Valuers for Jewellery, Gold, Silverware and Antiques. Free Valuations and Sales Advice

Vernon has in excess of two hundred & fifty five star reviews, plus an expansive archive of thank you letters and press coverage spanning 50 years, a selection of which is available to view on this site or at Vernon's office.

Read the Fully Insured Postage & Package Service for Selling Gold, Watches &  Gold Jewellery etc

Valuations and sales by appointment only

Assistant Jewellery Valuer for Vernon

Recent sales range from a diamond ring  to a rare work of art by Turner

Please visit the client testimonial pages to read reviews.

Read Testimonials

When selling personal heirlooms, Vernon is your direct link to a world wide database of private buyers/collectors, he has attracted over 50 years. Items sold range from as low as £50 to the highest being in excess of £300,000 to a private collector

He  is able to source several interested parties for the relevant antique  (however high or low in value) without charging buyers a premium (unlike auction houses, that have a fixed rate in the region of 25%) this in turn gives you the seller a far higher return, as Vernon acts as “agent for the seller". No other charges are incurred, only Vernon Ward’s fixed commission of 10%.

Home or office visits are by appointment only. Please contact Vernon.

Low Commission Charges when Selling Antiques and Jewellery

Avoid unneccessary auction charges on sales when you can be assured of excellent sale results from your own independent sales agent. Vernon Ward's commission is 10% on all sales, with no hidden charges. Click here to compare auction charges as opposed to Vernon Ward's commission charges.

Vernon would like to bring to your attention a sample of his testimonials from clients past and present and the valuations and sales service he provides.

Please note that all five star reviews shown on this website are direct from the author(s). Vernon holds names and addresses, which are retained on file as to the pedigree and authenticity of each review posted by satisfied clients past and present and are available to view on yell.com and Google.

VERNON AND HIS TEAM ARE THE REAL DEAL

From the first telephone conversation I had with Vernon I knew I was speaking with a kind and caring man who was honest and truthful and would do his very best to sell my Cartier jewellery and small silver collection - and this is what he did! True to his word! I was drawn to Vernon’s business because of all the amazing reviews I had read on the website about him and his team. It seemed here was a man I could trust. And this is who I found him to be - totally trustworthy. He is as good as his word. He valued my items and within ten days he achieved what he said he would and sold them for the price he valued them at. Vernon and his assistant valuer, Haley were a delight to do business with and I wouldn’t hesitate to use them again. Vernon is a man of integrity and honesty and will tell you exactly what he thinks he can achieve for you. And he did just that! Thank you Vernon for your time, your honesty and your professionalism. I will be recommending you to friends and others without any hesitation because I know they will be dealing with someone they can trust. As I said above ‘you and your team are the real deal’. A very satisfied customer

Susan Lacey, Sussex - February 2024

Vernon and his team are brilliant at what they do!

We visited Vernon from Surrey based on the reviews left previously - we were not dissappointed. Vernon and his team are brilliant at what they do! they are knowledgeable, helpful and kind, and importantly for us still have the seemingly old fashioned values of fantastic customer service. From making an appointment through to conclusion of sale Vernon was kind and courteous - even though we visited just before Christmas, Vernon completed everything in the timescales that he stated he would. We cannot recommend Vernon and his team highly enough and would use them again without question.

Mr and Mrs Snashall, Surrey - January 2024

He achieved a much better price than the valuation an auction house gave, and almost three times that quoted by a jeweller

Vernon did a fantastic job for me in selling a diamond ring and some silver. He clearly has excellent knowledge. It was done within the timescale he set and with transparent and clear pricing. He achieved a much better price than the valuation an auction house gave, and almost three times that quoted by a jeweller. He really made an effort on my behalf to secure a good price and I fully recommend him.

Alison Fisher - Sussex, October 2023

Right decision

Having been given somewhat equivocal advice from other sources regarding a few bits of jewellery and gold left over from my mother's estate, I decided to consult Vernon. Right decision. I left a message on his answer-phone and he replied almost immediately. He was affable, approachable and showed an interest, so we made an appointment there and then. He obviously knows his stuff up, down, forwards and backwards. He welcomed us, made us feel comfortable, and was immediately able to to give an opinion and a valuation on everything. Therefore I left it all in his hands, and he was able to achieve prices I would not have deemed possible for the meagre 'odds and sods' I gave him. He is highly professional. He contacts you when he says he will, he talks to you like a human being, he is honest, and he conducts business in the 'old-fashioned' way - so refreshing in this age of faceless robotic algorithms. I had thought that service like this no longer existed, but happily, in this instance, it still does. To say that I was impressed would be a supreme understatement,. He cannot be recommended too highly.

Ken Farr - December 2022

Exemplary Service - Outstanding Professionalism - Clear and Transparent Advise

Following the first contact by e-mail then receiving a call from Vernon regarding a very modest collection of family jewellery that we wished appraised and valued. The professionalism began to show very early. In the weeks prior we took the jewellery to a small number of independent jewellers who's attituded was no more than a melting pot, later to a well known auction house who seemed to be valuing with only their usual trade clients in mind and benefit. After now speaking with Vernon i decided without expectation to travel down from Newcastle Upon Tyne to Vernon's office in North Brighton. I was quickly introduced to Hayley, Vernon's colleague and the appraisal began. The time spent with Vernon resulted in a new found understanding in professional jewellery valuation The advise offered was firstly very impartial, honest, understanding and the way forward explained in transparent detail. Be assured, you will welcome this high level professionalism from Vernon and his team.

Colin R, Newcastle Upon Tyne - June 2022

London client, delighted

After unpleasant experiences visiting various jewellers at Hatton Garden trying trying to dispose of some inherited jewellery, I travelled to Vernon’s office where my experience was the opposite. He spent two hours advising me with no obligation and was able to sell my sentimental pieces to appreciative collectors within the guaranteed ten days. It was an outstanding experience: Vernon is knowledgable, respectful and discreet, unlike my Hatton Garden experience! My husband and I would wholeheartedly recommend Vernon to anyone selling precious inherited pieces. Thank you so much Vernon.

Michelle Rock -August 2022

Outstanding service

I live in Australia and wanted to find someone suitable in the UK to sell some important family heirlooms that are in storage there. I found Vernon’s website and was impressed by his approach and brand and knew he was the right person to contact. When I arrived in the UK and approached Vernon, he was very open, professional and clear about his service. He was personable and warm over the phone and provided the reassurance and trust I needed. When I met Vernon in person for a valuation, he didn’t disappoint and was very knowledgeable and understanding and I felt completely at ease. I am delighted that he has agreed to take me on as a client. I encourage others to contact Vernon.

Professor Darrell Jenkins , Australia - March 2022

I have recently had the pleasure of enlisting the professional services of Vernon Ward Antique Valuations and Sales and felt duly compelled to write a 5* review.

I have recently had the pleasure of enlisting the professional services of Vernon Ward Antique Valuations and Sales and felt duly compelled to write a 5* review. Vernon clearly explained the process from start to finish with his courteous and exemplary manners. Due to current restrictions and having to self isolate, I opted for sending my gold items via registered post. Vernon called me as soon as he received them and then within a few hours I was provided with an estimate. Vernon's valuations for my gold items came in considerably higher than previous estimates by local jewelers and within days Vernon had sold my items. An incredibly professional, efficient and trustworthy service. Highly recommended.

Zoe Porter, Sussex - December 2021

A very pleasurable experience, and clearly he is an individual with very high standards

Selling some miscellaneous pieces of silver, jewellery etc., through Vernon Ward has been a very pleasurable experience, and clearly he is an individual with very high standards. My husband and I were impressed because although the values might be considered modest, the care and attention paid to us throughout the whole process was second to none. It puts to shame those larger enterprises that we have dealt with in the past, whose employees could do with a course in client relationships. At the end of the day Vernon managed to achieve a higher price for the various pieces than we had anticipated. We wish him well for the future.

Isabel Comens, Brighton - December 2022

I can't thank Vernon enough, and would certainly recommend him to anyone considering the sale of jewellery and antiques.

After trawling the internet for information on the best way to value (and ultimately sell) a number of items of jewellery that were left to me by my late mother, I found myself at a complete impasse - High street jewellers wished to charge a set fee for a valuation on each item, which could easily have exceeded the eventual sale values. Feeling rather lost, I happened across Vernon's website and contact details. Sending a message, resulted in a swift and courteous telephone reply from Vernon. We had an extremely helpful conversation, which left me in no doubt that Vernon's knowledge and expertise would be invaluable in assisting me with the sale of the jewellery. I travelled from Berkshire to Vernon's office on the outskirts of Brighton, and had a delightful meeting with the man himself and his lovely colleague Hayley. During the meeting Vernon was very honest and concise, and I elected to have him sell the jewellery, which he did over the course of the following 10 days. I consider myself very lucky to have happened across Vernon, when other avenues appeared to be unsuitable for my particular situation. I can't thank him enough, and would certainly recommend him to anyone considering the sale of jewellery and antiques.

Alastair Summers, Berkshire August 2021

I can't recommend him highly enough and I will definitely be visiting him again

Having recently inherited some jewellery and with no idea where to start looking at it (is it real, fake, good quality, desirable, saleable, etc), I visited Vernon as part of a pre-arranged, Covid safe, free valuation. I was unsure what to expect for free, but I needn't have worried. Vernon was friendly, very efficient, and the perfect combination of professional and courteous. He quickly sorted the jewellery, provided guidance as to value, some information about styles and age, explained how any sales process would work if warranted (which is very transparent and easy) and all with a general background conversation which left me enthralled and relaxed. As a free valuation service I can't recommend him highly enough and I will definitely be visiting him again when I choose which items I wish to sell.

Kevin Urquhart - June 2021

Inheritance Jewellery valuation-Excellent advice given

Where do I start? Vernon is such an approachable person who makes you feel completely at ease. My knowledge in antiques is extremely minimal, but whatever my question was I was not made to feel in anyway inadequate.Extremely professional service and I greatly appreciate the time Vernon spent in passing on his advice.Would not hesitate to contact again.

Jane - January 2022

Excellent Service from Vernon

After sending images of our inherited gold coins and jewellery to local jewellers we were told they were of little interest and value. We then found Vernon and on instructing him to sell our unwanted collection we were overjoyed with the figure he achieved on our behalf which was by far and above the quotes we had been given previously. Vernon worked very hard for us to achieve this excellent result. His communication was both timely and reassuring keeping us informed at every stage of the process. Anyone finding that they have similar items like us would be well advised to use Vernon's services which are completely private & confidential with very reasonable cost effective charges.

Mr & Mrs William Morrish - April 2021

Antique diamond jewellery

Vernon and his colleagues were exceptional in their valuation of our collection of antique diamond jewellery, valued well in excess of £100,000. We were amazed with the depth and breadth of Vernon's knowledge. His valuation was quick but incredibly thorough and we wouldn't hesitate to recommend him to others. We were delighted to get the same high level of service that could be expected from a high end London jeweller, but in Brighton! Many thanks Vernon.

Katie, Sussex - August 2020

Excellent complimentary advice and a very friendly ear!

I contacted Vernon as I had bought what I thought was an antique bracelet online and, becoming aware that it may not be as old as I thought, was unsure how to move forward. Vernon called the next day to discuss my situation and gave me some excellent advice on what my options were, as well as helping me get the purchase into perspective. He was kind, amusing and incredibly honest, and very generous with his time. Highly recommended!

Annie, Sussex - Sept 2020

5 Star Valuation Service!

We had gold bracelets, gold watches, gold bangles and gold rings to be valued. Firstly Vernon was extremely knowledgeable from my laymans descriptions over the telephone. When we visited, all government guidelines for COVID-19 were in place and we were made to feel very comfortable with distancing etc well observed. We were very impressed with Vernons valuation especially as he made time to see us very quickly. We will definitely return to Vernon and whole heartedly recommend his fast, efficient service too.

Fiona Marshall - May 2020

The valuations and prices we received were above other jewellers’ offers & the execution of the sale was faultless

I have to say that we are delighted with the service we have received from Vernon Ward, we found him on Google and were impressed by the reviews. But reviews alone don’t tell the whole story. We were looking to have “valued for sale” our collection of gold and diamond bracelets, gold pocket and wrist watches and other items of gold jewellery. Meeting Vernon Ward was an absolute delight. He is personable, professional and very enthusiastic about his vocation of selling jewellery for private individuals. The valuations and prices we received were above other jewellers’ offers, the execution of the sale was faultless and well within the ten days quoted. His commission rate is very reasonable and exactly as quoted. I have already recommended Vernon to friends and will continue to do so. It is rare to find someone who you can empathise with so quickly and frankly, trust implicitly. Highly recommended.

Adrian Wimbush, Surrey - January 2020

Extremely professional as well as kind

I had a small legacy of jewellery from my late aunt and found Vernon on the web offering free valuations with the possibility to sell through him. I decided to take him up on this generous offer and he did exactly what he promised: entirely free of charge, he researched each piece and provided me with an estimate of value for the whole set. No pressure to sell and conducted with the utmost courtesy. Extremely professional and extremely kind.

Viv E. - Aug 2019

Outstanding Service!

"Vernon was recommended to me by a good friend when we were looking to sell off some family jewellery and silver and heirlooms. He could not have been more helpful and provided an outstanding service from the first phone call to the close out of the transaction. Knowledgeable, likable, honest, and straightforward, Vernon's whole approach was very professional and undoubtedly saved me a very considerable sum in auction house fees and related charges. I would have absolutely no hesitation in using his services again and would strongly recommend him to anyone looking for a personal and very high quality service."

Air Vice-Marshal Bob Judson - 28 Sep 2013

Antique jewellery valuations

I had collection of antique diamond jewelry and gold jewelry and Vernon's service was impecable I wanted a private sale rather than an auction sale which would have incurred much larger charges. Vernon managed to sell the ítems quickly and expertly and updated me regularly with constant progress reports I can thoroughly recommend his services

Tim Naylor - 2nd October 2019

Excellent results for antique jewellery/silverware

"We visited Vernon by appointment with a large assortment of unwanted diamond/gold vintage jewellery/modern gold jewellery, a Rolex watch and antique silverware, to instruct Vernon to act as our agent as we wanted a private sale. We received an excellent return, far higher than had we gone through other outlets. Vernon displayed excellent knowledge and kept us informed throughout the 10 day period. His standard of care and attention to detail was exceptional and solely through his efforts alone he achieved fine results on all. For reference, no other charges were incurred other than his low rate of commission. Many thanks for all your hard work on our behalf. In our opinion he is a leading antique jewellery and silver expert in England. Exceptional service and confidentiality. We would recommend Vernon without hesitation."

Liz Andrews, Sussex - February 2019

A Rare Find

We recently needed a professional to research, value and sell our collection of diamond jewellery and gold coins. From the Internet, we were very impressed by the reviews on Vernon Ward. After visiting us, we instructed him to act as our independent agent. He proved to be highly professional, with excellent business acumen and expertise. We were delighted with the results and, true to his word, he located private buyers. We benefited financially by using his services. We would not hesitate to recommend him."

Mr. and Mrs. D. Marshall - 22 Mar 2016

Extremely Professional and Knowledgeable Valuer

"Following a recommendation I decided to visit Vernon at his road show at the half moon pub in Plumpton. I took a small collection of valuable antiques including jewellery. Having had previous bad experiences with other valuers and auction houses I could not recommend Vernon more highly. He was extremely professional and knowledgeable. His manner was both charming and friendly and I would always use him again should I need any further valuations."

The Honourable Mrs C E Walford - 15 Mar 2013

Appraisal and sale of valuable antiquities

"We have used Vernon-Ward on a number of occasions to assist clients with the appraisal and sale of valuable antiquities and complete house sales for UK and overseas vendors. We have found Vernon-Ward to be a polite professional man who delivers what he promises."

Spencer Turner, Partner Spencer & Leigh Estate Agents - 16 Aug 2012

Original oil painting by JMW Turner

"Following my two previous reviews commending Vernon in researching my painting , I am delighted to announce that it is, indeed, an original oil painting by JMW Turner. A half-page article was published in The Times on Wednesday 6th September 2017 (page 17) and the article can also be found online. Vernon will be instrumental in securing a private sale and he has done remarkably well in arranging various meetings and safe storage of the painting pending sale. It's refreshing to meet an honest antiques expert who has liaised with me for over a year and has kept faith in my belief in the painting's authenticity."

Julian Bowden - London. 8th September 2017

Very glad we came here

Really nice guy, and assistant, who we went with my Mother & Brother to have possessions of my late Grandmother valued. Courtious, genuinely friendly, well informed & professional - you could see the interest and the passion in his work; far from being a dry antiquarian or money-oriented businessman it was clear he is a real human being doing what he loves. Absolutely no selling of his services at all; he was happy to look through allot of stuff to give a free appraisal and valuation, outlining all the options to selling them, very impartially I have to say, and he gave us his brochure saying he would happily help us sell them if we wish. All in all I would certainly come to him as a first port of call for valuations and disposal of high value peices. By far the most important qualities in his profession has to be integrity, honesty, and trustworthiness and for all these he scores top marks.

Aaron - April 2021

Valuation & Sales - Vernon Ward has a worldwide database of private buyers and collectors


VERNON WARD ANTIQUE ROADSHOWS established 1990 and registered in England under No. 2215508 with the National Business Register LLP, Vernon has conducted these highly successful roadshows for 30 years, raising thousands of pounds for numerous charities, and is available to offer his services for charitable fundraising events on request (Due Covid-19 cancelled until further notice).


Click here to read the full letter to Vernon Ward from The SOUTH OF ENGLAND AGRICULTURAL SOCIETY, Patron HER MAJESTY THE QUEEN on the extensive silverware collection that was valued for insurance purposes.

50 Years Experience

Worldwide database of buyers

Low Commission

Valuers for Antique Jewellery, Gold and Silverware Covering the UK and worldwide

Vernon Ward's services are regularly used by the general public, estate agents, the legal profession and estate sales following probate throughout UK and abroad.

The excellent 5 star reviews on this website, along with many letters of thanks spanning 50 years are self explanatory. Vernon works tirelessly to locate private buyers and collectors keeping you informed throughout the negotiating period, within the 10 day period by 'contract of sale' (terms and conditions apply). Vernon aims to achieve the maximum value in the current market on all manor of antiques, jewellery, chattels etc. (click here to view the list of the many antiques successfully sold by Vernon Ward).

Before consigning your goods to auction it would be in your interest to make Vernon Ward your first point of call when selling diamonds, jewellery, heirlooms etc. His reputation and confidentiality to you, the client is paramount, he prides himself on an old fashioned service.

**Please note: private buyers and collectors are, as the name implies, private. They are distrustful of the internet as a place to hold information about their valuable collections. They do not want people approaching them for unsolicited requests. Vernon Ward, with his 50 years in the antiques world, is your direct link to these private buyers and collectors worldwide.


Valuing Diamonds & Antique Jewellery

Open five days a week by appointment only.

Vernon recently concluded the sale of an important painting by JMW Turner... Read story


Antique Valuations Sussex, Surrey, Hampshire, Kent, London, & UK

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