HRD certificate

[vennie]

Hi:

I was wondering if someone can give me any advice on this matter. I have a diamond pendant that was bought as a loose diamond with an HRD certificate. The certificate says it is "loupe-clean", which is the highest clarity grade that HRD gives to a diamond. When I brought it to an appraiser for insurance purposes, she claims it is an SI-1 diamond.

Now, obviously, I am really questioning her appraisal. She argued that other labs besides GIA are lenient when it comes to diamond grading, but 5 grades down is a little much, in my opinion! I have known HRD to be sometimes slightly lenient on color and fluorescent, but 5 grades difference on a clarity grade is just over the top to believe!

I am going to get the diamond reappraised, I think, but if anyone who knows better about HRD vs. GIA can give his/her opnion on this, it would be greatly appreciated. I always thought of HRD being a reputable lab, and I just can''t fathom that they would grade a diamond THAT lenient.

Thanks!
Vennie

 

[Paul-Antwerp]

Hi Vennie,

Such a discrepancy is unheard of with HRD, or with any other reputable lab. The cause of the problem must be of a different nature.

I agree with you asking for a second opinion.

Live long,

 

[windowshopper]

hi
i purchased a stone from a jeweler that purchased it in antwerp with an HRD certificate. When it was back in the USA we sent it in to GIA and the cert came back the same as what the HRD said.............

 

[horsenito1]

Your stone was perhaps damaged...or switched...or your appraiser is wrong.

 

[denverappraiser]

Date: 5/12/2005 12:46:48 PM
Author: horsenito1
Your stone was perhaps damaged...or switched...or your appraiser is wrong.

I would add to those choices that the report may be describing a different stone or it may be counterfeit entirely.

The appraisal should have a plotting diagram or a photo or something to indicate what she saw that casued her to call it an SI-1. Ring her up and ask about it. There is a similar diagram on genuine HRD reports. With 5 grade variation, these diagrams will be considerably different. There is definitely more than a simple disagreement on the grading and an issue of what lab is more lenient.

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