Out of state dealer, out of state appraiser?

[carotene]

Hello everyone. I''m so glad I found this board. I''ve been lurking a while and everyone seems so helpful.
I''m having a custom setting made through whiteflash and may buy the diamond from them as well. I have a question about appraisals. This site definitely recommends independent appraisal of the diamond before going forward.

I do not live in TX (where WF is located)
A few of the stones i''m looking at from WF are ACA diamonds with the laser ID on the girdle. Is it sufficient to have WF send the stone to an appraiser(not local to me either) who can verify the ID, appraise the diamond and send me the report? Or should I have it sent to a local appraiser and actually sit with them during the appraisal. Not that I don''t trust WF, but if the ID on the mounted stone matches the GIA and appraisal, it must be the same stone.

My inclination is to have it appraised locally so that I see the diamond before mounting. I''d appreciate the board''s thoughts on this. thanks!

 

[Regular Guy]

Date: 10/4/2007 10:27:53 AM
Author:carotene
Hello everyone. I''m so glad I found this board. I''ve been lurking a while and everyone seems so helpful.
I''m having a custom setting made through whiteflash and may buy the diamond from them as well. I have a question about appraisals. This site definitely recommends independent appraisal of the diamond before going forward.

I do not live in TX (where WF is located)
A few of the stones i''m looking at from WF are ACA diamonds with the laser ID on the girdle. Is it sufficient to have WF send the stone to an appraiser(not local to me either) who can verify the ID, appraise the diamond and send me the report? Or should I have it sent to a local appraiser and actually sit with them during the appraisal. Not that I don''t trust WF, but if the ID on the mounted stone matches the GIA and appraisal, it must be the same stone.

My inclination is to have it appraised locally so that I see the diamond before mounting. I''d appreciate the board''s thoughts on this. thanks!

There''s reasons to go distant and stay local. I think with branded options...the reasons are more compelling to be local, but maybe that''s counter-intuitive? Maybe not.

For matching...anyone can do it.

For data...WF will give you plenty...so the strengths of a distant appraiser are less necessary.

But...if you''re still shopping...if you don''t see it...hard to see what criteria you''d bring to considering options.

 

[risingsun]

I bought my diamond at WF and had it sent to Dave Atlas for appraisal [Chris did the actual appraisal]. I wanted someone with the experience and equipment to evaluate my stone. When Chris completed his work, the diamond was sent to me. I spoke with Chris by phone and email, during the process. It was a positive experience for me and I would do it again.
HTH

ETA: This was all done before the stone was mounted.

 

[aljdewey]

If all you''re looking for is verification that it''s the same stone as reflected in the report, appraiser can be located anywhere and doesn''t have to be local.

If you want an indepth evaluation, you can also use a non-local appraiser for that.

Speaking for myself, the only advantage to a local appraiser is for those people who are so nervous buying without actually putting their own eyes on the product. For that subset, I think a local appraiser is more reassuring.

I bought an ACA from Whiteflash (in TX), had it shipped to my appraiser (Rich Sherwood in Florida), and then the ring was sent to me (in MA) afterward. I was totally comfortable with this process.....largely because I trusted Rich''s expertise and his integrity. I knew that he''d do a thorough job and that I could rely on his findings.

 

[carotene]

Thank you for your replies. I do not need to see the stone with my own eyes if I know the appraiser is reputable. I''ll have to think about this a bit but I do appreciate the feedback. thanks!

 

[carotene]

Actually, one other question since we''re on the topic. Do you think its more important to have an in-person appraisal if the clarity is say, SI1? It seems to me that inclusions and their visibility may be a bit more subjective, requiring my personal opinion on whether they are acceptably small enough or not.

 

[risingsun]

Again, I think this depends upon the vendor and the appraiser. WF will tell you if your SI stone is eyeclean; however, you need to be clear that your definition and their definition of eyeclean are the same. Your appraiser can verify this for you. I did not have anyone in my area that I trusted as much as Dave and his associates. When I took my ring to be set by my jeweler, he put it under the microscope. It was just as AGS, WF and Chris had described. My diamond is a VS2, but I think the same protocol would apply.

 

[horatio]

My advice. Whether you go local or out of state, be sure to have many questions ready for the appraiser to answer. Most appraisers, local or out of state/internet, will give you all the basics I hope, but you may want to ask more. I had no problem using one of the appraisers on this board, but if you don''t ask, they may not tell all. As in most businesses, people are busy, have things to do, and it''s up to the consumer to ask ask ask.

My appraiser gave me an appraisal report which included:
relacement value, verified the lab''s report (4C''s, size, crown, pavailion, strain, painting, brilliance, scintillation, contrast), H&A photos, Optical symmetry, Sarin Report
ASET and Idealscope images

I did not ask, and did not have time, but some questions you may want to ask:
Ask about painting

My stone was rated excellent in brilliance, scintillation, and contrast. Please explain in further detail how was that determined. I think this issue is still more art than science. I did not get a report on this issue other than confirmation of the lab report that it was excellent.

I probably want to know more about the optical symmetry of the diamond, and/or any noted variations of angles, facets, etc. that there are not as tight.

Get more details on the hearts pictures.

Give me a detailed account of the idealscope and aset pictures, what does it show me.

I am satisfied with my purchase, but if not pressed for time, would have wanted to know a bit more.

Horatio

 

[MoonWater]

This is a good thread considering I assumed you''d go for a local appraiser in order to see the stone yourself. I still may do that however as I have never had the chance to play around with a loose stone.

 

[carotene]

thanks for your replies. it''s much appreciated and I''ll keep those questions in mind