Need some guidance.

[pitchinwedge]

So... finally picked a loose diamond online.

I already own the setting that I want to have the diamond set in. Unfortunately, I''m located on the west coast, the online retailer is on the east coast, and it''s a good idea to have it appraised, how to best proceed?

Should I just send the setting to retailer, have them set, and then have the retailer send completed ring to appraiser for me to pickup? Can anyone with experience tell me what I''m missing?

Thanks much!

PS. I''m not sure how much I trust independent appraisers as of yet. The only one I''ve heard back from says he''ll charge extra for the added hassle/risk of receiving loose diamonds.

 

[tyty333]

Date: 12/31/2009 11:51:59 AM
Author:pitchinwedge
So... finally picked a loose diamond online.

I already own the setting that I want to have the diamond set in. Unfortunately, I''m located on the west coast, the online retailer is on the east coast, and it''s a good idea to have it appraised, how to best proceed?

Should I just send the setting to retailer, have them set, and then have the retailer send completed ring to appraiser for me to pickup? Can anyone with experience tell me what I''m missing?

Thanks much!

PS. I''m not sure how much I trust independent appraisers as of yet. The only one I''ve heard back from says he''ll charge extra for the added hassle/risk of receiving loose diamonds.

Whhaaatttt? Does he mean receiving this in the mail or just any loose stone? Either way I think it is pretty
common for an appraiser to receive loose stones in the mail or have loose stones walked in.

Here is a list of qualified appraisers.
http://www.pricescope.com/appr_list.aspx

Do you just want an appraisal for insurance purposes?

 

[Todd Gray]

Date: 12/31/2009 11:51:59 AM
Author:pitchinwedge
PS. I''m not sure how much I trust independent appraisers as of yet. The only one I''ve heard back from says he''ll charge extra for the added hassle/risk of receiving loose diamonds.

Say what?!?! Are you sure you heard this correctly? Because that sounds really strange... Most appraisers prefer to work with a loose gem because it is an easier and more accurate way for them to grade a diamond. If the appraiser did make this exact statement, I''d recommend finding another appraiser. As indicated, refer to the Resources / Appraisers link available at the top of all pages on Price Scope.

Yes, I would recommend getting the diamond appraised prior to shipping the diamond to the vendor to be set, simply for your own peace of mind. Many appraisers offer a verification service for diamonds which they appraised unmounted, once they have been mounted, as part of the initial service.

 

[denverappraiser]

Date: 12/31/2009 11:51:59 AM
Author:pitchinwedge

PS. I'm not sure how much I trust independent appraisers as of yet. The only one I've heard back from says he'll charge extra for the added hassle/risk of receiving loose diamonds.

Surely you heard this wrong. It’s generally easier to grade stones loose than the same stone mounted. That said, I, for example, do charge extra to receive a 3rd party shipment as opposed to a client who walks in the door with the item in hand but this has to do with the liability and time associated with the shipping process and taking possession of the piece rather than whether the stone is mounted or not. Perhaps it's something like this and you misunderstood?

By all means, if you don’t trust your appraiser, this undermines the whole point of hiring them. Choose someone else regardless of the reason.

Neil Beaty
GG(GIA) ICGA(AGS) NAJA
Professional Appraisals in Denver

 

[oldminer]

I'd suggest hiring an appraiser and have the loose diamond sent to them and for you to send the mounting to them, as well. Most appraisers can have a diamond set and every one of them can tell if the diamond will fit the mounting or if it will require too much modification to work properly. If you intend to use a particular mounting, then the two things should go to an appraiser who can give you the exact advice and possibly even the services you may require.

 

[pitchinwedge]

Yes, I think there''s been slight miscommunication based on my wording. As denverappraiser said, the extra charge is related to the liability and time associated with the shipping process and taking possession of the piece. Based on the very quick responses here, I understand that such a surcharge is customary and not out of the ordinary.

I think I''ll have the stone sent directly to the appraiser. If the appraiser does not/cannot mount the diamond for me, any suggestions what to next?

Thanks for all the responses!

 

[AmberGretchen]

A reputable local jeweler should be able to set the diamond into the setting for you - look for a shop with a bench jeweler in-house, and a place with a really excellent reputation. There will likely be a fee, but shouldn''t be more than $100, most likely less.

Good luck with your appraisal process