Diamond ID + verification in enclosed bezel setting?

[DB]

Hi there, I''ve read through some of the strings regarding diamond switching and still have one question on the issue ... hoping maybe someone can shed some light.

I have the engagement ring that I plan to give to my girlfriend already chosen, she loves it. It is 16 K gold ring with an almost fully enclosed cone shaped bezel setting (except for a small hole on the bottom for cleaning purposes). I plan to buy a loose diamond, quite likely from diamonds on web - with GIA cert. I plan to take it to an appraiser first, and then send it to the jewerly design artisan (in a different state) to set the stone. I then would like to be able to return to the same appraiser after it is set and have them look at the stone again, to verify it is the same one.

Given that the setting is gold, bezel, and almost fully enclosed, will it be possible for the appraiser to verify that it is indeed the same stone? What type of tests, or "gemprint" or "plotting" or whatever, can the appraiser do the first time around, that will allow them to confirm that it the same stone when I return with it in its setting? One appraiser that i spoke to on the phone implied that it might be difficult given the setting. I sure hope there''s a way!!

Any ideas? I appreciate any guidance!!

Dan

 

[oldminer]

If the diamond has a characteristic inclusion that you can find before and after setting, you can probably id the diamond yourself or with the assistance of an appraiser. We also have Imagem equipment that can memorize a diamond''s id and supposedly re-verify it, even when set at a later time. With a bezel setting, and a restricted back access, I might remain a bit skeptical until I see it work on such a situation. I think I''d prefer the inclusion situation.

 

[Richard Sherwood]

It should be no problem to verify it is the same diamond after being bezel set.

Some of the things which can be used as indicators are:

The size, nature & location of internal characteristics of the diamond, as Dave pointed out.

The depth measurement of the diamond.

The size of the table.

Even though bezel set, the color grade should still be apparent.

The size of the star facets, the lower girdle facets, and the pattern they create.

The degree of fluorescence.

A good appraiser can even tell if there is any hidden damage under the bezel by examining the the reflection of the hidden area on the opposite side.

 

[DB]

Dave, Rich,

Thanks for your thoughts and and ideas on the subject. This is really helpful. I''m sure at the end of the day, their will be no problem with switching. But it''s always nice to have peace of mind.

Thanks again!

Dan