Independent Appraisal needed for a Brian Gavin Diamond?

[kamancali]

Recently purchased a Brian Gavin Blue, loose stone. They seem to be top-3 in terms of reputation on PS- is a independent appraisal / confirmation needed, or risky w/o?

There are 3 pricing options at my local appraiser: verbal confirmation only $35, written appraisal $85, and sarin+cutting analysis + written appraisal $160. I'd like to see the H&A on this stone (BG would not provide this!) to make sure it's a ideal cut.

What would you do?

Thanks!
Kaman Cali

 

[ame]

I am a little on the anal-retentive side, so I would probably get the whole shebang, honestly. Comfort my mind if nothing else. AND because then I also have it in case something happens later and I need to replace it.

 

[swingirl]

Everyone has their own comfort level but for me, buying an AGS stone from BGD would not warrant an independent appraisal. Of course, it depends on the value of the stone. But I would trust that the AGS certificate would match the stone from BGD.

 

[PintoBean]

Hi Kaman,

I think it's a good idea to get an independent appraisal done. I used an appraiser that was on the Pricescope list of appraisers. $160 sounds right.

It brought me peace of mind getting confirmation that I had done well with my diamonds!

 

[Regular Guy]

curious who your appraiser is.

Option b or c would be of interest...b for insurance purposes...and c, to see the nature of their work, and if they could help for future projects.

Ira Z.

 

[centralsquare]

I don't think it's necessary but if it gives you peace of mind, then definitely do it. It's worth it for such a large purchase. That said, I haven't done that for my PS purchases.

 

[yssie]

Recently purchased a Brian Gavin Blue, loose stone. They seem to be top-3 in terms of reputation on PS- is a independent appraisal / confirmation needed, or risky w/o?

There are 3 pricing options at my local appraiser: verbal confirmation only $35, written appraisal $85, and sarin+cutting analysis + written appraisal $160. I'd like to see the H&A on this stone (BG would not provide this!) to make sure it's a ideal cut.

What would you do?

Thanks!
Kaman Cali

I personally wouldn't bother - I'd loupe it and match the inclusions to the report, and if it's big enough try to find the girdle inscription (if it has one), but all in all I would trust that the diamond is the same as the one on the report, and is in precisely the condition indicated on the report.

I would definitely get an appraisal of the finished ring done, to confirm workmanship/catch issues early/get a more realistic valuation than the BGD verification letter for insurance.

BGD Blue is not sold as H&A - so would not be surprised to find imperfect hearts and arrows patterns. It's not guaranteed to be H&A unless it's advertised as H&A, afterall! Does not need to show picture perfect hearts and arrows pattern under a H&A scope to be considered an "ideal cut", beautiful stone.

 

[Gypsy]

BGD Blue is not sold as H&A - so would not be surprised to find imperfect hearts and arrows patterns. It's not guaranteed to be H&A unless it's advertised as H&A, afterall! Does not need to show picture perfect hearts and arrows pattern under a H&A scope to be considered an "ideal cut", beautiful stone.

THIS. AGS0 means ideal light performance. That's what you want. That's what the report give you in terms of peace of mind.

If you want PRECISION (note that I am not using the term ideal here) cut hearts and arrows, then you need to go to the regular BGD line... not the blue.

Personally I don't need anything other than ideal light performance and peace of mind about color and clarity. On a BGD stone I wouldn't need the 160 dollar evalutation, even for insurance (as long as your insurance is a good solid company that will work with BGD to replace). The only reason I would need all that is if my insurance wouldn't normally work with BGD and I wanted to document everything about the stone, plus... you'll be needing that 160 bucks in 2 or three years when you need to update everything for current market value.

If it's peace of mind you want... make an appointment to be there in person to look at the stone with the appraiser, then talk to him about what he sees. Pay your $35 and leave.

Once the stone is SET though, you will want to shell out the 160 for the completed ring.

 

[Gypsy]

Did you decide on a setting?

 

[diamondseeker2006]

AGS has already evaluated the stone, so I see no reason at all to have another appraisal done. At most, I'd have them verify the stone matches the report if you don't feel comfortable doing that yourself.