How to pick a good appraiser

[LadyJ]

I am going to have my ring appraised when I get it and need advice as to how to know if an appraiser is good. What should I look for/avoid? Also how to insure the ring.

 

[aljdewey]

Look for an appraiser who doesn't sell stones himself.....one who has all the requisite credentials.




Ask him for references if he's not a regular participant here.




How to insure the ring: Call your insurance agent and indicated that you want an "agreed amount value" policy - means they pay out cash in the event of loss instead of trying to replace the stone with like kind. Not all insurance companies offer it, but there are enough that do.

 

[LadyJ]

Thanks. I guess I will find some near me and try to research them it's just I don't know what kind of credentials to look for so I will do a search here and see. I have been talking ot my fiance about getting renters insurance for a while now because I feel we should have had it long ago. Will they include my ring or is it better to do it sperately?

 

[aljdewey]

If you don't have renters insurance, now's a good time to get it. However, you want your ring on a separate rider.




Once you get an appraisal, you can insure your ring one of two ways. One is for replacement value, where they are obligated to provide a replacement of like kind. The other way is agreed amount or agreed value. In this instance, you submit an appraisal that both of you agree will be the insured value of the ring, and in the event of loss, they pay you that amount.




Agreed value typically costs a bit more.....but it's typically worth it.

 

[newenglandgemlab]

Hi Lady J!

Congrats on the new ring. Where are you located? Do you prefer to go to someone near you so you can get involoved in the process? It is always fun for us to have the clients come to the lab so we can share the stone with them under the scope and explain everything they may want to know. We are an AGS ICGA firm and are required not to be buying and selling or we lose our accreditation. The AGS is the only association of appraisers (ICGA) that requires this. I consider it a biggee. I may be able to put you in touch with someone in your locale. It is important to work with someone who is trained not only in grading but in appraisal theory as well Cindy

 

[oldminer]

I have a lot of respect for AGS, its members and the effort they apply to getting the ICGA standing. It is important to find an independent appraiser when you need an unbiased opinion. There are many, many non-AGS appraisers who are well trained, well qualified and truly unbiased, too. There is nothing at all wrong with the ICGA ethics or training, but they are not alone in the field of quality appraising of diamonds and jewelry. The ICGA's are vastly outnumbered by Independent members of ISA, ASA and NAJA. This is not because AGS is so special, but it is just plain difficult and rather expensive to get and maintain an AGS membership. I know as I was a 25 year member, but am not since Dec 97 when I decided it was not cost effective for me.

One must consider the very limited number of independent AGS appraisers available to the public. There are not many at all, just a few. Many fine AGS member retail members are trained well in appraising, but are far from independent appraisers. So don't confuse the ICGA with the regular retail AGS situation.

If an ICGA is in your neck of the woods, you can count on them to be professional and well trained. If they are not nearby, there are possible alternatives that can be readily considered.

 

[BearMan]

I just used D Atlas to have my stone appraised....




I HIGHLY RECOMMEND THEM!!!




Chris was EXTREMELY accomodating and helpful and once they recd the stone TIMELY TOO(done in ONE DAY)




I am sure that others are Highly Recommended too...but I just thought I would give my 2 cents.

 

[newenglandgemlab]

Hi Dave,

You may be seeing quite a few more ICGA labs popping up now that Bill Hoefer has the Advanced Personal Property Appraisal Course complete. The course is pretty extensive. Just spoke with Bill the other day and I will get a chance to meet him at conclave this year. That is coming up pretty soon and I can't wait. You should take another look at AGS. I have been involved with them since the late 70's and I like what they stand for and the type of stores that belong. The APPA course is why I decided to stick with the AGS for the appraisal business plus the fact that they require us not to buy and sell-a real biggee in my book if you are appraising. I remember my first post here you mentioned ICGA labs were created for old retired AGS folks....

Far from retirement in Connecticut! Cindy

 

[Richard Sherwood]

Like picking out any other professional to do business with, references are usually the best way to go.

If you're working through an internet forum, internet references or referrals are easy enough to obtain. You'll probably get several recommendations through making this query. The Pricescope list of appraisers is a big help in locating credible professionals.

If you're looking locally, I would suggest calling a half dozen jewelers and ask them who they consider a savvy, independent or objective appraiser in their area. Local jewelers are usually "in the know" about who's good and who's not.

 

[hoorray]

If you don't find someone locally, you might consider having your ring sent directly to one of the top notch appraisers on this forum, and having them ship it onto you when they are done. It could save you a shipping step and insure you get a top notch appraisal.

 

[solange]

Can anyone recommend an appraiser in either Manhattan or Nassau County, Long Island? I am about to purchase a stone and would like to have it sent to an appraiser where I can see it.

 

[BearMan]

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On 3/13/2004 12:41:15 PM solange wrote:





Can anyone recommend an appraiser in either Manhattan or Nassau County, Long Island? I am about to purchase a stone and would like to have it sent to an appraiser where I can see it.
----------------

Philladelphia isn't such a Far drive.....probably about 2hrs from Manhattan....

I very comfortably recommend D ATLAS!!

 

[mercerdnky]

Solange - We used David Wolf at Just Appraisers. Very thorough and spends a lot of time with you. We highly recommend him if you are in Manhattan. We found him on the appraisers list here on Pricescope.

 

[LadyJ]

Thanks for the info I am in San Diego so I will be taking it somewhere here. I don't want to send it anywhere once I get it because of our timeline and the date of the wedding... also I would like to be invloved in the process be there to ask questions. I am thinking of taking it to Thom Underwood since it is the nearest one to me but I'm not sure yet. I found him here on Pricescope.