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getting internet purchases checked/verified/evaluated

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Angelah

Rough_Rock
Joined
Jan 31, 2017
Messages
4
long time lurker, full time poster here :shifty:

I just bought some diamond earrings on eBay from a jeweler in NC. They have good reviews, and were quick and responsive on questions.

The earrings aren't expensive enough that our insurance requires an appraisal (they were less than $1K). But I would like to have them verified that they are indeed what they were listed as--14K white gold, .03 G-H, VS2-SI1 diamonds because I'm far from a diamond expert (beyond obsessively reading PS).

There is a local appraiser with rave reviews that does a detailed written appraisal, and it costs about $120. It's a little bit of overkill for what i'm looking for. I just want a professional to look at it and say, "yes! these are what they were described as" (or "no" if that's the case). Is there a quicker, verbal verification/valuation/authentication service that i can ask for, either from the appraiser, or even a local jeweler? or should i just go with the full appraisal?
 
If you get a verbal for free, you got what you paid for.

No verbal appraisal, whether free or paid for, will be worth ANYTHING should you rely on it to ask the seller for a return. In my opinion, you should ask the seller for an Evaluation for Insurance Purposes which they will probably provide for no charge so that you have a valid description for your insurance adjuster, should one ever be needed.

If you are having doubts about the vendor, then you will need to pay for a written evaluation. However, the fact that they have good reviews in a world where one unhappy client can bring massive social pressure to bear, indicates that you may have nothing to fear.

If you have a reason for feeling uncomfortable, then you probably should get a written appraisal for your peace of mind.

Just my thoughts.

Wink
 
Call around to jewelers/appraisers and ask for a quote. In my area, the cost of the appraisal is partially based on total carat weight, so under a carat isn't all that expensive to appraise. You'll need a written appraisal for insurance, and it will help you with peace of mind. If the item doesn't match what was put on eBay, you can file a complaint or ask for a refund/to return the item due to it not being as described. I believe there's a time limit on this protection, so do it quickly. PayPal or your credit card also offer this type of buyers protection if eBay won't help, if the items aren't as described.
 
I need to call back an appraiser as soon as I finish this post. He charges a flat fee, sits with you one on one and teaches you about your jewelry while he is evaluating it. I am bringing him 4 pieces, including my original engagement ring (want to know the angles), my asscher (I think I did a pretty good job buying but I would like to hear his opinion) and some antique earrings ( I would like to know more about). I am doing this to reduce my insurance premiums from overinflated appraisals, but I am completely thrilled that I am going to a mini jewelry class.

I say find an appraiser who does this kind of service and see it also as a learning experience!
 
I have an appt for later in the month. He charges 95 for the first piece and 50 for each additional. He is AGS approved. My suggestion is to find someone like him.
 
Thanks for the opinions, everyone. sounds like i should just get an appraisal.

whitewave, that sounds so interesting! i would love to do something like that.
 
He is a certified gemologist appraiser (one of 20 in the US).

She may be a good one in your area: http://ncjewelryappraiser.com/about/credentials/

ETA: oops, I see you probably aren't in north carolina... but you see the point I was making.
 
Did you mean .30 or .03 carat?
 
Whitewave, thanks for the ideas. I'm not in NC but I'll search my area

Yes, ringo, I meant .03, they are bar earrings with 40 diamonds, so 1.2 CWT. Like I said nothing terribly expensive which is why I don't need a detailed insurance appraisal. I just want to make sure they are indeed what they were advertised as
 
I have purchased jewelry from eBay. I buy from vendors who have generous return policies and great consumer feedback. Once I receive the piece, if I like it I get an oral appraisal because I just want to verify that the piece is as described and that I didn't overpay. I ask the appraiser his/her opinion as to how much I should have expected to pay for the piece pre-loved if I were to buy it from a private seller vs a B & M store. If I am happy that I paid a fair price, I keep the piece and if not, it's returned that day. I don't need a written appraisal because the jewelry I typically purchase is not expensive enough to worry about insuring. Needless to say, I give the appraiser no info as to where or how the piece was purchased or anything I think I know about it (ctw, color/clarity of diamonds, etc.).
If you purchase from an eBay vendor without a return policy, you would need a written appraisal in order to be able to return the piece based on the item being improperly represented.
 
FWIW, I won't do 'oral appraisals'. I don't know any capable appraiser who will. Put it in writing and sign it or don't call it an appraisal.
 
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