calling appraisers...

[slg47]

I have been reading the forums about appraisals but am still a little confused...

Is it best to get the diamond appraised loose before it is set and then to also get the entire ring appraised?

My current (little) understanding is that getting the diamond appraised loose allows for a more thorough appraisal/measurements/etc...is this correct?

Is there any harm in getting the diamond appraised after set into the ring?

Thank you!

 

[denverappraiser]

I certainly understand how it can be confusing. ‘Appraisal’ covers a lot of territory, and when and what services you may require depends on your objective is in seeking out the appraisal in the first place.

It’s correct that a gemologist can determine more about the stone if it’s unmounted. You can’t directly weigh a stone, for example, and need to estimate the weight. Clarity grading, color grading and cut grading are all hampered by the mounting.

That said, appraisers routinely do work on mounted stones. In fact, most are done this way. We estimate the weight and we work within the limitations of the mounting for the other things. A good appraiser can tell you a lot about your stone in the mounting, but they can tell you even more if it’s loose.

If you’re looking for technical details about the stone that the seller may not have told you or where you are questioning what they told you, get it inspected prior to setting. If you’re looking for documentation for insurance, get it done on the final piece as the last step before wearing it. This also serves as a quality control step on the finished item. If you want both, get both.

It’s worth noting that if you’re buying a stone from one source and having it set by another, it often voids your return privilege on the stone to have it set so if the appraisal is part of your shopping process in deciding if you want to keep the stone, have it done before it’s set.


Neil Beaty
GG(GIA) ICGA(AGS) NAJA
Professional Appraisals in Denver

 

[slg47]

OK, thank you so much. We are not looking for any technical details that the seller did not provide so I assume getting it appraised after being set will be sufficient for insurance purposes. Thank you!