Barry Sullivan

With over 49 years of unparalleled experience in the jewellery and horological fields, Barry Sullivan stands as a leading jewellery appraiser, consultant, and expert witness in the UK. Renowned for his specialisation in jewellery forensics and historical investigative evaluation, Barry provides meticulous, compliant appraisals for insurance purposes, litigation, and asset management.

Core Expertise & Valuation Services

Barry's extensive expertise encompasses the precise valuation of a wide range of precious items, including, jewellery and gemstones, precious metals, watches & clocks, silverware and mayoral regalia.

He is particularly sought after for insurance claims investigations, bringing over 27 years of dedicated experience in this complex area, focusing on the historical context and investigative evaluation of both jewellery and watches.

Distinguished Career & Professional Leadership

A career spanning nearly five decades has seen Barry hold diverse and impactful roles. From serving as a general manager for multiple jewellers to a senior executive responsible for training, he has also successfully owned and managed several jewellery and consultancy businesses.

Since 1991, Barry has been providing independent professional jewellery appraisal and consultancy services.

Barry is a highly respected figure within the industry's leading professional bodies:

• Past Chair of the National Association of Jewellers’ (NAJ) Institute of Registered Valuers (IRV) (2021-2023).

• Past Chair of the Valuation Steering Group, where he continues to serve.

• Past Chair of the Professional & Technical Standards Steering Group.

• Commerce Member of the British Standards Institute’s STI/53, contributing to industry standards.

• A regular lecturer at the NAJ’s Institute of Registered Valuers’ (IRV) Conference, sharing his vast knowledge.

• A dedicated Tutor for the Institute of Registered Valuer’s Certificate of Appraisal Theory Programme and NAJ’s Foundation of Appraisal Practice.

• An active Member of NAJ’s Education Steering Group since 2016.

Notable Case Involvement & Expert Witness Credentials

Barry's profound expertise is frequently called upon in high-stakes legal proceedings, where he provides expert witness and jewellery audit reports in national and international cases. His notable involvement includes:

• A high-profile criminal case recommended by the National Crime Agency (NCA), collaborating with four other Registered Valuer members, assigned by the Cambridge Police in 2023.

• A significant criminal case for HMRC Fraud Investigation Service (FIS) in 2024.

He has been a full member of the Academy of Experts (TAE) since 2008 and was formally appointed as an Expert for the National Crime Agency (NCA) in 2013, underscoring his recognised authority in forensic jewellery matters.

Qualifications & Industry Recognition

Barry's commitment to excellence is reflected in his qualifications and accolades:

• Horological Degree from the British Horological Institute (1966).

• Completed a course in synthetic rubies, sapphires, and emeralds from the Gemmological Institute of Great Britain (Gem-A) in 2010.

• Completed an Assessing Mounted Diamonds course from the National Association of Jewellers (NAJ) in 2016.

• A Fellow of the Institute of Registered Valuers (IRV) since 2008.

• Recipient of the NAJ’s Institute of Registered Valuers Award in both 2015 and 2022.

• His expert witness accreditation includes attending the Academy of Experts ‘Procedure Rules’ in 2009, complemented by ongoing professional development with NAJ, IRV, and TAE.

Barry Sullivan's extensive experience, deep specialisation in jewellery forensics, and active contributions to industry standards and education solidify his position as a preeminent authority in jewellery and watch valuation and expert witness services across the UK.