Appraiser and shipping request.

[Diamondbug]

I am getting a stone shipped to me and I am thinking of getting it okayed by an appraiser for ins. and peace of mind. Is it common practice to ask the appraiser to send the stone straight to the jeweler if he gives it the thumbs up instead of sending it back to me?

 

[drk14]

I don't know if it's common practice, but this is exactly what I did. Actually, I had the diamond vendor ship the stone directly to the appraiser, and then (after appraisal) the diamond was shipped directly from the appraiser to the jeweler. And when the ring is finished, I plan to have it shipped to the appraiser again.

There are several advantages to this approach, if your appraiser is willing to help in this manner. First, appraisers can ship diamonds safely (i.e., they are familiar the proper packaging, and they have insurance that covers shipping -- note that you should expect to pay for the shipping and insurance fees, which may be in the $50-$100 ballpark, depending on the value of your diamond). Second, it simplifies getting appraisals done on both the loose diamond and the ring (which is better than getting just the ring appraised after the diamond has already been set). Third, you don't have to worry about any packages being intercepted by the Dear Intended, if you're trying to keep everything a surprise.

So my suggestion is to ask your appraiser whether they are willing to offer this service (with the understanding that you pay the shipping and insurance fees). I would also recommend that you ask whether the appraiser would give you favorable pricing if you hire them to do an appraisal of both the loose diamond and the completed ring.

 

[Gypsy]

Which appraiser? Any of the PS vendors... just call them up and ask them for what they recommend by way of process.

 

[denverappraiser]

I do this regularly and I know many other appraisers who do as well. Just ask.

 

[Diamondbug]

Well thanks Neil. Actually I was thinking about you so now I know Will get in touch after I see the stone and decide whether I like it enough to wanna have it checked out!