appraisal question

[s95]

One other question:

I read here that once a stone is set, an appraisal is more difficult. Of course, I read this after I ordered my ring. Will I still be able to have the lab verify that the right diamond is in the ring? That''s my primary concern, I guess.

Sorry if this has been covered in depth elsewhere, but I seemed to be reading posts where people did it both ways--loose and set.

Thanks!

 

[denverappraiser]

No problem.

What''s more difficult is that it becomes impossible to directly weigh the stone, there are small areas under the prongs that are difficult to examine for inclulsions, the color can sometimes be masked by the other materiials in the ring and it''s not possible to directly measure the various facet angles. All of these can be estimated through other means but the results are more precise if it''s possible to actually measure them.

Neil Beaty
GG(GIA) ISA NAJA
Independent Appraisals in Denver

 

[RockDoc]

It is vastly better for the appraiser to have the stone loose.

It is difficult to get an accurate color grading while a stone is set, and prongs can cover inclusions.

If it is just a 4 prong type ring, the stone could be removed and graded- then reset.

If the stone is graded in the mounting, the appraiser can only grade it with limitations, based on how well he is able to view the inclusions and color.

If all you''re interested in is that the stone matches the report, then this could most likely be accomplished while still set. If the stone is a high clarity grade with the inclusions at the edge, it is more difficult. If the stone has an inclusion(s) that is visible without taking it out, it probably could be matched up with the report.

Rockdoc