Member Profile

For the love of history

Steven Jordan FGA DGA FIRV gives a glimpse into the world of a heritage valuer.

What led you to become a designer maker?

I left school in 1973 at 17 and worked for a bank for a few months. It was a poor fit; the bank was glad to see me go. Since childhood, I had an interest in watches and geology. A vacancy for an apprentice jeweller in an independent jeweller in Great Yarmouth seemed a good match for my interests.

My career started modestly – each day, no matter the weather – I was entrusted to wash the windows. I was ambitious and soon progressed to emptying the bins and vacuuming. In 1974, I carried out my first valuation – albeit under supervision. I moved from one independent jewellers to the next, gleaning as much as I possibly could. I was, and still am, a glutton for information.

How did you make the leap from cleaning to valuing? Was there any formal training?

Every young lad at that time was expected to carry out the most menial of tasks. However, my thirst for knowledge was recognised and rewarded by lessons in watch repair, gemstone analysis and diamond grading there was a scheme in the very early days of development. In 1989, I joined the NAG Registered Valuers scheme.

I embarked on an independent career in 1993 and, thanks to my friends at Cellini Cambridge, who allowed me office space, the business quickly progressed. Although I had a good portfolio of retail jewellers, it was discrete consultancy work for the valuation companies and auction houses that brought the very interesting heritage valuations.

It was an absolute privilege to value items owned and worn by George Washington, Lord Nelson, Napoleon Bonaparte, Sir Winston Churchill and various deceased members of the Royal Family.

by eye. It’s a skill I still possess. There was the absolute minimum of gemmological instruments in those days and much had to be determined by good use of the 10x loupe. In my first year, the manager introduced me to the process of insurance valuation. His approach was systematic and certainly influenced the way I carry out valuations even today.

When (and why) did you join the IRV? How has that advanced your valuing career?

In the late 1980s, I was fortunate to wash up on the safe shores of ST Hopper of Boston. Under the watchful eye of that wonderful gentleman Gerry Hopper, myself and his son Tim honed our valuation skills. It was at that time I was involved with my first major town silver and regalia valuation, assisting Mr Hopper at Boston Town Hall. It’s an interesting collection, particularly with its links to the other Boston and the silversmith Paul Revere. It well and truly whetted my appetite.

In the mid ‘80s, I tried to source a training programme for valuers and found that although nothing in our sector existed, How do you keep up to date with the world of valuing?

As a keen gemmologist and former board member, I maintain my gemmological knowledge through the Gem-A Gemmological Journal and gemmological websites. There are occasions when there’s need of my gemmological knowledge as some regalia and ecclesiastical items are gem set. For silver and regalia, I’m constantly in touch with silversmiths to ensure I’m up to date with manufacturing processes and pricing for facsimile values. I also take a close interest in auction market trends. My day starts by reading the Antiques Trade Gazette at breakfast. I’m keen on the history of silver and its makers and am a member of the Silver Society.

Any career highlights?

In 2005 – the bicentenary of the Battle of Trafalgar – I’d already valued one of the Norfolk hero’s mourning rings. Being asked next to give an opinion on his Gold Medal was a highlight.

I’ve met the famous, worked abroad, underground, under guard and in the middle of the Thames. My services have been used by Gurr Johns (Pall Mall), Mappin & Webb, Carrington & Co (Royal Warrant holders), The Guild, the fine jewellery department at Harrods, Tiffany & Co, Mozafarian (London/Dubai), Searle & Co, the London Assay Office, the Birmingham Assay Office, Bonhams Auctioneers, Phillips Auctioneers, the Police and loss adjusters.

I now concentrate fully on silver and regalia collections – primarily for the livery companies, town councils, museums, churches, cathedrals, military and sporting bodies. It allows me to handle historically interesting items for which I still have a passion.

Steven Jordan FGA DGA FIRV FNAJ Tel: 020 7419 5956 Email: info@hawksworth-valuations.co.uk

www.hawksworth-valuations.co.uk