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Need advice on a NYC appraiser....

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sea

Rough_Rock
Joined
Aug 13, 2006
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Hey there everyone...

My boyfriend and I have been rock shopping lately and we found a really lovely one that I have simply fallen in love with. We''ve searched the diamond district in NYC and are feeling quite good about the whole ensemble... rock, setting, and most of all: price!

But now we have to find a reliable appraiser and we were told that they should be a certified gemologist too if possible. Does anyone have a name to recommend?

Also, I need some advice. How much should a standard verbal appraisal cost us? and the cost of a written appraisal?

Thanks for any and all information you can help me out with.

-Sea
 
I concur, I have had two rings appraised by Just Appraisers (David Wolf''s company) - both were done by Toby, a very qualified GG. I''m not sure if David actually appraises or not -- you could call and find out, but Toby is fab. Not cheap, but fab. He can do the loose stone first, then the complete ring later if your stone is not yet set.
 
I highly reccomend Mark Bunda of http://www.jewelry-time.com/ . I went to him just yesterday (search for efm for my ring posts) and found him to be very professional. He explained everything that he was doing and we watched the entire process. We originally went to another appraiser in NYC but were not satisfied with his professionalism.

Bunda''s appraisal cost $95 and gave great piece of mind. Could not be happier.

efm
 
I also used Toby at Just Appraisers but they''re not cheap.
Needed two pieces appraised and if I remember correctly
it was either $275, or $295. He was very professional and
seemed to know what he was doing (at least with my limited
knowledge) and I''d probably go back if for no other reason than
I know what to expect.

Elle
 
I would recommend Mark Bunda also. If you like, you could have the vendor send the stone to him and he can check it before you put any money into it.
 
i am going to the diamond district shopping next week. sorta feeling overwhelmed already. any advice?...any shops you felt really good/bad about? please share.

sharon
 
If you go on a Friday, your pickins will be limited. Alot of the shops close early for the Sabbath and are also closed on Saturday.

Engagement Rings Direct gets alot of positive feedback on this forum, and they are right there. Try to make them one of your stops.
 
There are two separate and well qualified appraisers located in 608 fifth ave. This is only a very short walk from 47th st. Robert Aretz is one. David Wolf is another. Both are known to me and can do a good job. Take your pick.
 
Honestly, After a week of sorting through the scam artists and mess that is the NYC Diamond District... I''m feeling more overwhelmed and confused then I expected to be at this point.

I found a company (let''s call them "A")that I felt was knowledgable and had a few quality oval stones... and located a setting to go with it as well...

I went yesterday and decided on a diamond and a setting from company "A"... and today I was in the neighborhood and wandered through the other stores and saw the exact same setting in another window at company "B"... went in and questioned about it and looked at a few of their stones and they quoted me a price of $500 less for just about the same thing as company "A" had showed me!

Needless to say I was concerned with the original store: "A", at this point and now I don''t want to get my ring from other of these places simply b/c I have that "something just isn''t right about this" feeling.

So I don''t think all vendors are shady just b/c these two aren''t quite right. But we are exploring other options at this point. Just be prepared to spend HOURS sorting thru these places. Once you pick a ring and a diamond... tell them you want a week to think on it... and literally go to as many other places as possible getting quotes for the same thing.

OoOf, I''m exhausted by all of it. Just trying to finalize my engagement ring and instead I''m getting more stressed out about it and am ready to just do a simple solitaire setting instead and call it a day!

Good Luck on your quest. Hope you have better luck than i did.

Sea
 
Date: 8/17/2006 3:32:11 PM
Author: oldminer
There are two separate and well qualified appraisers located in 608 fifth ave. This is only a very short walk from 47th st. Robert Aretz is one. David Wolf is another. Both are known to me and can do a good job. Take your pick.


Any idea how much these appraisers charge?

Thanks for the tips!
 
Welcome Sea
35.gif


Take a deep breath and remember that this should be a memorable and exciting time in your life
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Yes, shopping for the perfect diamond ring can be overwhelming...that''s why it''s important to compare, do some research, ask lots of questions and if you''re not 100% comfortable...move on.

The two appraisers that Dave mentioned should probably be called directly for quotes. Ask what services are provided and keep a good line of communication with your appraiser. If you have special concerns or requirements, ask before the assignment begins. Good luck with everything!

www.metrojewelryappraisers.com
 
It might only take a small difference in quality to account for the $500 difference between the two stores.

Don''t let that make you feel uneasy with dealer "A".
 
Date: 8/17/2006 8:24:52 PM
Author: sea

Date: 8/17/2006 3:32:11 PM
Author: oldminer
There are two separate and well qualified appraisers located in 608 fifth ave. This is only a very short walk from 47th st. Robert Aretz is one. David Wolf is another. Both are known to me and can do a good job. Take your pick.


Any idea how much these appraisers charge?

Thanks for the tips!
They charge based on the size of the stone, and if they have to grade it mounted there may be an additional fee. Sidestones carry an additional fee too...definitely best to call them with the specs of your proposed ring.
 
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