Have stone unset for appraisal?

[applequeen]

Almost 2 years ago I posted this thread about my unhappiness with my engagement ring stone. [URL='https://www.pricescope.com/community/threads/how-bad-is-it-what-to-do.169759/']https://www.pricescope.com/community/threads/how-bad-is-it-what-to-do.169759/[/URL]

About a year ago I did go forward with having the stone recut and reset into a 3 stone. I used a local jeweler (the economic developer in me likes to support small business). I am quite happy with the results and I see a difference every time I look at it. Even my husband, who didn't think anything was wrong with the original cut admits he sees the improvement.

What I am not happy with is the "appraisal" that was provided for the ring. To say it is basic is an understatement. It lists cut as "modern round brilliant" and the total carat wt. as 1.0. Looking at the new dimensions (6.34x6.33x3.86) I don't see how it could possibly be 1 ct.

I didn't have the stone recertified because I assumed the appraisal would cover everything I needed/ wanted to know. I really don't care about certification but I do care about information for insurance purposes. My fear is that should something happen to the ring I won't have enough information to satisfy the insurance company (Travelers).

So...here is what I need advice on. I have an appraisal scheduled for next week. I spoke with the appraiser today about what I am looking for in the appraisal. He said that he can certainly provide more information than I currently had but won't be able to tell me everything with the stone set. He isn't thrilled about unsetting it (due to weakening the prongs and the risk of damaging the stone) but said he would do so if I wanted. If he unsets it I will be able to get a Sarin report which I'd really like to have.

Is the risk really all that great to unset it? Is it worth the risk for the information?

You can see a before picture in the old thread.... here is the new ring. I've recently swapped one of the side stones for a new stone since I could see more color in one and it bugged me!

 

[liaerfbv]

Personally, I would have it unset for a thorough appraisal, since the one you have is inaccurate. You definitely don't have enough information to get an actual replacement if something should happen to your stone. Is your policy a replacement policy or cash value?

My appraisal I had done a few years ago (on my engagement ring I eventually lost) had an inclusion plot, diamond angles, laser inscription, color, etc etc etc. When I had to make a claim on my insurance, I am not kidding that they used each and every one of these factors to determine my replacement value down to the penny. I shudder to think what they would have given me with a description of "MRB 1.3ct."

Only you can decide if the risk is worth it to you to unset, although I think the real risk is in setting a stone rather than unsetting. Of course, any time you take a tool to your ring you run the risk of damage, and I'm sure the appraiser is hesitant because he doesn't want to be liable for any damage that may occur.