Solicitors & Probate Services
Our experts are ready to help you find the perfect solution whether it’s hallmarking, analytical testing or valuations,
Clear, defensible valuations for estates, probate, and legal proceedings
Jewellery and watches often represent some of the most valuable, sensitive, and disputed assets within an estate. Solicitors and probate professionals must balance accuracy, fairness, and compliance while managing emotionally complex situations and strict legal obligations.
For over 250 years, Birmingham Assay Office (BAO) has provided independent, authoritative expertise in jewellery, watches, and precious metals. We support solicitors, probate practitioners, executors, and trustees with accurate, market-aligned valuations, based on the physical inspection of items by experienced specialists, ensuring valuations are robust, defensible, and suitable for legal and probate purposes.
Your challenges...
Solicitors and probate professionals face increasing challenges to:
- Accurately value jewellery and watches for probate and estate accounts
- Ensure valuations meet HMRC and court expectations
- Manage disputes between beneficiaries over asset values
- Handle high-value, antique, or bespoke items with limited documentation
- Obtain independent, impartial valuations free from commercial bias
- Protect executors from personal liability through defensible valuations
- Maintain clear records for tax, legal, and estate administration purposes
Where assets are valuable or complex, physical examination by a trusted authority is essential.
How Birmingham Assay Office supports you...
Physical Probate & Estate Valuations
- Open market valuations for probate and estate administration
- Physical inspection of jewellery and watches by experienced specialists
- Assessment of materials, craftsmanship, condition, and wear
- Consideration of age, provenance, and specialist market factors
- Clear written valuations suitable for estate accounts and HMRC submission
Our valuations are impartial, evidence-based, and aligned to probate and legal requirements.
Secure Handling & Professional Oversight
- Careful handling of valuable and sensitive items
- Secure facilities and controlled inspection processes
- Specialist oversight for high-value or unusual pieces
This approach provides confidence to solicitors, executors, and beneficiaries alike.
Expert Review & Professional Judgement
- Valuations carried out and reviewed by experienced professionals
- Independent judgement applied to complex or disputed assets
- Escalation for antique, bespoke, or high-value items
Professional expertise remains central to every valuation.
Dispute Resolution & Legal Support
- Independent reports to support beneficiary discussions
- Clear documentation suitable for mediation or court proceedings
- Impartial authority trusted across legal, financial, and public sectors
Our independence helps reduce disputes and supports fair estate administration.
Ongoing Estate & Trust Support
- Valuations for ongoing trusts and long-running estates
- Revaluations where estates remain open for extended periods
- Support for asset distribution and record keeping
Helping solicitors manage long-term responsibilities with confidence.
Get in Touch
If you are a solicitor, probate practitioner, executor, or trustee, Birmingham Assay Office can support you with accurate, independent jewellery and watch valuations, based on physical inspection and expert judgement, designed for probate, estates, and legal scrutiny.
to discuss valuation services for solicitors and probate professionals.
Why choose Birmingham Assay Office?
- Heritage Authority – Over 250 years of trusted valuation and hallmarking expertise
- Independent & Impartial – No retail or resale bias
- Physically Inspected – Valuations based on in-person examination of items
- UK-Based Governance – Trusted by institutions, regulators, and courts
“Birmingham Assay Office provided independent, physically inspected valuations that gave both executors and beneficiaries confidence. Their authority and clarity were invaluable during probate.“
Representative from
Global Jewellery Retailer
Contact us
Birmingham Assay office
0121 820 0773
Address
1 Moreton St, Birmingham, B1 3AX