the offer.
- I want to insure it. Ask your insurer what they accept. Some require a purchase document or a professional statement for higher-value pieces; others are satisfied with photographs and a receipt.
- Probate. The notary decides. For ordinary jewellery, agreement among the heirs on a value is often enough; for more significant assets, or where there is disagreement, a report may be required. Ask the notary before commissioning anything.
- Dividing assets after a divorce. As long as the parties agree, no formal report is needed. Once the matter reaches court, one usually follows.
- Litigation or an insurance claim. Here a formal document is generally unavoidable, and a buying valuation will not substitute for it.
Who may issue a report
In the Czech Republic, expert activity is carried out by registered experts, expert offices and expert institutes listed in the Ministry of Justice system. You can verify an individual's authorisation and specialisation in the public register of experts — worth doing, because specialisations differ and a property valuer will not assess jewellery.
A report is always paid for. Price and timescale depend on scope, number of items and the testing required, so agree both in advance.
Quick comparison
| Question | Non-binding buying valuation | Expert report |
|---|---|---|
| Answers | what I get selling today | value per the brief and purpose |
| Output | an explained offer, spoken | a written document with formal requirements |
| Who provides it | a specialist buying premises | a registered expert, office or institute |
| Cost | free with us | charged by scope |
| Use towards third parties | no | yes |
What to check first
The commonest wasted expense comes from commissioning a report the institution then refuses to accept — or, conversely, turning up with a buying valuation where a report is required. Before commissioning anything, establish with that specific body:
- what type of document is required,
- what specialisation of expert is needed,
- as at what date the value must be determined (in probate the relevant date is usually the date of death, not the date of valuation),
- whether an original is required or a copy will do.
Non-binding valuation in Brno
We check the metal, purity, weight, stones, condition and any antique value, and explain what makes up the offer. Jewellery valuation at Kotlářská 28, Brno-střed is free with no obligation to sell — but it is not an expert report and will not serve as an official document.
What to bring is summarised in Prepare jewellery for valuation; how the figure itself arises is covered in How the gold buying price is calculated.
