Is it rude to ask a local jeweler for the GIA report number?

[naturalshine]

My question is just that. I was referred to this guy by my brother and a friend. I don't necessarily think he is trying to rip me off or anything but I want to know I am getting a decent value for my money and didn't know if it would be rude or he think that I did not trust him etc.

I saw 2 diamonds yesterday I really like but until I can see the report it is hard to judge if he is giving me a fair price or am I over thinking this? I would like to see what they rate on the HCA as well or is this not as necessary when you see the diamond in person? I am by no means an expert just have been reading here however I think I am now more confused than ever.

 

[Lorelei]

Re: Is it rude to ask a local jeweler for the GIA report num

My question is just that. I was referred to this guy by my brother and a friend. I don't necessarily think he is trying to rip me off or anything but I want to know I am getting a decent value for my money and didn't know if it would be rude or he think that I did not trust him etc.

I saw 2 diamonds yesterday I really like but until I can see the report it is hard to judge if he is giving me a fair price or am I over thinking this? I would like to see what they rate on the HCA as well or is this not as necessary when you see the diamond in person? I am by no means an expert just have been reading here however I think I am now more confused than ever.

Hi Natural,

I see no problem asking for the GIA report number at all, in fact, I would not do business with a seller that refused me such information if it was available. Seeing how they rate on the HCA would definitely be useful, although this tool is not meant for selection but for rejection, it is useful I believe to see how potential purchases score. Unless you are experienced and know what to look for ( which is rarely the case with new diamond purchasers), the more info you can get the better, especially as the vast majority of stones will look good under bright store lighting, but in the long run the best thing is to look at as many different stones as you can, then see which you prefer.

Do not make your purchase based on any HCA score, remember the aim is to score below 2 ( these are the diamonds that are considered worthy of shortlisting) but buy what you find beautiful once you are more familiar with looking at diamonds. Also you might find some stones which score between 2 and 3 could be beautiful and perfectly suitable, if you wish, post all the proportions of the diamonds you like here and we can give you our opinions.

Also if you have a Jareds nearby, go and view their Peerless brand to see some diamonds of known cut quality and how they look and behave. You can do the same with Hearts on Fire if you have a dealer near you. Then if you have seen some well cut diamonds, you have a better base of reference once you have seen how beautiful well cut diamonds can be.

 

[denverappraiser]

Re: Is it rude to ask a local jeweler for the GIA report num

Feel no guilt. It is NOT rude to price shop a merchant, be it for diamonds or anything else, it is NOT rude to be concerned about the details, and it's NOT rude to ask them to tell you enough about what they're selling to allow you to do just that. It's up to THEM to convince you that they are a better place to be shopping than their competiton and restricting your avaiable information is not a reasonable way to do that. By all means you should listen to their pitch, ask questions, and discuss the areas that concern you but they should be entirely comfortable with the idea that you are shopping elsewhere as well and that only one of the various competitors will end up with the deal at the end of the day. You are not the first customer who has done this and you won't be the last. It's a big world and that's the way sales competiton works. If they won't give you the info needed to do it, shop with someone else who will.

I second the comment above that an HCA score adds nothing of value to your situation.