Appraisal Strategy

[kaigun02]

Hi folks,

I seem to have narrowed down my options to one particular diamond. Unfortunately, the vendor can''t provide anything other than a photo and GIA report to help me make my decision. The diamond is an internet listing and not in-house. I''m considering trying to make my purchase subject to the results of an appraisal. Anyone have any advice on how to proceed? I was thinking I''d get the most accurate results by having the diamond appraised loose, would you folks agree? Any major benefit to waiting until it''s set?

Also, for an internet vendor and off-site diamond, would it be reasonable to suggest that they route the stone directly from the supplier to an appraiser enroute to the jeweler who actually does the setting? In which case, I suppose I could broaden my selection to include any appraiser in the US. Or would it make more sense to find an appraiser who is close to the retailer? Unfortunately, finding one near me isn''t an option because I''ll be overseas until it''s time to propose.

Any advice would be greatly appreciated.

Thanks,
J

 

[lowphat]

It''s more accurate if you get the loose stone appraised, rather than a set stone. You can have it sent to the appraiser by the supplier and if you like it, you can then pay for the stone and have the appraiser send it to the jeweler to be set.

 

[Regular Guy]

If I might say, your main task is this:

Date: 8/12/2009 8:39:04 AM
Author:kaigun02
I''m considering trying to make my purchase subject to the results of an appraisal.

establishing, in advance of your appraiser seeing the diamond, the results that both you and they will find acceptable, such that you will say "go."

Otherwise, for your reading interest...some ideas related to what you''re also suggesting are here...

 

[oldminer]

Several of the appraisers listed on Pricescope will accept diamonds directly from vendors before they are shipped to you for exactly the reasons you have or because of a timing situation. It isn''t any big problem and the work will be more accurately performed before setting. Many of the appraisers have connections to arrange the diamond setting work if the mounting is also supplied to them. Most won''t accept responsibility for the diamond and probalby a few will althpough this is not often discussed. The largest risk of damage during setting is with the sharp corners on princess cuts fracturing. Most other shapes are less problematic.

 

[Richard Sherwood]

Date: 8/12/2009 8:39:04 AM
Author:kaigun0

Also, for an internet vendor and off-site diamond, would it be reasonable to suggest that they route the stone directly from the supplier to an appraiser enroute to the jeweler who actually does the setting? In which case, I suppose I could broaden my selection to include any appraiser in the US. Or would it make more sense to find an appraiser who is close to the retailer? Unfortunately, finding one near me isn''t an option because I''ll be overseas until it''s time to propose.

Indeed, as long as they''re going to ship it, you''ve got the whole country to choose from for your appraiser.

 

[kaigun02]

Thanks for the inputs!

Of course, it''s now been 48-hours since I asked the vendor about the appraisal and I''m still waiting for a response... guess they weren''t prepared for me to start asking hard questions.

-J