how much is a GIA cert worth?

[skimmy]

as some of you may know, i''m in the process of upgrading my mom''s ring. she currently has an uncerted diamond with an ok cut. would it be worthwhile for us to have it certed? we''re trying to sell the ring (through a jeweler) but it seems the price we are being quoted is a touch low.

if so, how would i go about having this done? does anyone know what it would cost?

thanks!

 

[pricescope]

it can be easier to sell a stone with GIA report. However, grading reports can only be issued for the loose diamonds. So you''ll need to unmount it, pay for the shipping, and then set it back. Besides, GIA grading can take up to 4-6 weeks...

 

[RockDoc]

Date: 4/28/2005 11:36:47 AM
Author:skimmy
as some of you may know, i''m in the process of upgrading my mom''s ring. she currently has an uncerted diamond with an ok cut. would it be worthwhile for us to have it certed? we''re trying to sell the ring (through a jeweler) but it seems the price we are being quoted is a touch low.

if so, how would i go about having this done? does anyone know what it would cost?

thanks!

Dear Skimmy....

There are some considerations to be made. Since you say it is an "OK" cut you should get a study to see if the stone could be improved by recutting.

Then the value currently and the value improved could be considered. You can submit a stone to GIA and request a potential analysis. However, that is usually done considering clarity only.

In that the labs (GIA and AGS) are going to provide more depth and cutting grades in their reports starting shortly - I''d suggest waiting to submit the stone.

You should have the stone studied to get the current proportions ( just saying OK isn''t near enough info) and what risk and weight loss might occur.

Once you have that information, you can compare asking prices on PScope''s listing of comparable stones, to decide how much (if any) benefits would be realized and the monetary difference weighed as well.

In the meantime you could call Gem Trade Lab ( GIA ) at 800-421-7250, ask for the lab and get their prices for the grading reports which will vary based on the type of report, and the carat weight of the stone.


Rockdoc

 

[denverappraiser]

GIA reports usually cost between $65-$400 depending on the details of the stone and the shipping requirements. Bigger costs more. How useful this will be as a selling tool will depend entirely on the market where you plan to sell. If you are selling to or through a dealer, talk to the dealer about it. You may be able to get a higher price for a GIA graded stone but it may not be sufficient to justify the price. The dealer should be able to help you do the math.

Neil Beaty
GG(GIA) ISA NAJA
Independent Appraisals in Denver

 

[oldminer]

A consumer with a diamond they want to sell is always going to be problematic. Consumers don't offer a selection of stones. They only offer the one they have for sale. A GIA, AGS or any recognized lab grading document may help them in properly representing the stone to another consumer, but it really does not make a whole lot of difference. It is simply hard to find the right consumer when you only have one diamond to unload. No matter how well prepared you are, the market for YOUR single diamond is VERY limited.

Dealers who buy unwanted diamonds don't really pay more for one with a Cert. They already know how to grade a diamond enough to play the game. It isn't all that deep a subject, but it does take a lot of money to be a diamond buyer and keep of a large inventory. A Cert might occasionally convince a buyer of an exact quality, but they might simply disagree and they will buy it as they see it regardless of the name on the report.

Major retail chains and other retailers find that labs that don't charge as much as GIA often have equally good acceptance at the consumer level. Averge consumers, in general, do not appreciate "Lab Brands" as the group who reads Pricescope do. They like a third party opinion, but are not so picky about who's opinion it is. Also, GIA and AGS don't offer dollar values on their reports. This service, provided by many other labs and appraisers, will aid consumers more if they choose to rely upon a third party report. No smaller lab or appraiser will keep you waiting 4 to 6 weeks as the GIA does and NONE of them will change you nearly as much as the GIA.

Get a decent report with a retail value on it. Try to sell the stone at a reasonable discount and see if you get lucky. You might, but I just would not count on it. Unless the diamond is a high quality stone, a GIA report will be overkill, too long in coming, and only minimally beneficial, especially when one considers the expenses involved. Trading the diamond in is a way to get it sold, but you'll take a substantial loss. There is little chance of getting around a loss.

Lots of luck with the sale. I sure have not painted a rosy picture for you. I wish it was easier to do.

 

[skimmy]

i appreciate the advice...and always the honesty!