Cost of online vendors sending diamonds to appraisers?

[sarah95]

How much does it usually cost when an online vendor sends a diamond to an appraiser in your area so that you can view a stone? Just wondering how expensive this process is, especially if you don''t like a diamond and need to send it back and look at others.

Thanks!

 

[Lorelei]

Date: 8/20/2008 11:12:16 AM
Author:sarah95
How much does it usually cost when an online vendor sends a diamond to an appraiser in your area so that you can view a stone? Just wondering how expensive this process is, especially if you don''t like a diamond and need to send it back and look at others.

Thanks!

It varies Sarah, I am not sure how much it is now, best to check with the vendor in question as to how much it would be for your situation. Someone might chime in who has done this recently.

 

[elle_chris]

I can only speak about my experience with Whiteflash. When I chose a stone, they charged me $280 for the cost of shipping/insurance. This was not one of their stones and needed to be called in, checked by them, then sent to my appraiser.
Since I decided to buy it, they deducted the 280 from the purchase price.

Remember though, you''ll be paying your appraiser to view it as well.

 

[Blackhawk24]

James Allen charged me $100 to send 3 stones to an appraiser. They were all ~$6000 and the price for shipping of course goes up with diamond value. As far as I know they didn''t look at it, but no matter how recommended a vendor is I trust my own eyes most.

 

[Richard Sherwood]

I can tell you what expenses I would charge from the appraiser''s end of it. It might give you an approximate idea what another appraiser might charge. No guarantees though. You definitely want to find out upfront with whoever you''re using.

If you just wanted to view the diamond and receive verbal consultation regarding it, I would charge $45 for a half hour consultation or $90 for an hour consultation.

If you wanted a written appraisal instead, I would charge $125 for a one page CDA (Comprehensive Diamond Analysis) or $225 for a five page ADA (Advanced Diamond Analysis).

Return shipping and insurance is usually not covered by a vendor. In some cases you can ship it back using their Fedex number and pay them for the shipping and insurance.

If not, you might pay the appraiser for return shipping and insurance. I would charge $55 for Fedex Priority Overnight Shipping along with $4 per thousand insurance. If the item is $5,000 or less, you could ship it back Fedex 2nd Day Air for $30, plus $4 per thousand insurance.

 

[sarah95]

Thanks everyone. The info is very helpful.

 

[denverappraiser]

I generally charge $35 to receive a 3rd party shipment and $85 for the inspection and consultation. As mentioned above, return shipping to the dealer or shipping from me to the client is usually not covered by the selling jeweler and the cost will vary depending on the amount of insurance required. A $5,000 registered mail package to a US address is $45. Overnight is a little more but not really very much.

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