Los Angeles Appraisal/Cleaning/Resizing?

[hypnicjerk]

Hello,

My boyfriend and I recently picked out a bridal ring set. I studied the 4 Cs and advice on looking at ASETs, table ratios, etc. on this forum, but we''re very young and on a budget, and ultimately chose to purchase a used ring without cut information and the like. We can always upgrade later!

First of all, what can you make of our purchase? The seller says the ring set is a used (only the e-ring for 4 months) version of this item:
http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&item=360163057112

Yes, I know I1/I2 clarity isn''t very good.

We got it for $780, but the seller cannot even provide the original appraisal certificate.

I''ll need to appraise the rings (so we actually know something about them) once they arrive as well as clean and resize them. Can anyone provide suggestions for an appraiser (this definitely comes first, in case we learn we were ripped off and need to return) and then a place to do resizing/cleaning in Los Angeles? Thanks in advance!

 

[Lorelei]

Date: 8/3/2009 4:56:02 AM
Author:hypnicjerk
Hello,

My boyfriend and I recently picked out a bridal ring set. I studied the 4 Cs and advice on looking at ASETs, table ratios, etc. on this forum, but we're very young and on a budget, and ultimately chose to purchase a used ring without cut information and the like. We can always upgrade later!

First of all, what can you make of our purchase? The seller says the ring set is a used (only the e-ring for 4 months) version of this item:
http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&item=360163057112

Yes, I know I1/I2 clarity isn't very good.

We got it for $780, but the seller cannot even provide the original appraisal certificate.

I'll need to appraise the rings (so we actually know something about them) once they arrive as well as clean and resize them. Can anyone provide suggestions for an appraiser (this definitely comes first, in case we learn we were ripped off and need to return) and then a place to do resizing/cleaning in Los Angeles? Thanks in advance!

Welcome!

Here is a tool you can use to find an appraiser in your area

http://www.pricescope.com/appr_list.aspx

You ask what we make of your purchase, I cannot in that case in good conscience not give you my opinion...You get what you pay for, the diamonds are highly likely to be visibly included, not cut well and will be lifeless as a result. Also the actual colour and clarity is anyone's guess. DEFINITELY get an appraisal ASAP if you decide to go through with this deal, but my personal opinion is to run away.

 

[hypnicjerk]

Thanks for your reply. I looked at the appraiser list earlier, but I wasn''t sure if these were Pricescope-approved appraisers, or just people who put their names in the database. (Could someone clarify?) Also, should I be asking the appraiser for a written report?

I know that many would say "run away!" to this deal, but I figured I''d try it and would get a refund (even after some prodding of the seller) if the diamonds were duds.

 

[Selkie]

I can recommend Patrick Davis (http://www.certifiedjewelryappraiser.com/) as an appraiser. I found him through the PS list, and read other recommendations on here (search his name). He's very nice, and walks you through the whole appraisal process.

ETA-Any appraiser worth their salt will give you a written appraisal as part of the price. It's what you need if you plan to insure a piece.