Harry Winston diamond ring - want to auction on Sotheby''s BUT...

[sassygirl]

It was a gift and I do not have a GIA certification. It''s my understanding that I can purchase a GIA certification but that GIA will only certify a loose stones. I do not want to jeopardize the integrity or value of the ring/setting by having the stone removed for evaluation.

I think that in order to get the best $$ for my ring I will need this certification. It would be tacky for me to go back and ask the person who gave this ring to me years ago, and if Harry Winston did have the report on file, I highly doubt they would furnish that info to me since I was not the purchaser.

The only idea I could come up with is to see if Harry Winston will remove the diamond from the setting for me and then they could reset for me after I get the certification. That way I know i would be done properly without jeopardizing the ring.

Does this sound like a good plan? Or do any of you have any suggestions?

Many thanks!!!

Sassy

 

[neatfreak]

Well, it never hurts to ask HW. If there is any kind of serial number on the ring or anything like that I am sure they could give you the information you desire. Otherwise, yes, I would only have HW touch the ring to dismantle it. Otherwise, a good appraiser like Richard Sherwood or Dave Atlas might be able to give you advice on how best to go about this otherwise.

 

[Hudson_Hawk]

I would think that regardless of who bought the ring, you''re the owner and are therefor entitled to the information that HW would have on file. who cares if it''s a gift. I would definitely look into that route before paying for a different appraisal.

 

[sassygirl]

Wow! Thank you so much for the quick responses! Much appreciated! I think I will go ahead and bring it to HW and least ask the question about getting the report. All they can do is say no, I suppose. If that''s the case, I can ask them about Plan B: removing the stone for me.

Thanks again!!!!

Sassy

 

[NewEnglandLady]

Agreed that HW should be able to get the report for you. Also, do you happen to have a loupe? Most high-end B&Ms will make sure the GIA # is inscribed on the girdle. I can''t really make mine out with a 10x loupe, but can see it easily with a 20x loupe.