appraisal before buying from B&M?

[Excoriator]

After several weeks of reading PS, I think I''m about to buy from a B&M... (I just don''t feel comfortable buying online for my first diamond)

I have some questions though:

1) How important is it to get an independent appraisal before purchasing the diamond? If it comes with an AGS/GIA certification, and the jeweler is reputable, is that enough?

2) Is the primary purpose of a pre-purchase appraisal so that I know if I''m being overcharged or is it to assure me that I am purchasing the diamond I was told I''m purchasing.

3) How do I find a local independent appraiser? The appraiser PS pointed me to is no longer in business!

4) How do I broach the topic to the jeweler and is that something that he should know how to deal with?

5) Would the jeweler be offended that I was asking for an independent appraisal?

 

[belle]

Date: 5/31/2006 6:53:58 PM
Author:Excoriator

1) How important is it to get an independent appraisal before purchasing the diamond? If it comes with an AGS/GIA certification, and the jeweler is reputable, is that enough?

it is a personal decision. i beleive that you should be able to trust the jeweler that you are working with and the reports that accompany the diamond. if you feel you need an extra layer of appraisal protection, then you should get it.

Date: 5/31/2006 6:53:58 PM
Author:Excoriator

2) Is the primary purpose of a pre-purchase appraisal so that I know if I''m being overcharged or is it to assure me that I am purchasing the diamond I was told I''m purchasing.

it would be to assure you that you are getting what you were told you are purchasing. there are far too many other factors that play into pricing.

Date: 5/31/2006 6:53:58 PM
Author:Excoriator

3) How do I find a local independent appraiser? The appraiser PS pointed me to is no longer in business!

look in the phone book and ask friends, colleagues, neighbors, or anyone else for recommendations. just make sure they are truly independant.

Date: 5/31/2006 6:53:58 PM
Author:Excoriator

4) How do I broach the topic to the jeweler and is that something that he should know how to deal with?

just mention that you would like to have an appraisal done and find out what the return period is. if you decide against the diamond for any reason, just make sure you are aware of the return policies.

Date: 5/31/2006 6:53:58 PM
Author:Excoriator

5) Would the jeweler be offended that I was asking for an independent appraisal?

if he is, find another jeweler.
anyone that wants the customer to be happy and content with their purchase will oblige. they should have nothing to hide.

 

[Kaleigh]

belle said it perfectly, I have nothing more to add. Good luck!!

 

[diamondseeker2006]

As far as I am concerned, you can say that you are buying the diamond but have not decided 100% and may return it. Period. It's none of his business if you get the stone independently appraised. If it turns out not to be what you expected, then you go back in and say you changed your mind. Then find another jeweler.

While I understand the basic reasons for wanting to deal with a B&M, I feel much more secure buying from one of these vendors who also has a B&M store, because not only have they stayed in business in their locale (and you can check the BBB on them), they also have positive and/or negative testimonies on here to read. That is something I can't get for local jewelry stores.

In addition, I wouldn't buy at a local B&M unless they were willing to price match equivalent stones on here. If they will, then by all means, it would be great to buy locally.

Just understand that appraisals are very often inflated, and just because the appraisal matches up with the price you pay, it does not mean you got a good deal.

As Belle, said, be 100% SURE of the return policies before you buy. I'd also want to know the upgrade policies.