Published 10 March 2026
Sentiment first, sale second
Inherited jewellery is rarely just metal. Before any decision about selling, give yourself permission to keep anything that carries real sentimental weight. The most regretful sales are usually the ones made quickly, soon after a loss, of items that turned out to mean more than they seemed to. Nothing about this needs to happen on anyone else's timeline.
Working out what you have
You do not need to identify the pieces yourself. Send a few clear photos on WhatsApp, including the hallmarks if you can read them, and ask for a quick indicative figure. A good buyer will explain what they can see, what looks like solid gold and what might be plated, and whether anything looks potentially collectable beyond its metal value.
For an in-depth look at the hallmarks themselves see the hallmark guide.
Getting a written valuation
A proper postal sale produces a written, itemised valuation: each piece, its confirmed purity, weight, the rate used and the offer. That document is useful for family records and for any discussion among beneficiaries. It is not the same as a formal probate valuation for tax purposes, see the next section.
Probate, tax and timing
If the items are part of a formal estate going through probate, a qualified probate valuer is the right person to provide the valuation HMRC needs for Inheritance Tax purposes. After probate, when the assets are distributed and you are deciding what to sell, a postal buyer's written valuation gives you a clear, transparent record of what the metal content fetches today. Capital Gains Tax may apply to disposals depending on the value and circumstances. Our jewellery CGT explainer covers the basics, but a tax professional is the right port of call for your specific situation.
The postal process in short
- Send photos on WhatsApp and ask anything. No obligation.
- Request a free Royal Mail Special Delivery label, tracked and insured.
- Wrap each piece individually in plain packaging and post at a Post Office counter.
- Receive a written, itemised XRF valuation.
- Accept for Faster Payments transfer, or decline for a free tracked return.
Common questions
Do I need probate before I can sell inherited jewellery?
It depends on the size and structure of the estate. Speak to the executor or a probate solicitor before disposing of items if probate is still in progress. Once probate is complete and the items are in the hands of the beneficiary, the seller can decide freely.
Will GoldPaid provide a valuation for HMRC?
GoldPaid provides a written, itemised commercial valuation of the metal and stone content. For a formal probate valuation HMRC will accept for Inheritance Tax, use a qualified probate valuer.
What if some family members disagree about selling?
A written, transparent valuation can help, everyone can see exactly what the items are worth on the market today, which often takes the heat out of the conversation. There is no obligation to sell.