May birthstone: Emerald

The emerald, a symbol of rebirth, is believed to grant its wearer foresight, good fortune, and youth. The green gemstone has enchanted royalty for millennia, from Egyptian pharaohs to Incan emperors.   Nothing greens greener Emerald’s name is derived from the word “smaragdus” which means “green” in Greek. Famed Roman author, Pliny the Elder, wrote [...]

Why it’s important to get a valuation for your jewellery insurance

Jewellery is one of the most precious, and emotionally significant items we own. It can mark special times or relationships - from engagements, marriages and anniversaries to births, friendships and career achievements. But did you know your household insurance policy will not cover jewellery items over a certain value? Under your general household contents insurance [...]

April birthstone: Diamond

Many consider diamond the most popular gemstone on earth. The scintillating April birthstone is a symbol of strength and wealth, and has been cherished for millennia. Classic white The most popular diamonds are white and colourless. The April birthstone is traditionally this type of diamond. However, diamonds come in a range of colours including green, [...]

Tools of the trade – the instruments we use to assess your jewellery

Jewellery valuation and gemmology are very specialised fields. Accurately examining and appraising jewellery and gemstones takes years of practice. It also require specialist tools – more than you might think! Here are a few of the tools we use at Wellington Jewellery Valuations to give you the most accurate and detailed valuation possible.   Loupe [...]

March birthstone: Aquamarine

The cool and pale blue birthstone of those born in March, aquamarine, brings to mind fresh seawater. The serene gem has become a symbol for purity, protection, and foresight. Purifying as the sea Aquamarine has long invoked the tranquillity of its namesake, the sea. Of course, the name “aquamarine” is derived from the Latin word [...]

February birthstone: Amethyst

February’s birthstone, amethyst, comes in lilac to deep purple hues and can be cut into many shapes and sizes. Found in the collections of royal families throughout Europe and Asia, amethyst is also within reach of most modern consumers. Drunk in love “Amethyst’s name is derived from the Ancient Greek a- (not) and methustos, meaning [...]

What makes jewellery antique?

As a rule of thumb, 100 years is what it takes for a piece of jewellery to become antique. But identifying when exactly a piece of jewellery was made - and therefore how valuable it really is - can be difficult.   Objects of the past are growing in popularity, and terms such as ‘antique’ [...]

January birthstone: Garnet

Many people think of a red gem when they think of garnet, the birthstone of January, but it is actually available in a rainbow of colours. From the scorching oranges and lush greens of Tsavorite Garnet, to the most widely recognised deep red ‘pyrope’, garnet is considered a symbol of friendship and trust. Fiery-eyed pomegranates [...]

Why you should get a jewellery valuation

It’s important to get jewellery valued professionally for a range of reasons -  protecting the jewellery you own, selling your jewellery or valuing an estate of someone who has passed.   Whether it’s your new engagement ring, a family heirloom or just your collection of jewellery  that has grown over the years, your jewellery is [...]

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    111 Customhouse Quay
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    info@wjv.co.nz

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