Frequently asked questions
Everything you need to know before you sell.
Can’t find an answer here? Call us on 020 8455 6992 or send a message on WhatsApp — we usually reply within an hour.
Selling process
From first enquiry to money in your account, most clients complete the process in 3–5 working days. We send the Diamond Pack within 24 hours; Royal Mail Special Delivery is next-day; we examine and offer the day we receive your item; bank transfer lands within hours of you accepting.
We return your item free of charge by fully insured Royal Mail Special Delivery — no questions asked, no fee, no obligation.
Yes. UK anti-money-laundering rules require us to verify your identity for any transaction over £1,000. A photo of your passport or driving licence plus a recent utility bill is sufficient.
Pricing
The wholesale buy-back value depends on the four Cs — carat, colour, clarity and cut — together with current Rapaport-derived market prices. Use our calculator for an instant indication, or send a photo on WhatsApp.
Most retail jewellery is sold at a 200–400% mark-up over wholesale. Our offer reflects what the trade will pay today — a fair wholesale buy-back price, not a retail sticker.
Old-cut diamonds (rose cut, old European) are valued differently from modern brilliants — sometimes more, often less. Antique cuts in good condition have a strong market and we price them as their own category.
Postage and security
Yes. Royal Mail Special Delivery includes £500 standard cover; you can top up to £2,500 at the Post Office for £3. We strongly recommend doing so for higher-value items.
Special Delivery has an excellent track record. In the rare event of a loss, the insurance covers the full declared value. We’ve sent and received thousands of packs without incident.
Diamond grading
Yes. We welcome uncertified and inherited diamonds. Our team grades them in person on the same fundamentals we use for certified goods. Uncertified stones typically sell for 10–20% below the certified equivalent.
We don’t currently buy lab-grown diamonds. The wholesale market for them is volatile and we won’t quote prices we can’t honour fairly. We’re happy to identify a stone for you free of charge.
Watches & branded jewellery
Rolex, Patek Philippe, Audemars Piguet, Omega, Cartier, Breitling, Vacheron Constantin, Hublot, Jaeger-LeCoultre, Franck Muller and other premium Swiss brands. Box and papers are not required but help with valuation.
Yes. Branded jewellery from Cartier, Tiffany, Bulgari, Graff and similar houses retains a strong premium even without original packaging or papers, though both increase the price.
About us
Yes. Jonathan Williams has been in the diamond trade for over 50 years. His daughter Rebecca is the fourth generation of our family in jewellery. Every transaction is handled by a named family member.
Yes, by appointment at our Hendon Lane office, subject to UK anti-money-laundering rules. Bank transfer is faster for most clients and clears within hours of acceptance.