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Need expert help with a very large diamond (value/sell/keep)

Re: Need expert help with a very large diamond (value/sell/k

Here’s a photo that shows the major flaw. It certainly looks like it could be a drill mark. It goes from the girdle to the center of the stone. Could be recut below that. I’m afraid that because it is I1 that it wouldn’t be a great candidate for recutting but I don’t really know. I wonder if there is anyone in Houston that could evaluate it for recutting.

IMG_0017_0.jpg
 
Re: Need expert help with a very large diamond (value/sell/k

Brian Gavin Diamonds is in the Houston area and they do recuts.

I would probably sell it and buy something with the proceeds that is smaller, but higher quality, that I could wear a lot. You're not ever going to be able to enjoy it if it's sitting at the bank all the time.
 
Re: Need expert help with a very large diamond (value/sell/k

You could get advice and valuation from Sotheby's or any of the other big auction houses handling large/important gems and jewelry. They could advise you which direction to go regarding laser drilling/recut. I haven't looked but there must be a high end Houston auction house that could work with you.

Also, you can send things via mail to GIA yourself or have a trusted jeweler do it (though they'll tack on $200-300 to cover costs). I think if they do it, there is a bit of protection inasmuch as they do it all the time. A reputable appraiser/jeweler has business insurance to cover losses of items in their possesson though you should get some on that stone (ASAP) too, of course. I've seen a lot of good outcome re-cut stories from Brian Gavin. Good luck and keep us posted. :wavey:

If all else fails, take it on vacation to NYC!
 
Re: Need expert help with a very large diamond (value/sell/k

When you have the money I would just send it off to GIA just to be sure of what your dealing with. Maybe you have a friend that regularly deals with a jeweler to remove the stone from the setting. regarding the laser drilling you will know once its been through GIA. if you put it in the vault you'll never have it certfied and youo'll be back to square one years from now when you visit the vault. as Nike's logo say "Just do it"
 
Re: Need expert help with a very large diamond (value/sell/k

Recutting I think is unlikely to increase it's saleability but it may increase your enjoyment of the stone if you decide to keep it.

I actually DO think it would benefit you to start with a decent appraisal. You're not looking for an advertisement, you're looking for informed and unbaised advice. You need to know what you have, you need to know what your options are for pursuing a market, and you need to set a price, among other things. GIA only answers the first of these, and that's at significant expense both in terms of time and money. IF the right path for your situation is to submit it to GIA or possibly a different lab, which is decently likely, a competent appraiser will tell you that. If repairs are required, they'll tell you that.

By the way, ANY lab will require the stone be taken out of the setting and you don't want to do this yourself. It's not actually all that difficult but there's a significant potential risk here and it's worth paying someone to do this sort of work, even if the guys at the pawnshop will do it for free. Some 'free' work is worth less than it costs.
 
Re: Need expert help with a very large diamond (value/sell/k

I think I’ll try to make an appointment to take it to Brian Gavin Diamonds next week. I didn’t realize he was here in Houston! I emailed them this evening so maybe I’ll hear back. At least I know that’s a reputable place to start and maybe get an appraisal.
 
Re: Need expert help with a very large diamond (value/sell/k

Cool diamond!!!

I second the Brian Gavin evaluation.

BTW, if you are going to sell it you might get more for it, even after the weight loss, by cutting it into a pear.
I'd get Brian's opinion on this.
Marquise was all the rage back then but not now.
Pears are in higher demand.
 
Re: Need expert help with a very large diamond (value/sell/k

kenny|1369973768|3456696 said:
Cool diamond!!!

I second the Brian Gavin evaluation.

BTW, if you are going to sell it you might get more for it, even after the weight loss, by cutting it into a pear.
I'd get Brian's opinion on this.
Marquise was all the rage back then but not now.
Pears are in higher demand.
Click to expand...

I was thinking the same thing about cutting it into a pear. In any event, Brian Gavin should be able to give you great recutting advice!

But inclusion not withstanding, I'm really really like the current cut and it makes me sad to think of this beauty being recut. ;(
 
Re: Need expert help with a very large diamond (value/sell/k

It does look like a laser drill- which changes evaluation drastically.
By all means have it evaluated but likely the recut possiblties are less likely- and of course the valuation will also be affected.
Maybe a reset?
Or cut it in half and make two pear shapes:)
 
Re: Need expert help with a very large diamond (value/sell/k

Another good appraiser in the Houston area is Lastovica jewelry appraisal's
http://local.yahoo.com/info-19053793-lastovica-jewelry-appraisal-houston

But BGD will be able to tell you more about the diamond/recutting/etc than he will. He's located in the building WF (may or may not) still operate out of. I used him for my e-ring and he does a ton of stuff for WF. Ran me about 100.00 with printed up paperwork.

I think the stone is stunning as is. I think it'd be a cool pendant :)
 
Re: Need expert help with a very large diamond (value/sell/k

About appraisal- I would be very specific about what you need before spending money on an appraisal.
The knowledge of how to handle a stone like that is by no means common- even among appraisers.

BY the way- my comment about cutting it in half was not totally tongue in cheek.
Back in the '90's ( makes you feel old to use that term:) I was working for a large site holder who dealt in cape stones.
Believe it or not, they used to saw some of the very large pieces to make smaller diamonds- the thought being they could sell five 2 carat stones faster than one ten carat.
Based on your comments about how wearing it is not comfortable- and the presence of a laser drill ( if it is) this might make a lot of sense.
Cut to a five carat pear, gain color, and have a diamond you love.
 
Re: Need expert help with a very large diamond (value/sell/k

In defense of appraisers:

I agree that there are a lot of charlatans out there but there ARE qualified people in the business of addressing exactly this sort of issue and their advice would be extremely useful, even if it turns out to agree with some of the comments made already (which is likely). The current bar is free advice by self-selected anonymous strangers, most of whom are complete amateurs who haven’t even seen the stone and who have no idea what objectives or market considerations are being considered. Frankly, that’s an extremely low bar. There are ‘appraisers’ out there who can’t exceed even that but to summarily dismiss the appraisal industry as pointless or even destructive is, I think an unreasonable generalization.
 
Re: Need expert help with a very large diamond (value/sell/k

I think seeing Brian is a great starting point. He knows a lot about diamonds and I am sure you will get some good advice! I will be very curious to hear his assessment so please keep us posted.
 
Re: Need expert help with a very large diamond (value/sell/k

denverappraiser|1370024130|3456937 said:
In defense of appraisers:

I agree that there are a lot of charlatans out there but there ARE qualified people in the business of addressing exactly this sort of issue and their advice would be extremely useful, even if it turns out to agree with some of the comments made already (which is likely). The current bar is free advice by self-selected anonymous strangers, most of whom are complete amateurs who haven’t even seen the stone and who have no idea what objectives or market considerations are being considered. Frankly, that’s an extremely low bar. There are ‘appraisers’ out there who can’t exceed even that but to summarily dismiss the appraisal industry as pointless or even destructive is, I think an unreasonable generalization.
Click to expand...

We're in agreement Neil- what I wrote was to ask very specific questions before spending money on an appraisal.
In that way, the op can distinguish better which category of appraiser she's dealing with.
But as a general note- I don't think that this stone presents the type of appraisal that is commonly done- even by the most qualified appraisers.
That's why getting a cutter's opinion seems to make the most sense.
The cutter will be thinking of way to profit from the re-cut, or purchase, which might get the OP some free advice which is a lot different from a lot of the free advice given on the internet- or by many places someone might get free advice.

I apologize if it sounded as if I was summarily dismissing all appraisers...that would be wrong. After all, you're one!
 
Re: Need expert help with a very large diamond (value/sell/k

TheGeckoLady|1369950051|3456554 said:
I wonder if there is anyone in Houston that could evaluate it for recutting.
Click to expand...

Isn't Brian Gavin based in Houston???
 
Re: Need expert help with a very large diamond (value/sell/k

INCLUSIONS ROCK!!! i'm not convinced it's a laser drill hole... could you post some more pictures.

It makes no sense to drill straight into the stone parallel to the table!!! Most LDHs are done perpendicular to the table to minimize visibility.

What does the potential LDH lead to? any other inclusions? Would you consider it the grade setter?
 
Re: Need expert help with a very large diamond (value/sell/k

parnassus0550|1370063109|3457250 said:
INCLUSIONS ROCK!!! i'm not convinced it's a laser drill hole... could you post some more pictures.

It makes no sense to drill straight into the stone parallel to the table!!! Most LDHs are done perpendicular to the table to minimize visibility.

What does the potential LDH lead to? any other inclusions? Would you consider it the grade setter?
Click to expand...

All of the pictures I’ve taken are in the other link I posted in my first post. You have to copy and paste it, sorry! I actually like color and inclusions in diamonds and gems, I feel like it makes them even more unique. I guess I’m probably in the minority though.

I need to try to get a hold of BGD again. I’m too busy to take it across town this week anyway so I just haven’t followed up on it. But hopefully I’ll have an update with his opinion soon.
 
Re: Need expert help with a very large diamond (value/sell/k

I would agree that inclusions are cool especially those that comes in special shapes or colors. Unfortunately, the bulk of the inclusions in diamonds are not that interesting. Hah... But one man's meat is another's poison eh?
 
Re: Need expert help with a very large diamond (value/sell/k

You already received alot of great advise in this thread so I will just add my own. If my grandmother (who I love dearly) left me that ring I would sell it, if I couldn't wear it or didn't feel comfortable. I would take the profit and buy something I would wear to remember her and then stock pile the rest later on down the road when I had a large expense like a house/ car etc. She would want you to use the ring to be happy whether that meant keeping the ring or not.

Goodluck moving forward!
 
Re: Need expert help with a very large diamond (value/sell/k

You do not need any insurance on the ring or diamond if you intend to get it to the GIA. Once it has been properly sent it will be insured by the carrier, then while at GIA, and then again by the carrier on the way back. A qualified appraiser could remove the diamond, weigh it, approximate the end result GIA may grade it, determine of the stone is drilled, or filled, etc and handle the shipping for you in a professional manner to GIA and back. The added cost of the appraisers services would not normally be anywhere near $1000, but GIA does charge quite a bit for what they do on large diamonds.

In the end, the likely way for you to sell such a stone is to find out what it is from GIA or a skilled gemologist, and then do your due diligence in shopping it for offers from dealers, etc. Once you have the best offer, you can readily decide what you wish to do. Don't victimize yourself with a long term consignment situation. Rarely are these of much benefit financially and put you at risk for a long period of time.
 
Re: Need expert help with a very large diamond (value/sell/k

State Farm would not insure my unset diamond. They only insure it after it is set. To insure a stone when sending it I have always had to send it "registered" with USPS and pay the premium for the cost of the stone.
 
Re: Need expert help with a very large diamond (value/sell/k

Thank you all so much for your advice. I will schedule a time to take it to BGD since he is local at some point. This month is quickly filling with trips to the doctor, vet, and car repair shop. Fun, right?! :nono: But as soon as I get through the first step of finding out what I have I’ll be back to update!
 
Re: Need expert help with a very large diamond (value/sell/k

Any updates,TGL? I'm curious what you've found out.
 
Re: Need expert help with a very large diamond (value/sell/k

Finally have an update, well sort of. I had a consultation with Brian Gavin today. He was no nice! At least I know what my recutting options are now. He would recut the marquis which would leave it with around 7.50-8.00 carats but a much livelier stone. I think it would be interesting to see what it would end up looking like but honestly, I think I may end up spending $4000 to make it more beautiful but still not wearing it very often.
He agreed that $20K-$25K would probably be the range a dealer would pay for it. So I guess I'm left to decide if I would rather have a different ring that I could buy for that price which looks like it would be somewhere around a 2.5ct. I'm torn! My brain is saying, "Who in their right mind would trade a 10ct diamond for a 2.5ct diamond?" but it's not like I'm enjoying it while its sitting in the bank. What would you guys do if it were yours?
 
Re: Need expert help with a very large diamond (value/sell/k

I love marquises! Please let me know what you decide :naughty: ! I am interested.
 
Re: Need expert help with a very large diamond (value/sell/k

TheGeckoLady|1372300130|3472957 said:
Finally have an update, well sort of. I had a consultation with Brian Gavin today. He was no nice! At least I know what my recutting options are now. He would recut the marquis which would leave it with around 7.50-8.00 carats but a much livelier stone. I think it would be interesting to see what it would end up looking like but honestly, I think I may end up spending $4000 to make it more beautiful but still not wearing it very often.
He agreed that $20K-$25K would probably be the range a dealer would pay for it. So I guess I'm left to decide if I would rather have a different ring that I could buy for that price which looks like it would be somewhere around a 2.5ct. I'm torn! My brain is saying, "Who in their right mind would trade a 10ct diamond for a 2.5ct diamond?" but it's not like I'm enjoying it while its sitting in the bank. What would you guys do if it were yours?
Click to expand...

Have you done the "Sell your diamond" little button/ form on PS. I did a while ago to see what vendors would offer me for my diamond that I no longer wear should I decide to sell and I was pleasantly surprized. It was about 20% more then I thought I would get.

That is tough for me. I think with 25k you could get something closer to 4cts if you dropped down in color but yes that is still a big leap down from 10 cts. Still I wouldn't keep a ring that I didn't wear so my vote would be to sell it. I wouldn't invest more money into it to just have it look more sparkley in the bank valut/ sock drawer/ insert where you keep your diamond here.....
 
Re: Need expert help with a very large diamond (value/sell/k

ClassyRocks|1372300796|3472963 said:
I love marquises! Please let me know what you decide :naughty: ! I am interested.
Click to expand...
Is there a way to send messages on here?
 
Re: Need expert help with a very large diamond (value/sell/k

SB621|1372300856|3472967 said:
TheGeckoLady|1372300130|3472957 said:
Finally have an update, well sort of. I had a consultation with Brian Gavin today. He was no nice! At least I know what my recutting options are now. He would recut the marquis which would leave it with around 7.50-8.00 carats but a much livelier stone. I think it would be interesting to see what it would end up looking like but honestly, I think I may end up spending $4000 to make it more beautiful but still not wearing it very often.
He agreed that $20K-$25K would probably be the range a dealer would pay for it. So I guess I'm left to decide if I would rather have a different ring that I could buy for that price which looks like it would be somewhere around a 2.5ct. I'm torn! My brain is saying, "Who in their right mind would trade a 10ct diamond for a 2.5ct diamond?" but it's not like I'm enjoying it while its sitting in the bank. What would you guys do if it were yours?
Click to expand...

Have you done the "Sell your diamond" little button/ form on PS. I did a while ago to see what vendors would offer me for my diamond that I no longer wear should I decide to sell and I was pleasantly surprized. It was about 20% more then I thought I would get.

That is tough for me. I think with 25k you could get something closer to 4cts if you dropped down in color but yes that is still a big leap down from 10 cts. Still I wouldn't keep a ring that I didn't wear so my vote would be to sell it. I wouldn't invest more money into it to just have it look more sparkley in the bank valut/ sock drawer/ insert where you keep your diamond here.....
Click to expand...
Yes! It's a great feature and I got responses from a couple of dealers. Of course it's hard to get an exact number without them seeing the stone because it doesn't have a GIA cert but they were definitely thinking they could pay more than what my local jeweler was saying it was probably worth.
 
Re: Need expert help with a very large diamond (value/sell/k

I would probably be hard-put to pass up the recut. I'd see what BGD could do, and then I'd probably wear it everywhere on the assumption that 99.9% of people would assume it was a fake at that size! That, or treasure the awesome heirloom and wear it on a pendant on a loooooooooooong chain for my own private pleasure. And then save up for a different ring, because stones like this don't come along every day. But that's just me ... do you think you'd have any regrets if you sold?
 
Re: Need expert help with a very large diamond (value/sell/k

Circe|1372304314|3472998 said:
I would probably be hard-put to pass up the recut. I'd see what BGD could do, and then I'd probably wear it everywhere on the assumption that 99.9% of people would assume it was a fake at that size! That, or treasure the awesome heirloom and wear it on a pendant on a loooooooooooong chain for my own private pleasure. And then save up for a different ring, because stones like this don't come along every day. But that's just me ... do you think you'd have any regrets if you sold?
Click to expand...
Haha, that's what Brain said. Just tell everyone it's fake! No one would believe it was real anyway, other than my friends who know how obsessed I am with jewelry. I'm tattooed on 75% of my body so I don't look like the person you would assume would be wearing a ring like this. lol. I don't think I would regret selling it if I got something I really loved and could wear everyday. Sure, part of me would wish I could wear it around the house again but I don't think I would have sellers remorse once it was replaced. We'll see. If I could get a good price for it I would sell it but if not I'd hang on to it and consider having BGD giving it a makeover when finances allow.
 
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