On Where To Sell we try to offer suggestions about restorers and valuers, but these are based on what the providers say about themselves – so we offer no recommendation about their varying skills and experience.
Restorers
Restoration is a skilled craft, and if you are considering having an item restored you are well advised to obtain reliable recommendations. Beware of the enthusiastic amateurs – they may be brilliant, but time spent in reconnaissance is essential. Regarding furniture we would suggest starting with The British Antique Furniture Restorers’ Association (http://www.bafra.org.uk/) or the Institute of Conservation
(http://icon.org.uk/) and always consult reputable dealers; from long experience they will know those whose restoration work is trustworthy, and those who may have a catastrophic effect on values.
Valuers
Although most experienced intermediaries will provide you with some idea of value, not everybody is suitably qualified to provide formal Certificates of Valuation – particularly for insurance and probate purposes. Depending on the circumstances it may be appropriate to ask for evidence that the valuer is approved by one or more of;
– The RICS (Royal Institute of Chartered Surveyors) http://www.rics.org/uk/
– The NAVA (National Association of Valuers and Auctioneers) http://www.nava.org.uk/
– The National Association of Goldsmiths Institute of Registered Valuers http://www.jewelleryvaluers.org/
– The Worshipful Company of Arts Scholars http://www.artsscholars.org/
– The Society of Fine Art Auctioneers And Valuers http://www.sofaa.org/
– The Association of Independent Jewellery Valuers http://www.independent-jewellery-valuers.org/
– The Gemmological Association of Great Britain http://www.gem-a.com/
