Appraisal on Loose Diamond and Completed Ring??

[Breezee]

I browsed through a bunch of the old threads regarding this issue of getting your diamond appraised, and there was one answer I could not find (or maybe just missed). From what I understand, it is better to get your diamond appraised while it is still loose, although some people get the completed ring appraised if the diamond is already set. For insurance purposes and, I guess, peace of mind purposes, do you get an appraisal on the loose diamond AND on the completed ring? Or do most people just get the insurance on the value of the diamond minus the setting for insurance puposes?

 

[oldminer]

We think appraising the diamond unset is best. We include appraising the finished item in our fee so there is no extra cost. It just makes a better appraisal product for the consumer.

Appraising a mounted diamond does have limitations on measurements, performance measures and color/clarity grading. It is much more of an opinion than the more substantive grading of an unset diamond.

 

[denverappraiser]

I agree with David although I do charge separately for each session. This makes it less expensive for clients who ONLY want the first inspection and who are looking for information for shopping purposes on the diamond rather than for their insurance needs on the finished piece. For most clients, the best solution is to get the stone examined both before and after setting and for the appraiser use all the data available in their report. With many of the high quality dealers, quite a bit of data can be collected by the selling jeweler and if you aren't using the appraisal to 'second guess' the jeweler, this can be used in the insurance report with no trouble. In this case you only need the inspection after completion. It all depends on what your purpose is in seeking out the appraisal.

Neil Beaty
GG(GIA) ICGA(AGS) NAJA
Professional Appraisals in Denver