Advice and valuation service

It is an honour and privilege for us that numerous Northern Ireland customers turn to us for advice on buying and repairing their most valuable jewellery, clocks and watches. With expertise built up over nearly fifty years, as well as recognised professional qualifications, you can be sure of getting accurate and reliable help and advice.

Here are some facets of the jewellery trade that we deal with and offer advice on every day: repair and alteration of modern and antique jewellery, repair and adjustment of old and new clocks and watches, valuations, post loss assessments, diamonds, gemstones, hallmarks and precious metals and their individual attributes.

Our staff are qualified to give expert advice in their various specialist fields. As a general rule we do not have to deal with outside advisors or workshops as we have the necessary skills and expertise in-house to respond to your queries on-the-spot. The following are some frequently asked questions and their answers:

Q: Should I buy platinum or white gold?
A: For diamond rings we would always advise a customer to purchase a Platinum ring. Not only is Platinum the most valuable of all the precious metals, but it is one of the hardest and most durable. Unlike white gold, platinum is a white metal through and through and even when it goes dull through wear we have the facilities to have it repolished as new.

Q: What colour should a good diamond be?
A: White. The whiter the stone the better. The colour of a diamond is graded by letter - the best colour being D graduating down through I J K where diamonds become noticeably yellow. We always show our diamonds against a white background so that any deviation in colour can be clearly seen.

Q: How often should I have my ring cleaned?
A: As regularly as possible. For a ring that is worn all the time we would suggest that it is professionally cleaned at least once a month. We do not charge for this service on rings purchased from ourselves.

Q: How often should I have my jewellery reappraised?
A: We suggest that jewellery should be reappraised every four years. If we have carried out a previous valuation on the items the fee for reappraisal is considerably less than a new valuation.

Q: How often should my watch or clock be serviced?
A: The Swiss watch industry recommend that mechanical watches should be serviced every three years. We would suggest that clocks be checked over every five or six years.

Q: How long will my battery last?
A: This depends on the battery and the watch. A good quality Swiss battery in a basic analogue watch should last about two years. A battery in a watch with extra functions may last not last as long, depending on usage.

Q: Will my watch still be waterproof after you fit a battery?
A: As all our batteries are fitted by trained watch makers, care is taken when opening and closing watch backs. Any damaged seals, glasses or crowns, etc., will be pointed out and remedial action taken. We have the facilities in our workshop to pressure test watches as necessary.