How to buy a diamond safely overseas?

[frankiextah]

My mom, who lives in Hong Kong, found a gorgeous diamond (GIA 2.62ct E color IF clarity) from a reputable store in NYC, the same store that my fiance and i found my engagement ring from. I personally trust this seller, but understandably my mom needs to feel protected wiring over US$75K before she pulls the trigger.

Has anyone have dealt with these situations before? have you patronized a trustworthy escrow, or an appraiser who can take in the diamond for us to see before paying the money? otherwise, what has been done other than blind faith ?

any diamond dealers out there on PS that can lend an opinion?

 

[stone-cold11]

Most independent appraisers who post on here can do that. Just naming a few here, not a comprehensive list.

Neil http://www.gemlab1.com/

David http://www.datlas.com/

Richard http://www.sarasotagemlab.com/

 

[oldminer]

There are more than one trusted lab/appraiser listed in Pricescope right in Manhattan, too. Shipping such a costly diamond around is expensive and adds time and risk to the deal. While all of us appraisers welcome work, a local appraiser can do the appraisal, seal the stone so it can''t be tampered with and have the seller arrange to have it transported quite efficiently. THis really would eliminate nearly all problems involved.

Be sure it is insured by the seller during transport all the way to your mother, through the Customs processing and delivery, as well.

 

[frankiextah]

thankyou! how does the process exactly work? is there an overview?

 

[oldminer]

Pick an appraiser, arrange for the services in coordination with the diamond seller. It is a very easy process which the sellers have grown accustomed to. If they get angry about it, they must have something to hide or believe that a one-sided deal suits them best. The third party verification process is not going to waste a lot of time or cost a whole lot of money. It is money well spent to assure a smooth transaction.

 

[frankiextah]

Date: 6/4/2009 2:13:16 PM
Author: oldminer
Pick an appraiser, arrange for the services in coordination with the diamond seller. It is a very easy process which the sellers have grown accustomed to. If they get angry about it, they must have something to hide or believe that a one-sided deal suits them best. The third party verification process is not going to waste a lot of time or cost a whole lot of money. It is money well spent to assure a smooth transaction.

thankyou again! once the stone has been appraised, what sort of "protection" would we get? the story is that one of my friends who live in NYC happens to be a GIA graduate, who helped my fiance find my engagement diamond. He went to the store yesterday and verified it with his own tools and it was the perfect stone. the only worry now is that what will ensure the diamond will be shipped as describe (ie. the same diamond will arrive, not another stone and not an empty box). How does the appraiser comes into play? since after the appraisal, the stone gets returned to the seller before it gets shipped from the seller''s end.

sorry about all the questions! this will be a first overseas purchase an it will make my mom really really happy as she has been looking for a flawless stone for over a year now. She is planning to wear this diamond to my sister''s wedding in July.

 

[frankiextah]

ahh... sorry i just read that the appraiser can seal the stone so that no one can temper with it.

 

[strmrdr]

While what Dave said is true about appraisers close by I would feel more comfortable using an appraiser I know so would use one of the ones listed even if it costs a bit more.

 

[AprilBaby]

Lucky Mom to get such a beautiful stone!