Loose diamond appraisal cost?

[linesplice]

What should one pay to have a .75 loose diamond appraised for? I have quotes with over $200 difference.

I searched for this information and didn't really see any answers to what an average cost is, with some performing the work on an hourly basis, others on a carat weight, and others as a flat-fee.

I feel like this is dealing with used car salesmen. They will charge you whatever they think they can get you for.

In addition, does anyone have an example of what you should expect to receive from an appraisal in terms of information, quality of findings, if they just use the GIA certificate info, or any other information?

 

[diamondseeker2006]

I have bought a few GIA and AGS certified diamonds, and I have never seen a need to have them appraised since they have already been graded by a neutral grading lab. At most, I'd consider taking the stone in for a qualified gemologist to confirm that the stone is as represented on the lab report. But the lab report is the official document for the stone so I see no reason for an appraisal unless the stone is bought second hand and there is a possibility that the stone might have been damaged since the original grading.

 

[Gypsy]

It depends. The independent appraiser's I've used have cost 200 bucks. They don't make their money from anything else. They are top of their field and they are worth what they cost. Usually it includes them evaluating the stone without the certificate and then telling you what they think of it independent of the certificate using a Sarin, an ASET an Idealscope, and lots of other tools. Then they compare it to the certificate. And then they write up what they think of it and give a value based on various factors. If there is a setting they completely look it through and examine it in every way and come up with a value for that.

Dependent appraisers, ones who work for stores cost typically 85 bucks. They vary from completely incompetent to just great. It's a crap shoot. I am lucky as I have a GREAT dependent here close to me. But they are VERY VERY rare. And I know enough to know when an appraiser is good and isn't, I wouldn't recommend average people to go with an appraiser that works for a jewelry store. Many of them will look at the certificate, ignore the diamond except for a cusory glance ask you what you paid and then write down a brief note that says: Here's the certificate information and here's what it's worth (this value can be based on nothing but a guess) and it takes then ten minutes.

 

[webdiva]

It's about $75 here in LA for a PS approved appraiser - but the appraiser said to come after the diamond was set since it was already GIA or AGS certified. Usually you need an appraisal for insurance purposes. GOG send one with my ring, so that was handy. I'll probably get it re-appraised as market prices change.

 

[denverappraiser]

Professional services vary a lot depending both on what you want to know and who is doing the work. The best are rarely the cheapest. This doesn’t just apply to jewelry appraisals by the way. The cheapest around here is about $40 and the most expensive for a single item is about $200. At the risk of sounding self-serving, you do tend to get what you pay for. Decide what you want and then discuss it with the appraiser. If what they're doing is different from what you want, find a different appraiser. Avoid folks who charge a percentage of the value as a fee. Be very careful about ‘appraisals’ written by a person currently selling the stone as well as an appraiser who is working for them although often these are 'free' and may actually be sufficient depending on your needs and your level of trust in the people involved. That said, I have a few questions. Is this a new purchase? Is it a loose stone or a piece of jewelry? Are you doing this for insurance purposes, resale purposes or something else entirely? Where are you? Are there specific things you would like to learn or document?