Barbara Leal FJVA

London JVA Registered Valuer ®

Barbara is an American citizen and her career commenced over 35 years ago when she persuaded an old established renowned Arizona jewellers to take her on as a trainee, without pay!  After progressing to senior appraiser and principal diamond buyer she eventually relocated to the UK in 1994 and quickly established herself as an independent valuer.  She also found time to establish the GIA London campus and become a consultant valuer to Garrard, Asprey and other high net worth houses, as well as to Christie's. 

Barbara enjoys a host of qualifications and specialises in appraising high net worth jewellery in client's homes, or in offices and banks, etc and also acts as principal researcher to JEMS in resolving disputes and in its Expert Witness work embracing both Civil and Criminal proceedings.

Barbara was awarded the prestigious accolade of IRV David Wilkins Valuer of the Year 2021 which is "Awarded to an individual who has demonstrated outstanding skill, dedication or service in respect of jewellery appraisal and valuation."