Expert witness services for disputes

Our experts are ready to help you find the perfect solution whether it’s hallmarking, analytical testing or valuations,

Independent, authoritative valuation expertise for legal disputes and proceedings

When disputes arise involving jewellery, precious metals or hallmarked assets, courts, solicitors and instructing parties require valuation evidence that is independent, technically robust and professionally defensible. Birmingham Assay Office provides expert witness valuation services to support dispute resolution, litigation and alternative dispute proceedings across the UK.

With over 250 years of authority in hallmarking and precious metals assurance, Birmingham Assay Office delivers expert valuation opinions grounded in technical expertise, historical knowledge and market understanding.

Your challenges...

Parties involved in disputes relating to jewellery and precious metal assets often require:

  • Independent, impartial expert valuation evidence
  • Clear analysis of hallmarked and precious metal objects
  • Authoritative interpretation of UK hallmarking standards
  • Valuations that can withstand legal and professional scrutiny
  • Transparent methodology and clearly stated assumptions
  • Credible expert input for court, mediation or arbitration

Expert witness support is critical where asset value is contested.

How Birmingham Assay Office supports you...

Independent Expert Valuation Evidence

We provide expert valuation opinions to support:

  • Civil litigation and commercial disputes
  • Probate and inheritance disputes
  • Divorce and financial remedy proceedings
  • Insurance and loss disputes
  • Professional negligence claims

Valuations are prepared independently and objectively, with clarity on the basis of value applied.

 

Hallmarking & Technical Expertise

As one of the UK’s Assay Offices, Birmingham Assay Office offers unrivalled expertise in:

  • UK hallmarking law and standards
  • Historic and modern hallmarks and maker’s marks
  • Precious metal composition and fineness
  • Jewellery, silverware and heritage metal objects

Providing authoritative technical context to disputed matters.

Clear Reporting & Legal-Ready Documentation

Our expert witness valuation reports are designed to:

  • Be clear, structured and evidence based
  • Explain valuation methodology and assumptions
  • Support solicitor, counsel and court understanding
  • Stand up to challenge and cross-examination

Helping legal teams progress matters efficiently.

 

Support Across Dispute Resolution Routes

We support expert witness instructions for:

  • Court proceedings
  • Mediation and arbitration
  • Pre-action advice and early neutral evaluation
  • Settlement discussions and negotiations

Providing proportionate expert input at all stages of a dispute.

Get In touch

If you require expert witness valuation services for a dispute involving jewellery, precious metals or hallmarked assets, Birmingham Assay Office can provide independent, authoritative support.

to discuss expert witness instructions and valuation dispute support.

Why choose Birmingham Assay Office?

  • Independent Authority – One of the UK’s Assay Offices
  • Expert Technical Knowledge – Over 250 years in precious metals assurance
  • Impartial & Objective – No commercial interest in outcomes
  • Trusted by Professionals – Supporting solicitors, barristers and courts
  • Clear & Defensible Reporting – Suitable for contentious environments

Our statutory role and independence underpin the credibility of our expert witness services.

  • Case Study

    Expert Valuation in an Inheritance Dispute

    Click through to find out more

  • The Challenge

    A disputed estate required independent expert valuation of hallmarked jewellery to resolve differing opinions on asset value.

  • Our Approach

    1 - Examined hallmarking, materials and condition

    2 - Applied appropriate valuation bases

    3 - Produced a clear expert valuation report

  • The Results

    1 - Clarified points of disagreement

    2 - Supported informed settlement discussions

    3 - Reduced the need for prolonged litigation

As a new entrant into the UK market, Birmingham Assay Office gave us the expertise and credibility we needed. Their hallmarking and gem lab services, especially in distinguishing natural from lab-grown diamonds, gave our customers complete reassurance. Birmingham Assay Office were also able to support us with our supply chain to ensure our product flowed in the most efficient way to deliver in store on time, every time.

Representative from 

Global Jewellery Retailer

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Hallmarking

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Gemstone Reports

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Analytical Laboratory

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Authentication
& Valuations

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Birmingham Assay office

0121 820 0773

Address

1 Moreton St, Birmingham, B1 3AX