Is Ideal-Scope necessary for appraisal?

[chap]

I am looking for an appraisaer near DC, and I found one in Rockville, MD. I asked her whether she could provide Ideal-Scope pictue. Through the phone call, she said she doesn''t have the equipment and think that she doesn''t believe in that.

Problem is that within 100 miles of my vicinity there is no appraiser who has the equipment. I do want to make sure evey
penny I spent is worth of it, so I am still struugled whether I should find another appraiser and then send it away.
Is Ideal-Scope necessary for appraisal? Suggestions?

Thanks for the help~

 

[Regular Guy]

It's a tough crowd in DC (I'm here, too).

A better, more detailed picture of your circumstance would help us advise...i.e., what info you know about the diamond, why you want the appraisal (to decide if to keep, for insurance?)...and that would help for starters.

You could drive to Philly, but I'd recommend you tell them in advance you want the use of an IS, or you might not get it there, either.

So...communicating with your appraiser of choice...whether local or away...about what your expectations are...will help a lot. See the FAQ section here for several threads on using appraisers that will almost undoubtedly help you further.

Regards,

 

[Garry H (Cut Nut)]

I will be amazed if there is somone in USA who does not have a camera in their bag or as part of a phone.
The other problem is $75 for the "equipment" (or $25 is your name is Rhino dig dig)

Here is where anyone can learn to take IS photos''s
http://ideal-scope.com/newsletters_issue008.asp

 

[diamondseeker2006]

What kind of cert does your stone have? Where did you buy the diamond? And as Regular Guy asked, why are you having an appraisal done?

The answer is, appraisals typically probably do not include an idealscope photo. The time to get that is from the vendor of the stone before you buy it, in my opinion.

 

[chap]

Here in Germantown (MD) I could find some local Jewelers, but it will take them a week long to get the result and none of them wouldn''t provide IS.

Going to Philly seems a bit out of question for now, since I only have another week to decide. Actually as this stage, I kind of just want to know whether I should keep it or return/exchange it if this doesn''t stand out for the money.

The diamond I got was actually advised by you guys. Thanks again~
http://www.bluenile.com/diamonds_details.asp?track=diamond_comparison&elem=img&pid=LD01116173&filter_id=0
Color/Clarity/Cut/Carat/Table/Depth/Crown/Pavilion
D/VS2/VG/1.02CT/58%/61.3%/35 degree/40.8 degree

I just want to confirm that it''s as good as the money gets. Getting it insured will be another reason, but not in hurry though.

 

[pyle112]

https://www.pricescope.com/appraisers_MD.aspx

have you looked at any of these?

Just asking b/c the descriptions mentions specializing in H&A for the second appraiser. I would think it possible that if an appraiser had an hearts an arrows viewer there is a good chance that he might use some sort of reflector device.

 

[Regular Guy]

Chap,

I think I''d consider doing one or both of 2 things...and by the way...I think the chances are your option is quite nice...with this one as a more expensive comparable...costing a good bit more...and only potentially being measurably better...

1) Drive to somewhere that has a branded or swell diamond and compare it. Go to see a Hearts of Fire diamond at White Flint mall in Rockville, or go to Tiffany''s in DC or Tysons.

2) Consider (rationalizing avoiding Philly for another trip) sending it out to either Denver Appraiser or Rich Sherwood in Fl for their comments. In this case...chat them up in advance of sending, to confirm they''re available, and to get agreement on what they would do to help you. In this case...you''d hope to also get a serviceable (and strong) appraisal document from them, too, to use for insurance. Make sure to have a plan in place...probably with them, for a final document that gives you paper with the diamond after it''s been set in the ring, too.

Regards,

 

[oldminer]

Overnight mail is often less costly and way more convenient than going to a distant or specific appraiser. All of us are accustomed to working for people who don''t come into our office.

 

[chap]

David,

I tried to contact your or your guys, but I never reach any live person but only answering machine. I would like to have pricing for the services and talk to some people from your company. Any one and an extension number I can call?