Is it worth getting my diamond AGS/GIA certified?

[McPhreak]

I received a diamond ring from my Grandmother and am planning on having the diamond removed from the setting and mounted in a custom ring (don''t worry, she''s ok with it.

). She doesn''t remember where she placed the paperwork that went with the stone, and as far as I can tell, there are no markings on the diamond itself.

My plan right now is to have the diamond appraised by a local jeweler for both insurance purposes as well as out of sheer curiosity. The question I have is whether there''s any good reason to have the diamond AGS/GIA certified instead?

Thanks for your help.

 

[JulieN]

Depends how much you want to know... If it were me, I''d send it to a PS appraiser who has a lot of toys.

 

[John P]

Where are you located? If you use a qualified appraiser who runs a boutique lab you'll get more individualized attention, faster turnaround and often more detailed and thorough information than major labs provide.

You can click on 'Appraisers' under Resources at the top right of the screen. However the range of quality and service among those listed varies quite a bit. Below are organizations who have contributed or currently contribute on PS. They are known for high standards and detailed, thorough service.

American Gem Registry (AGR): Neil Beaty, CO
Metro Jewelry Appraisers (MJA): Jeff Averbook, MA
Accredited Gem Appraisers (AGA): Chris Dicamillo (supported by Dave Atlas), PA
Sarasota Gemological Leboratory (SGL): Richard Sherwood, FL

Edited: Julie said what I was typing when she posted, but got better miles-to-the-word.