independent apprasials

[alias888]

independent appraisials - should I simply send back the stone to GIA to verify a stone, or should I go to some other independent appraiser? the existing GIA cert is only 3 months old.

is laser inscription of the GIA number worth anything?

 

[Rank Amateur]

GIA is a lab who will tell you specifics about your stone. There usually is no reason to send it back to them once they've graded it.

An appraiser offers a much wider range of services only one of which is valuation. They will actually help you critique the stone, if that's what you are looking for.

 

[hoorray]

Agreed -- the appraiser and GIA are complementary. There is no reason to send it back to GIA. And, for what it's worth, GIA's turn around time much longer than an appraiser if you make an appointment.