Perth Jeweller Urges Owners to Update Jewellery Valuations and Insurance Before Christmas

Carmen Jewellers explains why valuations written a few years ago may no longer reflect today's replacement cost and shares a practical checklist for Western Australian households

PERTH, Western Australia, November 2026: Carmen Jewellers, an independently owned family jeweller serving Perth for more than 35 years, is encouraging jewellery owners to review their valuations and insurance cover before the Christmas period. With gold prices well above levels seen in previous years and more jewellery changing hands as gifts in December, the team says many households may be under insured without knowing it.

Interest in the topic is steady across Australia. Search data shows around 2,400 monthly searches for jewellery insurance nationally and consistent local interest in valuations and appraisals in Perth. Carmen Jewellers has responded by outlining what a valuation involves and when it is worth refreshing.

"A valuation is a record of what a piece would cost to replace today," said a spokesperson for Carmen Jewellers. "If the figure on paper is several years old it can fall well short of that."

Carmen Jewellers is a jeweller and not an insurer. Readers should speak with their insurance provider about policy terms.

Why valuations go out of date

The replacement cost of a piece depends on the price of the metal and the stones as well as the labour to remake it. Gold has risen strongly in Australian dollar terms and that has lifted the cost of rebuilding many rings, chains and bracelets. A ring valued five years ago may now cost noticeably more to replace. Insurers often ask for a recent valuation when a claim is made and some policies set limits on single items unless they are listed separately.

When to update a valuation

The Carmen Jewellers team suggests reviewing valuations in these situations.
The existing document is more than two or three years old
Gold or gemstone prices have moved noticeably since it was written
A piece has been remodelled or repaired with new stones or metal
A gift or inheritance has added new items to the collection
A policy renewal is approaching

What a valuation covers

A valuation for insurance records the metal type and weight, the gemstones and their quality, the maker or style and the replacement cost. For diamonds the grading details matter. Natural and lab grown stones are priced differently, so documents should state clearly which type is set in the piece. Shoppers who want background on that difference can read the store's guide to lab grown vs real diamonds.

A six point checklist for Perth households

1. Gather everything in one place. Include rings, watches, chains and loose stones. Pieces kept in the back of a drawer are often forgotten.
2. Photograph each item. Take clear photos from several angles and note any engraving.
3. Locate receipts and certificates. Original paperwork speeds up both valuations and claims.
4. Book a valuation for higher value pieces. Carmen Jewellers offers valuations in store at Midland and Joondalup.
5. Read the policy wording. Check whether the policy pays an agreed value or a market value. Check also whether cover applies outside the home or while travelling over the holidays.
6. Keep copies safe. Store a digital copy of valuations away from the jewellery itself.

Protect heirlooms and antique pieces

Older jewellery needs extra attention. Antique rings often have worn claws or thin shanks that should be checked before they are worn at a Christmas gathering. The store explains the process in its guide to restoring an antique ring. A repair before a loss occurs costs far less than replacing a stone that has fallen out.

New gifts need documenting too

December is a busy month for engagement ring purchases and gift giving. Anyone buying a significant piece should keep the receipt and ask for a description of the item. The store's article on investment worthy jewellery pieces under 2000 AUD offers ideas for shoppers who want pieces that hold their value and are simple to document.

About the people behind the service

Carmen Jewellers is owned and run by Saleh and Mustafa and is part of the Showcase Group of Australian jewellers. The business works to four values: integrity, quality, professionalism and approachability. Customers can read more about the team on the About Us page. Reviews from more than 230 Google customers frequently mention helpful staff and careful repair work.

Where to book a valuation

Midland: Shop 101, Midland Gate Shopping Centre, 274 Great Eastern Highway, Midland WA 6056. Phone +61 8 9274 1080.

Joondalup: Shop GD T004, Lakeside Joondalup Shopping City, 420 Joondalup Drive, Joondalup WA 6027. Phone (08) 6556 0972.

Bookings can also be made through carmenjewellers.com.

About Carmen Jewellers

Carmen Jewellers is an independently owned family jeweller in Perth, Western Australia, with more than 35 years in business. The store offers engagement and wedding rings, diamond and gemstone jewellery, lab grown diamond jewellery, men's jewellery and watches. Services include custom design, remodelling, repairs, gold trade-in and valuations.
Contact Email
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Issued By
Carmen Jewellers
Website
Carmen Jewellers
Phone
+61865560972
Business Address
Shop GD T004 Lakeside Joondalup Shopping City, 420 Joondalup Dr, Joondalup WA ,
Country
Australia
Categories
Jewelry
Last Updated
November 10, 2026
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