2ct Cushion Appraisal?

[october214]

Hi,

I am a long time lurker and getting close to making the big purchase...well, my boyfriend is making the purchase, I''m just picking it out. We are working with a very reputable PS vendor from long distance and the vendor has a 2.01 H VS1 Cushion that we are considering. I have not seen pictures or full specs on it yet, but the vendor says it is an excellent cut. The vendor has offered to ship the diamond to an appraiser here in Chicago prior to purchase so we can look at it. When I called the appraiser recommended by the vendor, he said he will do a consultation while it is loose for $65 and then a full appraisal for an additional $20 once the diamond is purchased and set. I was under the impression that the best time for a full appraisal was while the stone was loose. I am also concerned that appraiser is not really "independent" since he was recommended by the vendor, but then again, I do trust my diamond vendor, so I''m not sure. I am considering just purchasing the stone and then having a full appraisal while loose by Richard Drucker since I''ve heard good things about him on this board, especially since there is a 14 day return policy with the stone vendor. Basically I need opinions on what I should do...

1) Have the stone sent to the vendor recommended appraiser pre-purchase for $65 initial consult and make sure I like it in person? Then worry about the full appraisal after I purchase it and have it set.

OR

2) Request pictures or full specs from the vendor, buy it without physically seeing it, and then have it appraised by Richard Drucker within 14 days to make sure I''m happy with it.


Any thoughts or opinions are greatly appreciated!!!

 

[Gypsy]

Either works really. It''s a matter of your own comfort. You can also (there is nothing wrong with this) ask the vendor to send it to Richard for the premount appraisal and take things from there.

If the vendor is ERD then I think you''ll be okay either way, by the way.

 

[jaz464]

I would just have the diamond sent to the appraiser to verify that he/she agrees with the grading report (who is it done by?). Then, if you want to buy it, you can get an appraisal on the full ring so that the setting is included in the value for insurance purposes. Then the diamond will be looked at while loose and that will enable the appraiser to accuratly grade it, study the inclusions, etc.

 

[october214]

The cert is GIA. I am thinking I''ll have the diamond sent to the recommended appraiser so I can see it first, if it checks out, then I''ll purchase it and then have Richard Drucker do the full appraisal while loose and then again while set. I''ll be spending more money onthe appraisal fees, but I want to make sure I know everything about what I''m getting. And yes, the diamond vendor is ERD. I have really enjoyed working with them and hope that this diamond is the one!

 

[dani13]

October214-

I think that is a good plan...dont worry, you can trust Mark at ERD- he is a great guy...we worked with him, and he was absolutely wonderful all the way around- good luck!