No local appraiser listed

[Upgradable]

I''m interested in have a stone independantly appraised, one from a vendor who posts here on these boards who also has a B&M store. I''ve checked on the vendor link and there is no one listed for Oklahoma. Can anyone recommend someone within a hundred mile radius of Oklahoma City? I''d like to have the chance to view the stone at the same time.

Also, I know I''d have to ask the specific vendor what his/her policies are, but do vendors sometimes agree to send a stone for appraisals without it being purchased first? I assume I''d have to incur the shipping and insurance costs both ways.

I appreciate the expertise and helpfulness of all the PS members. It''s exciting to have ready access to perspectives of both industry experts and experiences and opinions of consumers.

 

[oldminer]

Scott Gordon is a well qualified appraiser in OK City....

 

[denverappraiser]

It's pretty common for customers to wish to get a stone appraised before finalizing the deal. Vendors are usually happy to cooperate with this as long as the appraiser chosen is an independent, meaning that they aren't an employee of the store's competitor. If you find it difficult to find a local appraiser in your home town, there are several of us that accept work from out of state clients via registered mail and similar secured shipping methods. In the case of Oklahoma City, it seems likely that there will be someone local with the appropriate skills.

Neil Beaty, GG ISA
Independent Appraisals in Denver

 

[Upgradable]

Old Miner, is Scott Gordon associated with the Samuel or Arthur Gordon stores? If so, I'm looking at their stones too, so I'm seeing a potential conflict of interest.