Appraisal Process Questions

[landrover-1]

After months of searching I believe I have found the perfect stone. It is from Union Diamond. I would like to have it appraised first before”finalizing the purchase”. Union Diamond requires me to pay for it in full then they will send it to the appraiser. I am considering using Dave Atlas which this board has highly recommended. How is the best way to do this? Should I send him the stone only or the stone in the setting, or the stone and the setting and have him mount it then send it back to me. With the latter he could then provide me with a written appraisal of the completed ring, which is absolutely essential for buying insurance.

I just want to be cautious that I get back the same stone that Dave has appraised and also I really do not want to have to pay $100’s of shipping back and forth from the appraiser to the seller? If Dave mounts it, I do not even know if he does this is that problem? What if something happens to the stone during mounting? Or should I just have the stone unset with the setting appraised by Dave and then have him send it back to Union Diamond and have them mount it and then send it back to Dave have him verify it is the same stone he appraised and then have him send it to me. Thus, 5 FedEx shipments.

Any advice?

 

[Skippy123]

This link may help you. https://www.pricescope.com/community/threads/buying-appraisal-process.49240/ I don't think the appraisers mount the stone. You should call Dave Atlas's office and see what will work best. I heard it is easiest to appraise an unset stone.

Your diamond usually is laser inscribed so you can tell it is your diamond.

 

[Regular Guy]

Skippy,

Nice reference thread for Landrover.

Landrove...

Sorry this is not easier. Several useful threads on the appraisal processes in FAQs, and at least one not useful thread from me called something like: From Appraiser to setting: NO GAP. OK...I found it.

No answers, but 2 thoughts...

1) If you're going to actually have to pay for it first...too bad to then have to also have them send it for you to Dave. (However, I do understand that an advantage of this process is that may keep the diamond within the insurance proces...i.e., by not being handled by you, loose, it can stay insured through your use of professionals). Of course, Dave may never ultimately know it came from them. Alternately, maybe Union is one of his networked 700 dealers, and he's in deep with them. Sometimes you can leverage the relationship with the jeweler and the appraiser, such that you're out no cash until the decision is final...but if this is not your case...seems unfortunately you still have to let them know who your seller is.

2) Skippy's right...and even if it doesn't come already with an inscription...Dave can actually have one added for you...it IS one of the value added services he offers.

Warm wishes,