CALLING ALL AUCTION EXPERTS!! Advise appreciated

[IceQueen2014]

I've been casually looking for a diamond for the past few years, and the hunt has become more serious as of late. In a recent thread, several amazing PS'ers suggested that I attend some of the large jewelry auctions in order to acquire a stone (I actually like the idea of purchasing a "pre-loved" ring), so I've taken this advice and have started to look into this option. Low and behold, I am actually very interested in a ring that will be auctioned off at Christie's Important Jewels, in NYC on Oct 22nd.

Unfortunately I'm in Minnesota and cannot get out to NYC for the auction...SO I'm asking for your advice or tips for buying a stone through an auction house, especially since I cannot go out and view the stone myself!

The listing has 1 photo and a very brief description (no link to GIA cert or any other photos or videos)...and I'm obviously not going to spend 100K on a ring with this little information.

Can anyone offer any advice?? Are there people you can hire to view the stone and give their expert opinions? Can I contact Christie's and ask for additional information?

Any help would be greatly appreciated!!!

 

[arkieb1]

Hi Christies and most of the auctions houses will take more photos for you if you ask, and generally they have valuation certificates as well which they can email you that will give you more info.

Each auction listed should have specific people that you can contact/email with your questions that are jewellery specialists.

You will have to register and give them your personal details, drivers license and possibly bank accounts or a bank referral to bid on items, but you can bid online or on the phone. I am in Australia and have sat up in the hours in the am to bid on things in various auctions.

There are valuers (look at the list of valuers in the tab up on the right hand corner here) that you should be able to pay to go and inspect items on your behalf.

 

[bgray]

I would be very cautious. Avoid Doyle NY -they are extremely unethical in my experience. I would try to find someone independent but caveat emptor--many of the independent appraisers know these auction people. Its very incestuous.

 

[smitcompton]

Hi there,

Yes, there are people you can get to view an item for a fee, usually by the hour. I don't think you have much time, but you cant bid on a on a diamond stone cold. From a book that I read, Antoinette Matlins does this sort thing for her clients. She is a gemologist, and a valuer, and very respected in the industry. Look her up on google, I can't find an address for her in my books.


You cannot return an item even if it worth much less than what they sell auction items for. Or has defects. Auction houses are not responsible for owners descriptions.


Annette