Buying diamond that is not certified

[secluded]

Risky?

I saw a lot of posting for large diamond that are quite inexpensive. They come with some kind of appraisal from local store but no certified from GIA, AGS, etc...

Too good to be true???? Any comments. Thanks.

 

[strmrdr]

on a small diamond under .20ct maybe anything larger no way unless its second hand at a large discount.
A gia mini-cert is around $50 and a full cert under $200.
On a multi-thousand dollar purchase its cheap piece of mind.
My rule of thumb with diamonds is that over $250-$300 it better have atleast a mini-cert cert. and over $500 it gets appraised.

 

[JohnQuixote]

Secluded,

It's not risky if they will allow you to have it sent to an independent appraiser before purchase (perhaps at your cost, but worth it IMO) . There are several IAs who post on PS who could help you out.

Having an appraisal is good for many reasons in any event - it should be considered part of the overall investment.

Pertinent info can be found in this thread.

Best,

 

[secluded]

Thank you for the advise. I should consider that option and get it appraised before buying it. Many thanks.