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Asscher Appraisal: Left Disappointed

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Rough_Rock
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Apr 7, 2006
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So I finally decided to have an asscher called in from one of the PS vendors here. Not well known as others, but I had found a few good things about this vendor through a search.

Here are the pictures for those who haven''t seen it yet. I posted it on a previous thread. I''ll post images again so you don''t have to sift through all the comments.

assherdia10.jpg
 
Another...

asscherdia20.jpg
 
Last one...

asscherdia30.jpg
 
I was hesitant to call this diamond in at first, from the third image, the lower right windmill looked off, and the center looked "dead" to me. I expressed my concerns with the windmill to the vendor, who I have to say was extremely nice, and he mentioned that the images were quickly taken, but if I didn''t want to call it in or rush the process (if I did call it in, I was planning to take it to a local appraiser to have it checked out, but this appraiser was going out of town, and only had one more appointment I could make, so it was really cutting it short) then I should wait.

So, I studied the images a bit more, thought the first image portrayed the diamond better, I decided to take a risk and call it in to be shipped to the appraiser, providing the appraiser was still available!

I got an email from the vendor saying that, since he really believed in the diamond, and if I saw it and didn''t like it, I would be reimbursed the appraisal fee, and I would just be out the time. I was surprised, but pleased the vendor was willing to accept the cost of the appraisal if it didn''t turn out to my liking, so I anxiously awaited for the appointment which was today.

I can''t tell you firsthand how it went, because my girlfriend went. Yes, she found out my "surprise", like she always does, and I couldn''t go last minute because of a meeting at work I couldn''t get out of.

She''ll be on shortly to tell you, but from what she told me, it was a disappointing experience.

As for the diamond, she liked it, but she said she didn''t love it. 1.32 F VS2.
 
gosh In search, i''m so sorry it didn''t turn out to be THE ONE
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. That is very cool of the vendor to offer to cover the appraisal though. Does your GF just not love asschers or was it specifically this asscher she didn''t love?
 
Well, those pics do seem to show a dead area near the middle... If she doesn''t love it, and the vendor has agreed to a return policy including the appraisal, perhaps you should just take them up on it. Better for her to be thrilled with the stone than just mildly satisfied.
 
Hello all!

It''s been awhile, but wanted to share my experience.

I have to say, I was definitely feeling a lot of information was lacking from the appraisal process, and just form the quick research I''ve done about how an appraisal should go, did not go the way I had read others appraisals had gone in the past for others. I read the thread about appraisals and what questions to ask and how the appraisal process should basically go.

This appraiser was chosen for location and for the rave reviews posted about this appraiser on PS.

So this is how it went, and tell me how you would feel:

I get there right on the dot with a companion. We go up to their office. I knew the appraiser was going out of town for a convention and asked when were they leaving. I was told they were leaving Tues. and they didn''t want to take anymore appointments, but they made an exception for me, which I was gratefiul. I was told as soon as this appraisal was done, they were going shopping.

The diamond is in an envelop with the GIA report (copy) attached to it (are they not supposed to have that information?). I was shown the diamond loose and was told it was a Canadian diamond (nonconflict, yay!). Then the appaiser turned away from us, and left us alone to chat for almost an hour while the appraiser worked on the diamond. When I say worked, I''m not sure what was done, but I could tell they were viewing it under a microscope and typing stuff in the computer. So, the appraiser didn''t talk to us the whole time, just to mention some magazines we could read, which we sorta took the hint we should try to be more quite while the analysis was being done.

So finally, I was just told that it was a beautiful diamond and the diamond matched the certificate. I was given a loupe to view the diamond, and although nice, it didn''t jump out at me or make my heart skip a beat like I thought it would. The windmills looked even, but a bit narrow for my taste. I noticed also the table didn''t look defined to me, sorta dead, but when I turned it a bit, it was a bit more defined.

I asked if there were anything else they could tell me or what other reports were done, since it was mentioned the analysis was complete, and I was told nothing more could be told at this point, since I was told it was a two step process, preapproval and then insurance appraisal. I forgot to mention our meeting was interrupted by the spouse who inquired if the diamond was being appraised loose or mounted, left and then a few minutes later through the intercom in the office if this was an insurance appraisal or was it a prepurchase appraisal. We took that as a hint time to get out so they can shop! The spouse was basically in the room when it sounded like we were leaving to give us more of a hint to leave.

And that was that. That''s all I was told and all I am left with.

Whatever happened to not having the GIA certificate and having them tell me the color, clarity, weight on their own? What happened to bringing out the master CZ set (which they have) and show me what color it was, and to my knowledge why was it not wieghed? What happened to telling me more about the measurements of the diamond? I asked about price, and I was told I was getting a really good deal, which I still believe, but I felt like I was jipped with this appraisal that I paid $150 for. Now, maybe this was the first step to a two step process, but I was offered nothing more afterwards.

I feel I am partly to blame, because I should have brought up concerns I had, but I just didn''t know quite what to say, and didn''t want to come off like I knew the process better than they did.

I just feel like for $150, I should have definitely gotten more out of it, without necessarily having to ask tons and tons of questions.

What does everyone think????
 
Think I would have asked a ton of questions........(which I did during my appraisal!!!)
did they offer an opinion???
 
I''m sorry you were dissapointed ... but it kinda sounds like a regular appraisal. I think sometimes on PS we get the idea that buying diamonds is this magical process where we''re gonna be catered to and hand-held and given inside advice by pros if only we ask the right questions! With the romance taken out of it ... it''s like buying a car. If you took a car to an "inspector" or had a home inspector come out to examine a potential house purchase ... it''s pretty cut & dried. Here''s the info: do with it what you will.

Now there ARE appraisers that will give you a "diamond consultation" .. which of these three diamonds to pick or such & such. But I don''t think that''s common and def. something you have to ask for (& pay for probably.)

I''ll be interested to see what other PSers say about their experiences & whether this is just par for the course.
 
Jeez - I would rather have waited for another day if they were just going to try and hurry you up like that! That''s not very professional. I also think most don''t want to see or be biased by the report if you have one for the stone already. It sounds like they didn''t want to take the time to do it right? I''m not expert, but I definitely would have been disappointed.
 
What did they promise you for the $150? Were you expecting pictures, detailed analysis and reports? Or did they just say they would give you a verbal opinion? It would seem like you should have something for your money. I agree that the certificate should not have been given to them.
 
Hi Callista,

I''m sorry it did not go that well for you. Did you try to ask more questions about the stone and did the appraiser try to address them? So in the end, did the PS vendor kept their end of the bargain and paid the appraisal fee?

I recently have a diamond appraised and while I dont have the luxury of visiting the office since I''m not located overseas, I felt that the appraisal has done a fantastic job of telling me what I wanted to know about the diamond. This is even more reassuring since I''m buying the diamond even without looking at it with my own eyes.

Aaron Chong
 
Honestly, I expected more reports and paperwork to show for the appraisal. That''s why I didn''t say anything while I was there, since they were in the same room, but busy doing the analysis, or so I thought, and I figured when they were done, they would have it all right there for me to sit down an discuss, but that didn''t happen.

I think it didn''t go as well since they were in a rush or it was a prepurchase appraisal and all that was enough. I know this appraiserl has access to sarin, ASET, master CZ set to compare color, and I saw and was told none of that.

I didn''t know quite how to expressmy concerns without coming off like I knew more than they did.

What do the other appraisers on here think?

Was I expecting too much????
 
Some appraisers are really at the limit of their ability when it comes to doing a real appraisal and consultation. Others, though not many, are very able to do the job and interact with clients during their work. It is a special ability and does not indicate the real accuracy or value of the appraisal report.

HOWEVER, the way the client feels at the end of the proces IS OF UTMOST CONCERN. You ought to feel the money was well spent for the service provided. You should have sufficient time to ask and get responses to your questions. I hope you will do better on the next try as it can be a more satisfying event.
 
I kinda think it''s like going to the doctors. You never know what they''re doing ... they never have any clear answers ... and you get better about the same time you would have anyway, no matter what they do.

Now that''s an exaggeration - and I''m hopeful with serious illnesses doctors come in more handy ... but how felt at the appraiser reminds me of every random doctors appointment I''ve ever had - rushed or not rushed.

In the future - if there''s a specific question or test or whatever -- that you want, it''s up to YOU really to ask for it and bring it up. Getting your needs met is ulimately your responsibility (IMO). And it''s possible a more aggressive or more experienced diamond buyer would have had a different experience in that situation. Be more confident about what you want and that you deserve it! You''re paying THEM. You''re the CUSTOMER. But you don''t always get lucky and find a caring professional that walks you through it and elicits your needs & then fills them. That''s RARE, not the norm.

About having the GIA cert -- they need it at least to verify you have what you think you have. I think that''s the "pre-approval" part?? Am I wrong? Then the insurance valuation is for that purpose - the "how much is it worth" part.

Whether you LIKE the stone is a whole ''nother matter. My home appraiser wasn''t all "This is the best house EVER!" He was like: this sucks, this sucks, this sucks. It was up to me where my priorities were. No house is perfect. No diamond is perfect. It''s all about what speaks to you. Sounds like that one didn''t NO MATTER what the appraiser said about it. So ... unsatisfying experience, yes. Good learning experience, also YES!.
 
Were there any other choices you were considering?

To me... this guy looks like a charmer. Would have loved to see some more detailed description given that there''s no way to see it in person like you did.

At this point, I am wondering whether it just so happened that this stone was not good for you, or that the looks of asschers in general is and a different diamond cut will do the trick after all.
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Not sure what to say about the appraisal. The paperwork seems to go with post-purchase appraisals, but I am surprised that even w/o paperwork due there wasn''t more assistance.
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Some previous threads about pre-purchase appraisals on this forum left me with the impression that this sort of service is somewhat unusual - perhaps this caused the BIG gap between your expectations about the service and the appraiser''s. It is really is quite surprising that no description of what their service should comprise was available.... I am sorry you were disappointed by both the process and the stone... It sounds like neither the seller or the appraiser could manage to inform your expectations about their product - diamond or service attached.
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Sounds to me like the appraisal kinda sucked, for $150. That is what I paid and I recieved a report that is about 15 pages long with all kinds of details and pictures of my diamond. For example, my diamond is a D in color but my appraiser ran some kind or report that showed just how much of a D it is. There was a kind of chart that showed how much color showed up in my diamond. While it confirmed it is a D, it is a lower D than some others, if that makes sense. I guess there are different levels of color, even within a single color grade. Also, although my diamond has faint flouro, it is a strong faint. This is the type of detailed info I expected and recieved. In addition, I was with my appraiser the entire time, and he explained everything he was doing. I got to see all kinds of images and got to view my diamond under lots of different lighting conditions, uncluding UV. It was compared to his master set of diamonds in different color categories. I wouldn't have been happy with the appraisal you recieved. I would have asked to be in the room while he/she did it.

Oh BTW, my diamond came in a little envelope as well, with a mini GIA report (copy) taped to the outside. Didn't bother me though because I trust GIA and I wasn't having the diamond appraised to determine the color and clarity. Mostly I just wanted to see it in person (as it is a fancy).
 
Technical skill and people skills are two very different things.
It is nice when the professional has both.

As a customer we can make our expectations knows to anyone we deal with before the transaction.
If the person providing the service has issues with our request it can be worked out before, or you can take your business elsewhere.
 
I agree with Deco that it really is up to the Consumer to ask questions and make sure you feel you are getting what you pay for. You didn''t say who the appraiser was but there are only a few that are raved about here on PS and it surely doesn''t sound like any of them from what I''ve read here or even my own experience with the one I used. I would double check what exactly the $150 was for and make sure you got exactly what you paid for. If you didn''t, i.e. paperwork/pictures are missing, I''d call them and let them know. I''m sorry it wasn''t a happy experience for you
7.gif
. Bottom line, you didn''t love the stone so it''s back to the searching in board and hopefully you can find a stone you just love and an appraiser that will better meet your expectations.
 
Callista, have you seen many asschers in person? Have you seen any that made your heart stop? If so, how was it different? Was it the "dead spot" do you think? Was it that you wished it was bigger, etc?

Sometimes it is hard to rid yourself of the RB size influence...a 1.3ct should look like a certain size, but in an asscher it is smaller...that kind of thing.

Also, are you in the Bay Area?

I''m wondering if the appraisal was different because you were not the owner, but just deciding...who knows. They just wanted to confirm what you have, a fair deal, a nice stone, not to counsel you about if it is "the" stone.
 
Hi Calista -

Take it as a learning experience. The next time you will be more assertive & ask about every aspect of the appraisal. My appraisal took a little over 2hrs & I don''t think there was one minute where I wasn''t asking "What are you doing now?" , "What is next?", "Explain your result?" along with show me your master set, comparing side by side to his set & my own jewelry. I could go on & on but now that I''m remembering it all - I must be a borderline pest (lol). Oh well, I did warn them about my expectations before so they knew upfront when I made the appt & I laid out everything I wanted the minute I sat down.

I have no doubt you will be armed & ready the next time you see an appraiser whether it''s with this one or another. Best of luck to you.
 
Chris from David Atlas did an appraisel for me.when he was ready he call me up and i ask him a bunch of Q''s over the phone for like 40 mins. the next day i e-mail him with more Q''s. Chris was great.
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Thanks everyone for their valuable insight and experience.

I guess all I can say about this is that I should have asked more questions and pushed my feelings of being overbearing aside.

I probably should have asked more questions and I don''t blame the lack of info. from the appraiser affect how I felt about the diamond. It is was it is. Beautiful, but not my taste.

Wallermama: yes, I have seen a few asschers in person. Most of them I knew off the bat I didn''t like them, and the measurements proved it. I have seen that I like right away, but the price or color was off, or wasn''t the right time. I have a pair of 2.5 ctw diamonique asscher earrings from QVC that a friend bought me, and I love, love, love the shape of them, perfect to me. So I have a pretty good idea what speaks to me, and unfortunately, this one as I had hoped, didn''t speak to me.

I think I was under the wrong assumption about the appraisal process, this type anyway, being a preapproval purchase, and I think the appaiser was under a different assumption as well. They thought I paid for it or was planning on buying, so that''s probably how it all went wrong. Miscommunication and lack of communication.

Well, as a couple of PSers have said, now I know what I want the next time around and I better darn get it!

Jazmine: you know, for $150 I expected the same type of treatment. I guess it doesn''t all work out that way! Live and learn!

I emailed the vendor and told him my results and my decision. I told him I felt bad about passing up on a diamond that was nice,but was not for me, so I offered to pay for half, and the vendor responded by saying he assumed the risk when he put the offer on the table, and will reimburse us for the appraisal fee.

He mentioned that all appraisals and appraisers are different, and that it''s standard practice for a copy of the GIA (or AGS) report to accompany the diamond. Having the GIA report as a reference tool allows the appraiser to verify that the diamond matches the report and also allows them to make a more informed judgment about the diamond, which makes sense, although I read elsewhere it is different.

I have nothing but great things to say about Bill Sherlag from icemine.com. He''s been very kind, genuine, and helpful with our search, and encourage others to use him as well!

As for the appraiser, this person is a PS member and is highly regarded. I''m chalking up the experience as a lesson in appraisals. Should have asked more questions, maybe I should not have expected so much, I will learn. I can always ask more questions after the fact, but I guess there is no need. Despite everything, the appraiser was nothing but kind and patient answering what little questions I did have.

This is just one person''s experience, and after all this discussion and mulling over the experience over and over in my head, I don''t doubt they are in fact, good appraisers.

Well, back to the drawing board!!!!!
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As others have said that was pretty much a standard if somewhat rushed appraisal.
Some things were not right about it. A client should never feel like they are getting rushed out the door.

The biggest issue was communication you didn''t want a standard appraisal session you wanted a look and chat session about the diamond.
There is a very valuable lesson here that one needs to tell the appraiser very clearly and upfront what they want from the appraisal session.
 
Date: 4/21/2006 4:39:13 PM
Author: callista

I asked about price, and I was told I was getting a really good deal, which I still believe, but I felt like I was jipped with this appraisal that I paid $150 for.
Click to expand...
I'm curious about this aspect of the appraisal. When you say you "asked about price, and was told you were getting a really good deal", do you mean they didn't state a firm appraised value (or values) for the stone?

I'm curious if you're going to receive any forms in the mail on this "pre-purchase appraisal". I'm also curious what the difference in information supplied is between a "pre-purchase appraisal" and an "insurance appraisal". Do you have to pay extra to obtain the insurance appraisal?

Did the appraiser go over the pros and cons of the stone with you? You mentioned a "dead center" and "narrow windmills". Did the appraiser mention these aspects of the stone, or any other?
 
I always begin my appointment with a client by asking "I''m here to help you in any way possible...this is YOUR time...please tell me how I can help you best and serve your needs." Communication at the outset is a must. This simple question lays everything out beforehand and there is no miscommunication.

If you are in any service related industry you must put yourself in the shoes of the consumer. Simple?

Every appraiser is entitled to have his or her own style but putting the needs of the consumer first, should be a priority.

www.metrojewelryappraisers.com
 
I keep reading how various appraisal sessions last an hour or under.

A lot of appraisers charge by the hour, which of course is fair, but I prefer to not limit time at all and and charge by the carat, REGARDLESS HOW LONG IT TAKES to educate, answer every conceivable question and concern, and teach the consumer''s eyes. Teaching consumer eyes is not something that can be done in a few moments. The characteristics that make one diamond special takes quite a bit of eye adjusting to the little microworld a gemologist resides in.

They see their stone in ALL the various ROCKDOC toys, from the ASET to the B Scope, microscope,Gemprint, Sarin and colorimeter. The results are analyzed and interpreted.

Plus a few more views of various characteristics using some of my propretary equipment.

I tell people who are coming to plan AT LEAST 4-5 hours, and the charge is pretty much the same as most appraisers charge from what I''ve been reading.

Recently, a consumer flew in from western Canada, and spent 2 1/2 days here studying 4 diamonds he had sent in. We only tested on after reviewing the 4 over and over again, and he only paid for one stone to be tested.

While a lot of diamonds I check are by remote control through emails, I just LOVE to have people who take the care and concern, and interest to learn as much as they can.

APPRAISE THE APPRAISER!!!!!!


Rockdoc
 
Date: 4/22/2006 6:10:28 AM
Author: callista


I have a pair of 2.5 ctw diamonique asscher earrings from QVC that a friend bought me, and I love, love, love the shape of them, perfect to me. So I have a pretty good idea what speaks to me...
Click to expand...
What do they look like? Any chance you could post a picture (is there any online that resembles them?).

Sometimes CZ are quite nicely cut (no point saving weight or anything) and should be a bit more dispersive / fiery than diamonds... although not strikingly so. If they have a slightly unusual shape or proportions, it may be good to know looking for the next diamond asscher.
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Recently, a consumer flew in from western Canada, and spent 2 1/2 days here studying 4 diamonds he had sent in. We only tested on after reviewing the 4 over and over again, and he only paid for one stone to be tested.
Click to expand...

Geeez RockDoc, you should just get a job at MacDonalds...
 
Date: 4/24/2006 8:54:55 PM
Author: Richard Sherwood

Recently, a consumer flew in from western Canada, and spent 2 1/2 days here studying 4 diamonds he had sent in. We only tested on after reviewing the 4 over and over again, and he only paid for one stone to be tested.
Click to expand...

Geeez RockDoc, you should just get a job at MacDonalds...
Click to expand...

HI Richard.....

Mc Donalds?????? or is it Mac Donalds????

Don''t think they grade their hamburgers as thoroughly as I check out Pet Rocks.

I think I''d prefer the level of customer service and "perfection" that is equal to that of Starbucks Coffee places. In order to get a job at Starbucks you have to LOVE coffee, and smile.

At the AGS conclave they gave us some of the customer service and information of a lot of the big companies that provide excellence in their products, the way they treat customers, and their training programs with those companies and why.

Apple Computer even has designation for their employees in their Apple stores - their top level being "Genius", which their employees aspire to advancing to acheiving that designation.

Very interesting stuff.

Rockdoc
 
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