advice needed on getting OEC diamond certified.

[missismene]

We have finally decided on an OEC diamond and are moving forward to have the ring designed. My fiance would like to have the diamond removed from the setting for GIA certification.
The question is if the diamond is certified and the color/cut/etc do not match with the appraisal and estimate we have been provided with (in which we negotiated a price on) how do we proceed?
I would be happy with the diamond regardless of the outcome of the certification, but do want a fair price.
Do people usually negotiate some sort of agreement beforehand such as:
-the diamond does not return with the same or equal rating and the diamond is then discounted..or
-the diamond comes back at a higher rating than we were previously told, can the price rise?
Today we were at a jewelry store and the salesperson told us that a 1.5 ct H/VS2 was approx 13K, if the cut were to have been SI1 then the price would have dropped to around 12K.
Are there any standard guidelines to follow?
My fiance is quite analytical and wants to make sure the price is fair.
Any advice would be appreciated.
Thanks!

 

[neatfreak]

Are you sending it or them?

 

[missismene]

we assume the jeweler is.
but we are putting hefty deposit on the ring, so maybe if it safer we could get it certified ourselves?

 

[arjunajane]

Date: 1/17/2009 10:07:46 PM
Author:missismene
We have finally decided on an OEC diamond and are moving forward to have the ring designed. My fiance would like to have the diamond removed from the setting for GIA certification.

Honestly, I would not spend your $ on having an OEC certified. You will get more information by taking it to a recommended independent appraiser, and that will be more useful for insurance purposes too. Certification is not cheap.

The question is if the diamond is certified and the color/cut/etc do not match with the appraisal and estimate we have been provided with (in which we negotiated a price on) how do we proceed?
I would be happy with the diamond regardless of the outcome of the certification, but do want a fair price. An appraiser is in the best position to instruct you on price/value. GIA will not give you a value, so if the specs match then you're back at square one.

Do people usually negotiate some sort of agreement beforehand such as:
-the diamond does not return with the same or equal rating and the diamond is then discounted..or

Yes, most likely. But you should discuss with the vendor beforehand to make sure you're on same page.

-the diamond comes back at a higher rating than we were previously told, can the price rise?

I would be highly surprised if this occurred, and it would be quite unscrupulous of the vendor. If they tried to, I would walk away.
(disclaimer - unless of course it was some crazy difference like a 1.2ct to a 1.4 - but highly unlikely)

Today we were at a jewelry store and the salesperson told us that a 1.5 ct H/VS2 was approx 13K, if the cut were to have been SI1 then the price would have dropped to around 12K.
Are there any standard guidelines to follow?
My fiance is quite analytical and wants to make sure the price is fair.
Any advice would be appreciated.
Thanks!

Go to resources link at top of page and find a good appraiser in your area. I honestly think that will be more useful to you in the end. Also ask when you call to make an appt if they are versed in old cuts, not all are.

 

[missismene]

Good info, thanks.
We have decided to have it certified. (My fiance works in forensic computer stuff, i think he likes data.)
So it will make him feel good to have it done and will cost $225 or so which is worth it for his peace of mind.
He will also get it appraised to find the value of the stone.
I am soooo soooo sick of talking in numbers and gradings and etc. I love this ring and hope that it comes back in a way that he is pleased with so we can move forward.
He put initial deposit down today! But like I said before, I want him to feel it is a good ring. (why are guys so crazy about the stats?) I feel this is important to make us both happy.
I can''t wait to post more pics, should have soon.
I will post one now, the band is just to show me what i can do with the diamond. I would like a more dainty and sweet band. I have posted a bit ago to ask for advice.