another appraisal question

[Sam82]

So, a while ago I asked about the price of an appraisal (thanks to those who responded). Here''s my next questions:

Can an appraisal be done without any kind of gia certificatificates?
Can the stones be harmed during an appraisal?

I want to get the ring my grandmother gave me appraised. All I know about it is that the setting is white gold (14K is engaved inside the ring). Other than that, I don''t have any other info. Of course, I don''t want the diamonds taken out of the setting. I want the ring exactly as it is. I can''t get it insured without the appraisal. Thanks for any help you can give me.

 

[TripleG]

Yes the appraisal can be done without you bringing any certification to the process. The person will give you the best estimate they can since the diamond is in a setting. The stones cant be harmed, hes just looking at it, sometimes using various machines for tests, but unless hes doing something odd like trying to take it out to view it? (Shouldnt ever happen unless youve asked) then you will be fine. As far as for insurance purposes ask them what they require. If its just an appraisal document and no GIA certificate of the diamond then you should be fine with the appraisers documentation. Just find out before you go what the insurance company needs.

 

[Sam82]

That''s great advice. I think I''ll go with jeweler''s mutual. I''ll call them to find out what documents I''ll need. Thanks so much

 

[stone-cold11]

Date: 8/19/2009 1:16:51 PM
Author:Sam82
So, a while ago I asked about the price of an appraisal (thanks to those who responded). Here''s my next questions:

Can an appraisal be done without any kind of gia certificatificates?

Can the stones be harmed during an appraisal?

I want to get the ring my grandmother gave me appraised. All I know about it is that the setting is white gold (14K is engaved inside the ring). Other than that, I don''t have any other info. Of course, I don''t want the diamonds taken out of the setting. I want the ring exactly as it is. I can''t get it insured without the appraisal. Thanks for any help you can give me.

Yes to Q1.

No to Q2.

 

[Lorelei]

Date: 8/19/2009 1:29:36 PM
Author: TripleG
Yes the appraisal can be done without you bringing any certification to the process. The person will give you the best estimate they can since the diamond is in a setting. The stones cant be harmed, hes just looking at it, sometimes using various machines for tests, but unless hes doing something odd like trying to take it out to view it? (Shouldnt ever happen unless youve asked) then you will be fine. As far as for insurance purposes ask them what they require. If its just an appraisal document and no GIA certificate of the diamond then you should be fine with the appraisers documentation. Just find out before you go what the insurance company needs.

Ditto above, your stone should be safe unless something very unlucky happens but this would be very unusual.

 

[Modified Brilliant]

Hi Sam,

I''m a sentimental guy and really love to hear about diamond rings being handed down within a family.
It''s an opportunity for happy memories to be cherished forever.

This is also a perfect opportunity to learm more about the diamond...especially if it''s an Old Mine or Old European
Cut. Take this time to choose an appraiser that will explain the characteristics of your diamond and provide the
answers to any questions that you may have. A qualified appraiser should be able to provide you with a detailed
appraisal report without disturbing your diamond but at the same time check your prongs, the shank of the ring, etc.,
while recommending any needed repairs. Use your appraisal time wisely.

www.metrojewelryappraisers.com

 

[glitterata]

And don''t forget to post pictures! We would all love to see your heirloom.

 

[ct-appr]

You do not need a lab report for an appraisal. However, if there is a lab report, part of the appraisal process is to verify that the stone is the same one that is contained in the report. The stone should not normally be removed for appraisal. However, if the stone needs to come out for some other purpose, the accuracy of the grading is greatly enhanced by grading the stone loose. When the stone is mounted appraisers have to use measurements and formulas to determine the weight, inclusions may be hidden by bezels and prongs and the metal of the ring may cause difficulty in determining an accurate color grade.

The stone should never be harmed during appraisal. All competent appraisers only do non-destructive testing.

As for your grandmother''s ring, go to the NAJA website and look up a professional appraiser in your area. They will provide a detailed appraisal that will satisfy the insurance company and protect you.

 

[Regular Guy]

I agree with the above...

Also, welcome Mr. Indorf. Though what you say may be true...

Date: 8/19/2009 9:36:43 PM
Author: ct-appr

As for your grandmother''s ring, go to the NAJA website and look up a professional appraiser in your area. They will provide a detailed appraisal that will satisfy the insurance company and protect you.

...I see you''re now listed at top right, under Resources/Appraisers, and that list may also be helpful, if somewhat more restrictive (eliminating combo store/appraisers perhaps) to readers here...

 

[Sam82]

thanks for all of the help everyone. I''ll be getting the ring appraised next week.

 

[Richard Sherwood]

Most appraisers can work around mounted stones, and prefer to.

If you start dismounting and remounting diamonds, you run into problems like metal fatigue and possibly screwing up the setting jobs and prong symmetry, etc.