Artificial intelligence is finding its way into almost every corner of our lives and the world of valuations is no exception. For collectors of fine art, rare jewellery, luxury watches and unique antiques, you may wonder if AI can replace traditional in-person valuations.
The short answer is: AI can help, but it cannot replace expert human valuers, especially when your collection includes rare or high-value pieces.
Below is our collector-friendly look at why.
Why AI Seems Appealing
There is no doubt that AI has made impressive strides. With the ability to scan large databases and recognise patterns instantly, it can:
- Give quick, directional estimates for mass-produced items
- Compare common designs or widely traded brands
- Help organise or catalogue large collections
For standard items with lots of historical sale data, AI can be incredibly efficient. But this is also where its usefulness tends to end.
Where AI Falls Short for High-Value or Unique Items
- Rare items simply don’t have enough data
AI needs thousands of comparable sales to make accurate predictions. For one-off pieces, private sales, or items with specialist markets, those datasets don’t exist and AI has no reliable foundation to work from.
- It can’t judge the subtleties that experts see
The value of a painting, watch or piece of jewellery isn’t just about what it is – it’s also about the:
- Condition
- Craftsmanship
- Restoration history
- Authenticity
- Provenance
- Patina, wear and overall ‘story’
These nuances can dramatically influence a valuation, yet AI cannot meaningfully assess them through photographs alone.
- Algorithms can be biased or opaque
AI often favours what it recognises, e.g., artists who frequently appear at auction, popular design periods, or particular styles. Rare or unusual works may be undervalued simply because they fall outside the algorithm’s comfort zone.
- AI valuations are rarely acceptable for insurance
For insurance purposes, valuations must be:
- Defensible
- Documented
- Recognised by insurers
- Completed by a qualified professional
AI-generated figures lack accountability and can leave clients underinsured in the event of a loss.
Why Expert Valuers Remain Indispensable
A professional valuation offers far more than a number on a page. It provides:
- A trained eye – Valuers can assess condition, craftsmanship, and authenticity in ways technology cannot replicate.
- Access to private markets – Many sales of high-end art, jewellery or antiques never appear online. Experts have the relationships and insight to understand true market value.
- Provenance verification – Human expertise is essential for reviewing certificates, exhibition history, and ownership lineage – all vital for insurance and resale.
- Insurance-ready documentation – For high-value collections, insurers expect robust professional valuations. They rely on these reports to tailor cover and ensure you’re properly protected.
What This Means for Collectors and High-Value Insurance
If you own rare, unique or high-value pieces:
- Don’t rely on AI-only valuations – They are unlikely to satisfy insurers or fully reflect your item’s worth.
- Invest in professional valuations – This helps ensure accurate cover, avoids underinsurance, and provides peace of mind.
- Use AI as a convenient first step, not the final word – It can speed up organisation and research but cannot confirm true value.
A proper valuation is about understanding an item’s story, significance and condition which is far more than what an algorithm can glean from image recognition. AI has its place and its role will no doubt continue to grow but for serious collectors – especially those insuring valuable, sentimental or unique pieces – in our opinion nothing replaces the depth, judgement and accountability of an experienced valuer.
Get in touch for help and advice
Your collection deserves more than an automated estimate. It deserves expertise, care, and protection tailored to its true worth. If you have any concerns or queries on your insurance cover please don’t hesitate to speak to us.
You can call any of the team on 0203 002 9859 or email pcl@jameshallam.co.uk