Needing help

[Obsolete]

Okay, I don''t know much about this type of thing. I want to make that clear before I started. My grandmother died a while ago and in her inheritance we got a handful of small stones that appear to be diamonds. She was a great depression survivor and was known to refuse to keep any money in banks and basically kept all of her money where she was. We think these might have been a rainy day/emergency fund for her basically. The box has been gathering dust for about two years now, and just a couple weeks ago the family van was totaled. This means we have two people with multi-hour commutes to work, in different directions, with only one vehicle. Last week, the old box from grandma was suggested. This leads me to the next question-where is a reliable place in the St. Louis area I could verify if they are or are not diamonds (I realize there are many ways now to create very convincing replicas) and find a estimate for their value? Also, where could I find a place in the St. Louis area where I could sell these assuming they are worth it?

I''m sorry if this is the wrong board, feel free to move it if it is.

Thank you for any help.

 

[Lorelei]

Date: 8/12/2008 8:58:54 AM
Author:Obsolete
Okay, I don''t know much about this type of thing. I want to make that clear before I started. My grandmother died a while ago and in her inheritance we got a handful of small stones that appear to be diamonds. She was a great depression survivor and was known to refuse to keep any money in banks and basically kept all of her money where she was. We think these might have been a rainy day/emergency fund for her basically. The box has been gathering dust for about two years now, and just a couple weeks ago the family van was totaled. This means we have two people with multi-hour commutes to work, in different directions, with only one vehicle. Last week, the old box from grandma was suggested. This leads me to the next question-where is a reliable place in the St. Louis area I could verify if they are or are not diamonds (I realize there are many ways now to create very convincing replicas) and find a estimate for their value? Also, where could I find a place in the St. Louis area where I could sell these assuming they are worth it?

I''m sorry if this is the wrong board, feel free to move it if it is.

Thank you for any help.

Ho Obsolete,

An independant appraiser would definitely be a good idea, use this tool to find one in your area.

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

 

[phoenixgirl]

There didn''t seem to be any appraisers listed for Missouri, but I googled "St. Louis jeweler" and immediately found jewelers who state that they offer appraisal services. Often it''s the kind of thing where the appraiser comes in once a week, so call around to find out when you can get an appointment. I''d look for a jeweler that is not a mall chain that offers many high-end brands of jewelry and watches. That kind of store would do a lot of appraisals and should have someone highly qualified.

Here''s a thread from the FAQ section on selling diamonds: https://www.pricescope.com/community/threads/reselling-gems-jewelry-what-can-you-expect.17952/

Just keep in mind that whatever figure the appraiser gives you (which is usually for insuring the stones at their retail replacement cost) is not what you are going to get selling them yourself, probably not even close.

 

[Skippy123]

Welcome to Pricescope!!!

This thread might help you; a few people suggest a few appraisers in STL in here https://www.pricescope.com/community/threads/st-louis-b-m-and-independent-appraiser.73566/

 

[Ellen]

Hi Obsolete, I'm close to St. Louis, and mentioned the person I used in the thread Skippy (thanks!) gave you, Kienstra GEM-LAB. She would be fine for what you need, just be sure to tell her you are thinking of selling them, to get an accurate quote. She could also possibly suggest who might be willing to buy.

But you're not likely to get much for them, and if they are older stones (not typical round brilliant cut), I would try very hard NOT to sell them. They are hard to find, and heirlooms to boot = pretty precious.

 

[Skippy123]

Date: 8/12/2008 11:09:18 AM
Author: Ellen
Hi Obsolete, I''m close to St. Louis, and mentioned the person I used in the thread Skippy (thanks!) gave you, Kienstra GEM-LAB. She would be fine for what you need, just be sure to tell her you are thinking of selling them, to get an accurate quote. She could also possibly suggest who might be willing to buy.

But you''re not likely to get much for them, and if they are older stones (not typical round brilliant cut), I would try very hard NOT to sell them. They are hard to find, and heirlooms to boot = pretty precious.

I agree, what a treasure!!!