Inherited, but unexplained
A ring passed down through the family with no receipt, certificate or clear history.
A free jewellery & watch morning in Harrogate
What Is It Worth?
Bring us the jewellery or watch you’ve always wondered about.
Inherited without paperwork? Hidden in a drawer for years? Never properly examined? Christopher Stoner will help you understand more about what you own — from its materials, age and condition to its story and possible value.
Christopher Stoner — jewellery designer, gemmologist and valuer. More than 30 years’ experience, independent and based in Harrogate.
The next morning
Friday 18 September
9.30am–1pm · 2026
Palm Court Cafe
Windsor House, Cornwall Road
Harrogate HG1 2PW
Free to attend · No appointment required · First come, first served
Your jewellery remains with youNo pressure. No obligation.Clear, personal expert advice
Object · Clue · Discovery
What might you discover?
The ring, watch or inherited piece you’ve always wondered about.
- 01
Identity
What might it actually be?
- 02
Materials
Which metals and stones is it made from?
- 03
History
When, where and how was it likely made?
- 04
Condition
Is it secure, safe to wear, in need of attention?
- 05
Value
An informed indication of possible value, where the item reasonably allows.
See everything Christopher may be able to comment on
- — What the item appears to be
- — Its metals, gemstones and materials
- — Its apparent age, period or style
- — Its construction and quality
- — Its present condition
- — Whether it appears safe to wear
- — Possible authenticity concerns
- — Gaps in its history or provenance
- — Whether further research or testing is advisable
- — Its possible value, where an informed indication can reasonably be given
What to bring
Bring something you have always wondered about
Kept in a drawer for years
A watch you have never known whether to repair, insure, wear or pass on.
Loved, but no longer worn
Jewellery that may deserve restoration — or an entirely new life in a new design.
Never properly documented
An important possession whose identity, condition and value have never been recorded.
You don’t need to know whether it is valuable. You only need to be curious.
Want the details for the next event?
Leave your name and email and we’ll send the date, directions and a reminder.
We’ll only use these details to send information and reminders about this event. Privacy Policy.
How the morning works
Three simple steps to understanding more
A friendly, straightforward expert opinion.
- 01
Arrive with a question
Sarah welcomes you, hears what you already know about the piece and makes sure Christopher understands what you most want to discover.
- 02
Examine the item together
Christopher studies the piece with you at the table and explains what he can see — materials, age, construction, condition and anything that stands out.
- 03
Leave knowing more
Understand its identity, condition and possible value, and whether any next step is worth taking. There is never any obligation to proceed.
You are welcome to bring more than one item. During busy periods we may examine one piece per visitor first, so everyone has the chance to sit down with Christopher.
Every piece leaves clues. The skill lies in knowing how to read them.
Your host
Meet Christopher Stoner
Christopher has spent more than 30 years examining, designing and working with jewellery, watches and gemstones. His approach is personal, straightforward and independent.
The purpose of the morning is not a rehearsed presentation. It is to help you understand more about what you own, point out anything that may need attention, and explain your options plainly.
- More than 30 years working with jewellery, watches and gemstones
- Jewellery designer, gemmologist and valuer
- Independent, Harrogate based
Afterwards
Sometimes, discovering more is only the beginning
Many visitors leave with exactly the information they came for, and nothing further to do. Occasionally an examination shows that a piece deserves more.
Depending on what we find, an item may deserve:
- Proper documentation and a professional SmartReport valuation
- Repair or sympathetic restoration
- A new design, and a new chapter for a piece no longer worn
- Secure insurance and ownership records
- A separate, unhurried conversation about selling
Christopher will only suggest a next step where he genuinely believes it is useful to the piece and its owner.
Event details
Join us at the Palm Court Cafe
Friday 18 September
9.30am–1pm · 2026
Palm Court CafeWindsor HouseCornwall RoadHarrogateNorth YorkshireHG1 2PWFree to attend · No appointment required · First come, first served
Finding us
Please come to Windsor House reception and ask for the What Is It Worth? event.
Parking
Windsor House has limited visitor parking. Free all-day parking is available on Cornwall Road, directly opposite Windsor House.
What to bring
Your jewellery or watch, together with any boxes, receipts, certificates, photographs or previous paperwork you may have.
Upcoming dates
- Friday 18th September 2026Next event
- Friday 23rd October 20269.30am–1pm
- Friday 27th November 20269.30am–1pm
- Friday 29th January 20279.30am–1pm
- Friday 26th February 20279.30am–1pm
- Friday 26th March 20279.30am–1pm
Free to attend · No appointment required · First come, first served
Your jewellery and watches remain with you throughout the complimentary examination unless you separately instruct us to undertake further work.
Stay in touch
Tell me about the next “What Is It Worth?” morning
Leave your details and we’ll send you the date, directions and a reminder before the event.
A useful first examination — not a formal written valuation
Christopher shares as much useful information as an in-person visual examination reasonably allows: apparent identity, materials, quality, condition, age, history and, where sensible, an informal indication of possible value.
Not included:
- — Written documentation or a SmartReport
- — A formal insurance or probate valuation
- — Comprehensive measurements or gemstone grading
- — Laboratory testing or a certificate of authenticity
- — Extensive historical or market research
Any value discussed is an informal, indicative personal opinion based on the item’s apparent characteristics on the day. It is not a formal valuation and must not be relied upon for insurance, probate, tax, legal, lending or sale purposes.
Frequently asked questions
Is the event really free?
Yes. There is no charge for the complimentary informal examination and no obligation to use any other Christopher Stoner service.
Do I need to make an appointment?
No. The morning is first come, first served during the advertised hours. Leaving your details sends you a reminder, but does not reserve a time.
Will Christopher tell me exactly what my item is worth?
Where it is reasonable to do so, Christopher may offer an informal indication of possible value. This is not a formal valuation and cannot be used for insurance, probate, legal, tax, lending or sale purposes. Some items require further testing, measuring or research.
How many items can I bring?
You are welcome to bring more than one. If the morning is busy, we may examine one item per visitor first so everyone has an opportunity to meet Christopher, then look at additional pieces as time allows.
Can I bring inherited jewellery if I know nothing about it?
Yes. Inherited pieces with little or no paperwork are among the most appropriate items to bring. Do also bring any boxes, receipts, photographs, certificates or family information you have.
Will my jewellery leave my sight?
No. Your items remain with you throughout the complimentary examination unless you later give separate instructions for professional work.
See all questions
Will I receive written documentation?
No written report is included. If you require professional documentation, Christopher can explain the SmartReport valuation service.
Can Christopher confirm whether my jewellery or watch is genuine?
Christopher may be able to identify relevant characteristics or concerns during the examination. Definitive authentication may require further research, testing, manufacturer records or specialist examination.
Can I discuss repairs or remodelling?
Yes. If the item needs attention, or you no longer wear it in its current form, Christopher can explain possible repair, restoration or remodelling options.
Can I discuss selling an item?
Yes. Christopher can explain the possible next steps. Any purchase assessment or offer is handled separately from the complimentary examination.
What will you discover?
Bring the jewellery or watch you have always wondered about, and leave knowing far more about what you own.
The next morning
Friday 18 September
9.30am–1pm · 2026
Palm Court Cafe
Windsor House, Cornwall Road
Harrogate HG1 2PW
Free to attend · No appointment required · First come, first served