Laser Inscription and Facets

[yellowledbetter]

A buddy of mine told me not to a buy a diamond without laser inscription. He also said the more facets the better. I had not heard of either of these factors being important when buying a diamond. Is this good advice?

Also, how do you go about getting a diamond appraised that you have not purchased yet?

 

[Regular Guy]

Laser inscriptions are a convenience, but I wouldn't make it a deal breaker. We do frequently recommend having certification from either AGS or GIA. If AGS, I think they usually come with. If GIA..the pattern of having or not an inscription is associated with the size of your diamond. If smaller than 1 carat, it comes with (but no map on the certificate). If 1 carat or over, it well may not, unless it's worked out to also have that. Usually, if desired, the inscription can be worked out to be added after the sale by a helpful appraiser, or another agency.

The facet thing...infrequently helpful, usually not...which is why it's unusual. The traditional approach is usually safer, and considered "tried & true."

Re the appraiser...a best approach is to buy the diamond with a clear guarantee to be able to bring it back for a full refund in a sufficient period of time so that, when an appraiser tells you something you don't like, you can return it. Trickier scenarios can be worked, however, which to greater or lesser degrees compromise the eval of the appraiser. Especially at a distance, a diamond, by agreement with the seller, can first be sent to an agreed upon appraiser (look at the upper right on this board for a list or recommended independent appraisers), and after you and the appraiser see the diamond together, you can decide to pay the appraiser, who sends the money to the vendor...or some such agreement. Generally, and more conservatively, though, pay with a credit card, but it outright with a written return period, then take it to an appraiser, and...return it at will if desired.

Regards,

 

[yellowledbetter]

Thank you. That information is very helpful.

One more question. If the diamond is not currently certified and the independent appraiser confirms the diamond is a good buy, then should I rely on the appraiser and skip having it GIA certified? I am getting a discount on the diamond since it is not certified.

 

[Regular Guy]

Any option may be lovely, and a deal.

Unless you have an exceptional appraiser in mind, however, and even then, I'd frankly be cautious of most diamonds intended for an e-ring if not certified. If small, sub .5, it's standard to not be certified, however. But...especially if 1 carat or over...since certification generally is authoritative...with more than the equivalent of one appraiser looking at it, and with the result of the certificate expected to yield a value for the diamond significantly greater than the cost of the certification itself...generally the only reason the vendor would have a diamond not certified, is if there may be an unpleasant reason he would not like the greater return available to them if first appraised.

But...for you...you would not go to get this diamond, or any diamond you're interested in...certified by GIA. That's the vendor's job.

There's lots of diamonds on the market, which are certified. Why would you want to circumvent that process?

edited to add...if it looks like a deal, though it may be...chances are, it's not.

 

[yellowledbetter]

Well, I have been unable to find a really good diamond store in Dallas. I am a little leery of buying one over the internet. The store with the non-certified diamond has shown me stones in the 1.4 carat range that are all GIA certified in my price range, but my GF wants a 1.5 for her engagement ring. They told me this diamond just came in the store, which is why it has not been certified yet. I am sure it could be a sales trick, but he said if it is certified the price will definitely go up. They have a lifetime 100% trade up policy with no restrictions on the price of the diamond you trade for, so that gives me some comfort if it is not what she likes.

Honestly, I am at a loss of what to do. When I go to retail stores they are so expensive. When I go to wholesalers they are cheaper but less well-known and I don''t know whether to trust them. Then the on-line stores don''t seem to come with much in the way of customer service. Am I off here?

 

[honey22]

Firstly your buddy doesn''t sound like he knows what he is talking about sorry to say.

If you have it independetly appraised, then it''s ok to buy a stone without a cert, but honestly I can''t see why you would. I would want piece of mind before I purchased.

You are not going to see much visual difference between 1.4ct and 1.5ct, and if I were your gf I would be very appreciative that you are being so generous in the first place and taking your time to find her a large great stone. Size doesn''t always matter - I would take an ideal cut 1.4ct stone over an lesser cut 1.5ct stone anyday. And you will find that stones just under the 1.5ct will be a fair bit cheaper as you will pay a price jump premium for stones that hit the magic marks, eg, 1ct 1.5ct 2ct etc.

Check out WF and GOG, you don''t have to worry about purchasing from these vendors, they are very trustworthy.

 

[Deelight]

Date: 11/2/2008 1:53:31 AM
Author: yellowledbetter
Well, I have been unable to find a really good diamond store in Dallas. I am a little leery of buying one over the internet. The store with the non-certified diamond has shown me stones in the 1.4 carat range that are all GIA certified in my price range, but my GF wants a 1.5 for her engagement ring. They told me this diamond just came in the store, which is why it has not been certified yet. I am sure it could be a sales trick, but he said if it is certified the price will definitely go up. They have a lifetime 100% trade up policy with no restrictions on the price of the diamond you trade for, so that gives me some comfort if it is not what she likes.


Honestly, I am at a loss of what to do. When I go to retail stores they are so expensive. When I go to wholesalers they are cheaper but less well-known and I don''t know whether to trust them. Then the on-line stores don''t seem to come with much in the way of customer service. Am I off here?

For myself I found buying online from was cheaper then buying at home either from a B&M or a "wholesaler" apart from the price factor I had better customer service from Sarah from Good old Gold then I have had at most B&M''s.

 

[denverappraiser]

Most of the dealers will be happy to ship to a qualified appraiser in your neighborhood where you can personally examine the stone in a secure and professional environment as well as get an expert opinion of it’s merits or lack thereof. For some people this is logistically difficult but Dallas enjoys some of the best there are outside the city and county of Denver. Here's a couple that I have no trouble recommending.

Steve Jarvis
Patty Geolat

Choose your diamond or even a few from the dealer(s) of your choice, have them ship to your chosen appraiser with the above mentioned 100% refund guarantee and then pick one and return the other. Your risk is limited to some shipping costs and the appraisal fees and most of the time you will end up with a better diamond for a better price, often with less runaround.

If it doesn't already have one, you can get a laser inscription done for a modest fee on almost any diamond if you want. No, it's not necessary but a lot of people seem to like it. I suspect both the dealer and the appraiser will be able to help you with this.

Neil Beaty
GG(GIA) ICGA(AGS) NAJA
Professional Appraisals in Denver

 

[yellowledbetter]

Mr. Beaty,

Thank you for the helpful information. Do you recommend buying a diamond at a discount because it is not GIA certified if the diamond comes back from the appraiser with a good value?

 

[denverappraiser]

Date: 11/3/2008 3:24:50 PM
Author: yellowledbetter
Mr. Beaty,


Thank you for the helpful information. Do you recommend buying a diamond at a discount because it is not GIA certified if the diamond comes back from the appraiser with a good value?

Under normal circumstances, meaning buying a ‘new’ diamond over a carat from a dealer, I wouldn’t recommend buying at all without GIA or AGS pedigree. Under other circumstances, like when you are buying a stone from a private party I would rely on the opinion of your appraiser and yes, it should be at a discount when compared to the above.

A good value involves more than just a low price. You must also get what you want. A good price on the wrong thing is no bargain.

Neil Beaty
GG(GIA) ICGA(AGS) NAJA
Professional Appraisals in Denver