European cut appraisal discrepency

[Savillia]

Help! I need some advice regarding a diamond ring I just recently inherited from my grandfather. My grandmother gave me a copy of the appraisal of this ring, which was done in 1982. The ring is a 14K yellow gold Masonic ring w/ a "1.09 carat European cut diamond, I color, SI1 clarity, .94 cut & finish." It was appraised at $6850.00 in 1982. For insurance purposes, I took the ring to a local jeweler that appraise it at $2800.00!! How is this possible? They said that the size was between .60-.80carats, SI1 clarity, and H color. They said that it is difficult to appraise a diamond while it is in a ring. I am having it removed from the ring, as I would like to wear it. They said once removed, they would "try" to reappraise it. They have been nice, but I am really concerned. I wanted to replace my diamond (wedding set) w/ this one, but they advised me not to saying that I would be very disappointed b/c of the way it would look w/ the other diamonds in my ring. I also didn''t understand this! My current ring is and antique-type setting w/ 3 diamonds centerally located. They are SI1 and I color. Any advice from those with experience would be greatly appreciated! Thank you!

 

[Hest88]

I would send it to Dave Atlas' company(he's Oldminer on this site) for an appraisal after you have it removed from the ring. (Or have Dave remove it.) His company specializes in older cuts so he can probably give you a really accurate idea of what you have.

 

[winyan]

Most small jewelers don't understand old cuts too well. My advice would be to send it to an Old Cut expert, for a new appraisal.

win

 

[valeria101]

Hard to tell what is this all about, but here are some ideas...

- the jeweler may have applied some formula for modern RBCs to deduce to weight of your diamond based on partial measurement. Since old stones do not have the same proportions as the modern ones, the result could be way off.

- no idea why the jeweler said the stone will be 'dissapointing' - older cuts have a different look than the moders ones, typically with less light return and much more fire. I would not imply this is 'dissapointing'. However, it is possible that the old cut may not fir into your setting - due to it's cut proportions. But who knows?

It would be great to find a jeweler who can handle the situation and place the stone in your ring as well, I guess.

 

[newenglandgemlab]

Hi,

Your second 'appraisal' states it as being between .60 and .80. that is a big range but they don't range the price too. It is never a problem coming pretty close to an estimated weight while it is in the setting and coming very close to the actual. It all depends on how carefully the work is done. Old European cut diamnds are quite beautiful...I wear them! Cindy

 

[Savillia]

Thank you all for your input and help!! I am going tomorrow to see the jeweler and I plan on taking a copy of all these replies and info. I can find on OECs'. I really can't afford to go to another jeweler for another appraisal (and get the stone set as well), so hopefully someone at this current jeweler will be able to help. Regarding the jeweler saying that I would not like this stone set in my current setting, I think he thought I would be disappointed w/ the color and sparkle of this stone in contrast to the other two stones on either side. I think the diamond looked very nice in it's current setting, but it is difficult to tell how it will look in my setting w/out it being removed and loose from the setting.

You all are great and I really appreciate any further help as well!