do we still need an independent appraiser?

[fongrx7]

hi, as many of us know that we''d better to send the diamond to an independent appraiser to inspect the diamond before the deal. normally it costs about <$200? and it will take few days to get the results. however, I came cross whiteflash.com site, and notice that they offer Free Verification. here is what it says:

"Every diamond and/or ring that is sold by Whiteflash.com is primarily inspected by our in house expert. In addition, every loose diamond and/or diamond ring is personally inspected by an independent appraiser who issues a signed Letter of Verification confirming:

*The weight/color/clarity of the diamond and that all measurements match the original grading document from AGS, GIA or EGL.
*Laser inscriptions (where they apply)
*Setting details
*Approximate retail replacement value.

This Letter of Verification accompanies your purchase, confirming the contents of your package and ensuring your secure shopping experience".

now, my question is: do we still need another independent appraiser? or we should rely on the verification from whiteflash, as they are pretty reputable among those online vendors? in that way, we can say some money and time potentially???

my next question will be: why the other vendors are not doing that? it seems pretty easy for them to issue one. or because whiteflash already have the appraisal cost covered by the stone price? no offensive here. just know the fact "no such free lunch in the world".

just my 0.2 cents

 

[oldminer]

Whiteflash is doing a nice job by offering an included service, but we still get a lot of business verifying or re-grading diamonds sold by Whiteflash. SOme people want an independent verification service and others go with the flow. It is a personal decision.

While we charge $125 for a total service we offer verification alone for a much lower cost. I'd say that very few customers are satisfied at that point and alsmost all wnat the rest of the typical service, but we won't force anyone to go beyond what they feel they need.

If all we are going to do is take a couple measurements, check color and clarity against an existing report and tell you "okay" or "pass" then a $25 fee works fine for us. Once a consumer wants more, then it is simply our rule to do a very complete job. Doing 1/2 a job is just not possible as it is far more efficient to do the whole thing and get it over with.

We are glad to help anyone with a verification or a regular consumer package of grading, cut classification and evaluation for insurance..

 

[fongrx7]

----------------
On 2/5/2004 4:32:18 PM oldminer wrote:

Whiteflash is doing a nice job by offering an included service, but we still get a lot of business verifying or re-grading diamonds sold by Whiteflash. SOme people want an independent verification service and others go with the flow. It is a personal decision.

While we charge $125 for a total service we offer verification alone for a much lower cost. I'd say that very few customers are satisfied at that point and alsmost all wnat the rest of the typical service, but we won't force anyone to go beyond what they feel they need.

If all we are going to do is take a couple measurements, check color and clarity against an existing report and tell you 'okay' or 'pass' then a $25 fee works fine for us. Once a consumer wants more, then it is simply our rule to do a very complete job. Doing 1/2 a job is just not possible as it is far more efficient to do the whole thing and get it over with.

We are glad to help anyone with a verification or a regular consumer package of grading, cut classification and evaluation for insurance..----------------

thanks, David,

in your sense, that sounds like what whiteflash provides is their in-house inspection, and shouldn't be called as "appraisal from independent appraisal". I mean, their verification is not equal to the appraisal from a profesional appraisal, like you. or, maybe they ask some appraisers to simply check the diamond, but not don't get the full service on the stone.

if that is the case, GOG also does the similar thing, "inhouse inspection" getting all pictures, and angles information, etc. isn't it?

David, just wonder what kind of total service you provide when doing an appraisal for customer? I am a newbie, so I don't really know what service you provide. that is why I thought the service from whiteflash is the same as yours.

just trying to learn more here.

 

[dimonbob]

Hi,

The Whiteflash "Letter of Verification" is not an appraisal. You need an appraisal to get insurance.

The Letter of Verification is written by an independent appraiser to verify that the diamond and the cerfiticate is the same and the diamond is not damaged in any way. The value he places on the Letter is a nice touch but the letter is not an appraisal. Whiteflash will supply you with an appraisal from the same independent appraiser but at a cost.

D.Atlas is a highly recommended appraiser as are others that are listed here on Pricescope. He calls them as he sees them which is his job.

 

[oldminer]

An independent appraisal from us, or most any of the other appraisers on Pricescope, will go over the 4c's of the diamond. We have Sarin and Ogi equipment to re-measure the stone. We will provide all the cut details and grade the cut. We make sure the stone matches the documents that it is being sold with and tell you what the full retail is along with what we estimate you'd be asked to pay via an Internet purchase.

We don't leave any question unanswered is what I am saying. This sort of total result service is something that Internet consumers seem to need and want, so it is exactly what we provide. Complete answers!