How much to pay for independent appraisal

[ecarrot]

I just bought an engagement ring online and I want to have it checked out. How much should I be expected to pay for an independent appraisal? What''s a reasonable price?

Thanks in advance!

 

[Richard Sherwood]

It varies (usually with the carat weight), but you'll probably end up spending between $100-$150 for a comprehensive appraisal.

 

[canuk-gal]

Hi:

This is an interesting question given I recently asked the same of a local B & M establishment, regarding an instock stone they possessed that I was interested in.
Their reply, however, was MUCH different than yours. I was quoted $1500 (Can) to send it back to Antwerp, from where it came. (I suppose that wouldn't be an independant appraisal either).

Where on earth could be the discrepancy??

cheers

Sharon

 

[Richard Sherwood]

$1,500 Canadian?!

My God, that's 1,074 American.

For an appraisal?

 

[newenglandgemlab]

Obviously, they didn't want to bother to do it....Cindy

 

[Richard Sherwood]

Cindy, we should move to Canada.

 

[Richard Sherwood]

Nahhhhhhhhh, what am I thinking?

I live in Florida, for Christ's sake.

 

[newenglandgemlab]

This would be the perfect time of year to move there!!

Kinda hot in florida in the next few months....Cindy

 

[squirerad]

How much should an appraisal for a 3 or 5 stone ring (with each diamond greater than say .50 carat) be? It would not make sense to cost 3-5 times more, especially it the stones are set.


Would it less expensive to appraise 3 or 5 stones separately or in a setting?



squire

 

[newenglandgemlab]

Hi,

I would probably charge about $125 for the ring with a detailed description report(digital photos too) necessary for proper coverage. Cindy

 

[Richard Sherwood]

$124.99

 

[Rank Amateur]

I you offer 150 bucks Rich will include digital pictures of himself.

 

[canuk-gal]

HI:

I understand that insurance accounted for some of the cost for sending the stone overseas (the stone was a RB 4.01), but other than that, I wasn't given a detailed account of costs. All I know is my jaw dropped when quoted this price--and my surprise was evident to him--at which point, I mentioned that there were independent GIA labs who would do this (USA, and his reply was that it would cost in the same "ballpark".

I love Sarasota, so if I decide on the stone, I can just fly there to have the stone appraised--and be no more out of pocket than had it been sent overseas. And have a holiday to boot. Given that snow is predicted this long May weekend, it seems a tempting idea.......

GO, Calgary Flames, GO

Sharon

 

[WinkHPD]

----------------
On 5/21/2004 11:43:55 PM Richard Sherwood wrote:

$124.99
----------------

Rich,

You are getting too much profit, the paper on your appraisal and the cost of the photography can not possibly be more than $5. I bid 124.49, let the competition begin!

Wink

P.S. Canuk-gal,

Taking a vacation to see Rich is not a bad idea. I do not begin to remember the price of a 4 ct GIA Diamond Grading Report, but it is way less than $1,000. Besides, that is just a report of the color and clarity and some information on cut. Rich can give you an appraisal for insurance replacement purposes. Did this stone not already come with a GIA or other recognized report?

 

[canuk-gal]

HI:

I am not aware of prior "report" on the stone I was looking at. It was one of very few uncertified stones they had.
At any rate, I am not interested in paying $1500 bucks for certification, unless is comes with a holiday in Florida.

cheers
slb