chicago1234
Rough_Rock
- Joined
- Apr 4, 2009
- Messages
- 16
I have been a long-time lurker, but finally registered. I am getting prepared to purchase an engagement ring for my girlfriend. I''ve really fallen in love with a setting from James Allen and the prices of James Allen. But I''m a touch nervous. Can''t help it. You read one bad review out there -- possibly by an uninformed customer -- and you start to question what you are thinking. So I''m thinking quite strongly of getting an independent appraisal.
Let''s assume for a moment that whomever I choose is of good quality. I am mainly interested in someone who 1) can validate that the diamond I thought I bought is what I got, 2) that all the specs and ratings I was told applied to the diamond are correct/fair, and 3) a fair appraisal (replacement and a sense that I didn''t get ripped off on my price).
So here are some questions:
1) Would people recommend going with a local appraiser (for me, Chicago or San Jose)? Or going with a distant independent appraiser? If local, any recs on people in my area? If distant, any recs? How exactly does that process work if I can''t be there in person with the appraiser?
2) would you recommend getting the diamond checked before it is set and after? I need to check with james allen, but does anyone have experience with them shipping a diamond to an appraiser, etc.
3) What should I expect in terms of cost? What tests/etc. make sense given my purposes mentioned above?
Many thanks in advance!
Let''s assume for a moment that whomever I choose is of good quality. I am mainly interested in someone who 1) can validate that the diamond I thought I bought is what I got, 2) that all the specs and ratings I was told applied to the diamond are correct/fair, and 3) a fair appraisal (replacement and a sense that I didn''t get ripped off on my price).
So here are some questions:
1) Would people recommend going with a local appraiser (for me, Chicago or San Jose)? Or going with a distant independent appraiser? If local, any recs on people in my area? If distant, any recs? How exactly does that process work if I can''t be there in person with the appraiser?
2) would you recommend getting the diamond checked before it is set and after? I need to check with james allen, but does anyone have experience with them shipping a diamond to an appraiser, etc.
3) What should I expect in terms of cost? What tests/etc. make sense given my purposes mentioned above?
Many thanks in advance!