About ready to purchase, Question about appraisal?

[shlo_mo_shun]

OK, first, I wanted to thank all the members here on PS. I have been lurking for over a month, and really taken alot from all of you. Not being smug (ok, maybe a little) but I feel like I know more about diamonds than some of the sales people I''ve talked to when viewing stones. So thanks to all of you.

Here''s the stone I am considering:

http://www.whiteflash.com/hearts_arrows/A-Cut-Above-H-A-cut-diamond-312250.htm

Carat: 1.261
Color: G
Clarity: SI1
HCA: 1.1-EX ex-ex-ex-vg
Other: AGS0 H&A ACA
Depth/Table/Crown/Pav.: 61.8% 55% 34.7° 40.7°
Girdle: thn-med f
Polish/Sym: id id
Flour: no
Dimensions: 6.91-6.95x4.28
Cert: AGS

I spoke with Katie at WF today and she was very helpful. I had concerns about it''s ''eye-cleanliness'' as the inclusions are quite visible on the enlarged view and even on the idealscope it seems. But she read me their internal review that said that the inclusions weren''t visible from either viewing distance they check (4in and 10in?). So I''m feeling real good about that.

So here''s my question. I''ve seen people talk of going one of 3 ways after purchase:

#1 Have it sent loose, take to an appraiser, send it back to WF for mounting, then take it back to appraiser for a final doublecheck.
#2 Have it sent mounted, take to an appraiser to confirm the stone.
#3 Just use WF documentation for insurance. No appraisal.

I know I want someone to verify that the stone is what I bought, so #3 is out. But what advantage is to be had by #1? I''m going to of course give it good looks during the 10 day return period, and get it appraised, so what other advantage am I missing by going with #1 over #2. And what sort of cost difference can I expect between the two.

Thanks so much,
Mark

PS: Im willing to listen to anyone that thinks they can find a better stone. All challengers welcome.

 

[JulieN]

an appraiser will give you his opinion of color/clarity/pricing.

Since you already have AGS'' esteemed opinion of the stone, and pricing transparency of the Internet, all you really need an appraisal for is to verify that you indeed got what you paid for, and otherwise, that everything is in order.

 

[Ellen]

^^ What she said.

Lovely stone!

 

[belle]

Date: 7/9/2007 7:15:27 PM
Author: Ellen
^^ What she said.

Lovely stone!

yep, i was reading that thinking ''great answer!''

well said julie. i agree!

 

[shlo_mo_shun]

You are all so helpful. That''s what I figured, just wanted to be sure I wasn''t missing something important that would mean I need to have the loose stone appraised first. Pretty excited now, cause everything seems to be falling into place!

 

[diamondseeker2006]

I agree. A verbal verification that the stone is the one represented on the cert is really all you need. I didn''t even feel the need to do that with my WF ACA stones that I bought for earrings.

 

[SpeedracerII]

I had a verbal appraisal on three stones I was considering. Looking at the loose stone could allow the appraiser to give you a better look at the stone. My appraiser put each stone in a sarin machine and verified the the cut, size etc. Also verified the color. Then when I get it set I think she will give me a little price break on the full ring appraisal. Getting a ''full'' appraisal on a loose stone may not be that worth while since I was told you can''t insure a loose stone. Best thing to do is find a local appraiser and ask them what they would do if you brought in a loose stone. They might have a reduced rate for a verbal appraisal.

 

[MWG]

First of all, an ACA meets strict criteria to be an ACA.

I believe once you get the diamond in your hands and take it to a B&M, you will not need an appraiser after you compare it to other diamonds. Your eyes will tell you everything you need to know. Your ACA will sparkle and dance for it under the lights!!!

You just cant go wrong with an ACA!!!!!

Good Luck and tell how things turn out
MWG