Is getting an appraisal for jewelry under 1K necessary?

[Jaded Gem]

Hey if you were going to buy a lose diamond I think most of us would agree that we would have somebody/expert gemologist look at the diamond, right? Now what if you purchased something like earrings, a necklace, or an eternity band that cost under 1K and was already set...would you pay to have a gemologist or jewelry appraiser look at it? Is it worth it? How much would you expect to pay for just a verification that all the gems were legit and for no paperwork to be issued if you already have the paperwork issued by the seller? Would a jeweler or appraiser charge an hourly rate or a flat rate? Has anyone had this done? I know that it's wise for big ticket items to have it looked at and be offered an expert opinion from one who knows. Now how about little items? I would imagine not every jewelry purchase one makes is taken to the appraiser's office, right?

 

[Jaded Gem]

Well, since I haven't been getting any feedback on this topic, I decided to call and ask around. I called PGS and I talked to a telephone representative who told me that they only grade and verify diamonds from other labs. So let's say if you bought in earrings, a necklace, or an eternity ring without a formal G.I.A., E.G.L., A.G.S., or any form of document of that sort not originating from a lab but from a store, the gentleman said he would not look at it and see if the rock matched up. For awhile or at least since I was last there which was only a few months ago, I had thought that they also graded loose diamonds without certs as well as mounted items without a cert. I guess I was wrong. I guess some labs won't grade or look at items unless it's carrying paperwork from another laboratory. But then again, I thought for little items that most jewelry won't come with certs because getting a cert on each melee covering a ring just isn't worth it. Anyway, I asked the gentleman for a recommendation to see if another place would just give a generic second opinion and this person couldn't refer me to anyone. I guess most people don't get small items under the $1K mark verified? Am I wrong? So if you purchase a ring from Tiffany's or a ring from ABC or XYZ and there are small diamonds or other gems in the ring that you want verified then who could you go to? I thought going to other jewerlry stores were a big "no" because you would want to avoid the bias factor right? But then if you want to bring it to a lab and they don't want to grade it because it has a store certificate and not a lab one then how does the consumer know what he/she is purchasing? Is it all based on the honor code and trust that things are as stated? Does anyone have any thoughts or am I the fool for asking too many or to tough a question on the first day of April? Can anybody help this diamond fool out?

 

[strmrdr]

anything over $500 or so Id get checked out.
If nothing else Id get someone to give it a once over and not get too fancy.
Is the metal what its spose to be?
Are the stones real?
If both are a yes and it looks good to me then thats that.
I dont need a fancy evaluation.
Now the problem is finding someone to do that for you.
I used to know someone that ran a pawn shop he would run
chemical tests to check for gold and had a diamond
tester and would run the checks for me.
But honestly I dont trust most pawn shop owners to
even touch my stuff much less test it.

A smaller independent appraiser may be able to help or you might just have to try a jeweler and see what happens.

 

[Nicrez]

My friend wanted to check her $1600 eternity ring (1.25tcw) and she got a price quote of $70 for an appraisal.

She eventually decided that she didn't need it, but I suggested that she bargain it down to just a simple verification of color and clarity for less. I always bargain anything, anywhere.

Where are you located...?

 

[Jaded Gem]

Thanks for chirping in there Storm Rider.

I thought I was talking to myself for awhile. Yeah, I don't need an in depth analysis. I just wanted a general one like "colorless diamonds, great rubies, great sapphires, metal content correct." I'm getting both rings that I mentioned: the diamond and ruby eternity one and the pink sapphires ring. I have been eyeing them for awhile now, and I've read all the feedback they had on eBay even though they have an independent B&M store up in New York City. They sell some stuff on consignment in their Signed Pieces Department, and I guess they have have their little partner or sister company called Facets which I bought both eternity rings from. Previously, I had purchased another eternity ring from them. So far so good, but nothing has been verified with a gemologist. The first one I purchased was a .58 eternity diamond ring set in platinum, and it had a retail price quoted from them for about $1,000 but I got it for $500. The other diamond and ruby ring on order for my mom had retailed for about $1,900, but I'm getting it for about $500. And the sapphire one had the retail of about $1100, but I'm getting that for about $300. They seem like pretty good deals from shopping online elsewhere and comparing prices. The pictures aren't bad either. They have pretty good feedback and a great 30 day return policy. So I do have enough time to get these pieces checked, but I was hoping PGS (who is one of the appraisers on this forum) would do it. Anyway they don't. I couldn't get a recommendation from PGS either so I'm stuck here wondering if I should or shouldn't get the items looked at by an expert. Remember, I am no expert! Anyway, thanks for chirping in and giving me some type of feedback for me to consider. I think I'll just have to keep looking. I once went into a mall jewelry store, and I had asked, from curiousity, if the store graded other items not from their store. Many had said "no" unless it came from their store. The same "no" response also came when asked about sizing other companies' jewelry. I guess jewelry stores just only want to touch and evaluate what they sell, and they erase the liability factor on items not theirs by not doing the grading or sizing work. I guess I could understand that.

 

[fire&ice]

I did not have the earrings I bought my niece appraised. One they both came w/ AGS certs; and, two it was easy to match the certs w/ the stones.

It all depends on your comfort level.

 

[Nicrez]

oooh, is it Signed Pieces you are buying from? I was there earlier today. I have to say, unlike most "NYC stores" on E-Bay, I actually TRUST these guys and their quality.

I have seen their stuff first hand, and spoken to them. You can see the thread where I compare eternity rings (2.5tcw) there on the Diamond Talk forum. I like their customer service and prices are good too. Very competitive to many places here on 47th.

Truly good stuff, from what I have seen so far. So if you decide not to, I think you'll still be happy. If you do decide to do it, maybe they can ship it directly to the appraiser, and you can pick it up when they are done to save time?

 

[Jaded Gem]

Hey Nicrez...I'm located just a little or a lot (depending on traffic) outside Chicago. I remember once asking some type of chain store if they did general appraisals and they were like "no, if the item didn't originate here then no we don't do them." Now I just talked to a lab who will only grade other lab's work with the item sent. The items that I purchased just has their "in store appraisal" and their "store certificate" on said item. I guess I could trust them, but then again I guess I could also be extra safe by having my items checked. I think from reading your posts that you reside somewhere in NYC. You probably know of this company called Signed Pieces/Facets if you patrol the diamond mines over there.

Anyway, I've purchased at least three pieces from them within two weeks. One last week and two items this week. I've never met any of these people in person, but they seem nice and responsive. I have no idea if I should have them checked out or not since all three pieces had a "retail" of over 1K each.

 

[Mara]

I just take my stuff to the local willow glen jewelers and they do verifications for between $20-75 depending on what you ask them to do. Eye ball the ring/stone and confirm it matches the cert is only about $20. But something more detailed (not sure what) can run up to $75.




For $20-70, I would get it checked out.




When Greg's ring comes back from the titanium company, we are going to get the diamond and ring appraised..for insurance.




It would also depend on where/who I was buying from. If it was a vendor I really trust, have done business with before etc. I've been burned in the past, but if a vendor earns my trust again, then chances are I wouldn't be rushing to have something appraised. Checked out when I find the time, sure.

 

[Jaded Gem]

Hey Nicrez!

So thanks for going down the trenches and giving me the lo' down while you're shopping around there. By the way, off the subject, but are they still doing that revitalization of downtown Manhattan? I have a great aunt who lives there, and I go down there once every two years. I remember being down there a little after 9/11 and they had all that cleaning up to do. When I went down again a year after I saw a lot of the tribute museums. I have heard that they're starting to open things up like the Statue of Liberty. When I went, we only could walk around the park and that was it; we couldn't go up the statue. Anyway, congrats on your ring if you do decide to purchase from them. So can I ask...are you going to have your ring checked by an appraiser/gemologist. I just want a general check to make sure everything matches up. Unfortunately, I haven't had much success. Maybe I should just not have them checked? But I'm so anal retentive that I always need to double check things. So what are you going to do if you purchase that eternity ring from them?

 

[Nicrez]

Jaded, NYC's Diamond District is my daily lunch trip...YAY! Lunch and DIAMONDS!

I went there yesterday for the first time to check out if their quality is good enough to spend money on anything, and I was suprised to have a jeweler in NYC with some integrity, patience and genuine HELP! I recommend them, but I still suggest that you get these things ppraised and verify what you have is what you bought. That way, going forward, your trust with them will have been tested and approved and you will have less reservations going forward.

Again, no one gets trust by default, they EARN it. They earned mine, as I have descriminating tatse and they have good items in my eyes, as well as good service. You, need to get to the same level of trust and if that means verifying the rings, then so be it. Do try calling jewlers in your area, or maybe check Gemologists' Associations for a professional near you...

 

[Nicrez]

Downtown is going through a mass revitalization from the Real Estate prices to buildings and marketing the shops downtown again. The bad memories linger longer than the good ones, so down town has become a quiet ghost town compared to what it was...Slowly we will be getting the buildings full again and they are well on their way. Prices are rising as we speak on rents down there...

As for my ring getting apprasied, YES. I will (ok, Rand WILL) be dropping another $2K - $3K on the wedding band, so YES I will verify. I haven't decided if the ring will be ACAs or Signed Pieces 2.5tcw eternity, but I have never seen an ACA in person, against the Facets rings...I need to get some perspective before I decide. I most likely will get it appraised either way. I am ANAL.

Put it this way, the jewelers in NYC almost all know me as the Obsessive Pain in the...Radiant Girl. Honestly, my jeweler said we had a reputation that preceeded us "on the street".

 

[Jaded Gem]

So I am guessing you are still contemplating that eternity ring? Later on you will have it checked, right?

 

[Nicrez]

Whatever I buy over $500 WILL be appraised. That's my new rule.

I had a $200 ring, my London Blue Topaz ring "verified" and the guy was so nice he didn't even charge me...

I don't think I can get away with that again!

 

[Jaded Gem]

Hey that's way too funny about your browsing and haggling abilities. I think all New Yorkers share the same trait. My great aunt has the most amazing ability to bargain/haggle. It's funny. I went on one of those cheesy New York City architecture and history tours, and this flamboyant artsy tour guide was explaining how every New Yorker has that haggling or bargaining mentality. He was like, "Oh no, us New Yorkers like to shop but when we shop we like to bargain"...yadda, yadda, yadda. If I ever go back up to New York again then I'm almost tempted to do that tour again if only when he's giving it. He was so full of life! Anyway sorry to get off the subject. Yeah I think I will need to have it checked somehow, someway, by someone...wish me luck! I won't have the package till sometime early next week like on Monday or Tuesday. I guess they're shipping it out on Friday. So what do you think about the price that I paid for my jewels? In your opinion, was it any good?

 

[Jaded Gem]

http://www.signedpieces.com/item.php?type=brand&cat=55&ItemID=2566#
The only exception is that I purchased almost the exact ring yesterday with a few minor details. It is a brand new platinum eternity band with 17 diamonds and 17 rubies. The diamond have a total weight of .40ct and are F-G clor, VVS-VS clarity. The rubies have a total weight of 0.51ct and are round diamond cut. The ring is a size 6.25, and is 2.5mm wide and weights 2.4 grams. It will cost around $500 sale price. Is this any good. I will try to find a picture of the other one.

http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&category=43000&item=2690792726
The only exception is that it is a 18K yellow gold eternity band with 28 pink sapphires. The sapphires are 1.40ct total weight and they are quoted "as very fine quality stones" from the seller. The ring is a size 6, and it weights 3.9 grams. The ring is 3.3mm wide and 2mm thick. It will cost around $300 sale price.

So what are your thoughts?

 

[strmrdr]

Im awake for a few minutes so I elaberate a little more on the $500.
Under 500 it isnt worth bothering with insurance on because they will raise the rates on the more expensive stuff if you ever have a claim and will more than eat up the $500 replacement.

I tend to buy secondary market stuff and have become pretty good at figuring out what it is.
I pay what I consider a good deal at the lowest quality point I think it could be.
For example on gold even if its marked 18k I wont pay over secondary market 14k price ie. 1/3-1/2 retail price tops.
Im sure there are some stuff out there that would fool me into thinking it was better than what it is but im fairly confident that I can usualy tell it apart.
Gold is fairly easy to tell by weight and looks from gold filled or plated.
Plat by its weight stands out and agaain I would go by the price of the lowest quality common in my area.

When im shopping I will hit the regualar stores first and often I will know what the exact retail price is and where it came from.
If not I can often find one or 2 that I can and use them for comparison to other items.
The secret to the local secondary market is knowing what the most common stuff that is sold in your area and the prices on it.
It will also be the most common stuff on the secondary market.

Another thing I look at is that I buy stuff cuz I like it and it looks good to me, while I wouldnt be happy about over paying if I get that amount of enjoyment out of it its still a good deal to me.

I would never buy a new gold chain they are like weeds on the used market for huge discounts and once you know what to look for great values. Sometimes just over or even under the scrap value.

 

[strmrdr]

btw forget sale prices in the jewlery trade more often than not you can get the same price any day or another place.
With some exceptions,
One store here runs a huge gold sale on chains and gold pendants at just cost + maybe 50% instead of the usual %200-%300 to draw people in.
The secret they try to talk you into buyin pendants with stones which are full price and have very high markups to go with the chain and a lot of people fall for it.

They do the same for gemstone pendants a couple times a year 2 and push the chains.
So in the end the store wins but a smart shopper can not play the game and win 2 :}
Buy the chain on one sale and the pendant the next a couple months down the road.

edited to currect some errors.

 

[Jaded Gem]

Thanks Storm!

(I sort of feeling like I'm talking to an X-man calling you Storm).

Yeah, I kind of checked the prices for other eternity rings with those type of rocks in them like the diamond and rubies combo and the pink sapphires ring.

I have to say the company that I'm dealing with seemed to be pretty competitively priced despite their "sale" price. Anyway, my biggest problem is finding that expert gemologist who can do that verbal check for me. I think you mentioned an old friend at a pawn shop that you used to go to, but I am less lucky. Due to moving every so often, my amazing relocating abilities have seemed to fail me in establishing a check point where I can find someone that I know and trust who can do a physical check for me at this point. I live a little outside a major metropolitan city called Chicago so if anybody knows anyone with a good rate that they charge for doing a verbal check then let me know. Thanks.

 

[strmrdr]

Your just up the road from me a ways.
70 miles or so depending on where in the chicago area.

Your best bet might just be to take it and walk in a jewlery store and ask them to take a look at it.
Your looking for a mid level store the low end places and mall stores likely wont have anyone qualified to look at it and the high end places wont give you the time of day on it.

Goood Luck.