Cost of GIA re-certification and laser inscription

[TDPookie1]

Sorry if my question is answered elsewhere, but I searched the forums (fora?) and didn''t find the answer...

I just bought a loose diamond from a jeweler this week, and I want it laser inscribed with the GIA certification number. The jeweler said that because the current report is older (from 2003), GIA needs to re-certify it and then would inscribe the new number onto the diamond, a process that will apparently take about a month. He''s supposed to call me back and let me know how much extra this will cost. Does anyone here know how much GIA charges for certification and inscription? I want to know whether I''m getting a good price from the jeweler and how much I can negotiate it with him.

Thanks in advance!

 

[JulieN]

fora

Depends on why you want it laser-inscribed.

If you want to be sure your jeweler sold you the stone that matches the certificate, an independent appraisal will do (and you won't have to wait a month.) Or perhaps have him measure it on a scale, match the color, help you find the inclusions, etc.

If you want the inscription to be there always so you can identify it in the future, "Jim <3 Jane" will do the trick and is kind of cute...

 

[TDPookie1]

the jeweler is a close friend of the family, so i trust him completely. we want the inscription for ID reasons. we''d have to wait two weeks for the custom bands to be ready anyway, so it''s just an extra two weeks for the diamond to be done, and my soon-to-be fiance preferred the GIA cert to the "jim & jane" variety of inscription. is there a notable price difference between GIA re-cert and inscription versus someone else doing a personal inscription? if i want to upgrade the diamond for a five-year anniversary, would it help the value to have done the GIA laser work (assuming i''m trading the diamond in with a jeweler rather than having it turned into a necklace or something)?

 

[belle]

having the stone inscribed does not add to the value. if you end up selling to a private individual sometime in the future, it may make them more comfortable with the purchase but it adds no benefit otherwise. the price of grading will depend on the size of the diamond. you can call gia directly to find out the cost.

 

[JulieN]

So you trust him completely that the stone is what he says it is and he''s not going to do a switch on you at the last second, but you need an inscription to identify in the future? I''m assuming you''ll have all future work done by him. If you''re worried about it being stolen and hope to recover it... well, that''s why we have insurance. I don''t think I see the point of doing this, which would only be an extra cost to you.

If you want to upgrade in five years, it would not help the value to have the GIA new report and inscription vs. a 2003 report and no inscription-the jeweler will have to resubmit it to GIA in either case.

 

[TDPookie1]

i''m getting immediate work done by the jeweler (i.e., setting the diamond into the engagement band), but as he is not local, i don''t plan to go to him every time my ring needs cleaning or prong-checking. and thus my desire for IDing my diamond.

does anyone have an actual dollar amt or range? i''m impatient by nature, and GIA was already closed when i tried to call. i don''t want to wait until monday.

 

[elmo]

The short answer to your question is here: Diamond Services Fee Schedule.

 

[belle]

what is the clarity of the diamond? inclusions are sometimes easier to navigate than a series of numbers. and you''ve already paid for the nature made id.

 

[denverappraiser]

There are quite a few 3rd party services that offer laser inscription that can use your existing lab report number or anything else you would like it to say. it should be both less expensive and faster than sending it in for a re-exam. Ask your jeweler about it.

Neil Beaty
GG(GIA) ISA NAJA
Professional Appraisals in Denver

 

[Regular Guy]

Date: 6/9/2006 9:34:37 PM
Author: denverappraiser
There are quite a few 3rd party services that offer laser inscription that can use your existing lab report number or anything else you would like it to say. it should be both less expensive and faster than sending it in for a re-exam. Ask your jeweler about it.

Neil Beaty
GG(GIA) ISA NAJA
Professional Appraisals in Denver

Yes, I think Dave who frequents this board is one of those, if the laser inscription is all that you''re seeking to have done. Dave may charge $20? Best to check. PGS is another resource.

 

[oldminer]

Yes, we do laser inscription on unset diamonds. We generally can get them set into your mounting afterwards, too. I try to avoid pitching services on Pricescope and just hope people find good sources with a little research here or a suggestion from someone neutral....

Glad to help, of course.