Question about appraisals

[Cachette]

I`m sure this has been asked before so sorry for being redundant. I`m just not sure how to search this topic so if anyone can lead me in the right direction that would be great. Thanks.

If a stone isn`t certified (GIA, AGS or otherwise), but does come with an appraisal, can I take the information from the appraisal and make an informed decision on a stone? Will the appraiser use the same terminology as any grading system would use ie: size, dimensions of the stone, cut grade such as good cut, very good cut, excellent cut, color, clarity grade etc.?

My local jeweller has a stone (uncertified) that I think is very nice but he only has an appraisal for it (which I didn`t really have time to look at - too much Holiday shopping left to do!

). Should I even go back to have a look or am I wasting my time? Can an uncertifed stone be worth buying? Can it be up to par with a GIA or AGS certified "excellent" or "ideal" stone if the appraiser deems the stone to be an "excellent" or "ideal" cut?

Thank you and best of 2009 to everyone.

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(¸.•´ (¸.•''Cachette

 

[denverappraiser]

It’s not the grader that makes a particular stone either beautiful or valuable so, in answer to your question, yes it’s possible. The key is to decide on the credibility of the grader before you rely on them. They are NOT all the same. An ''appraisal'' supplied by a selling jeweler is exactly the same as a grading opinion by that jeweler and it’s up to them and their chosen contractor to convince you that you should be basing an important decision on what they have to say. The default answer should be no.

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

 

[Cachette]

Thank you Neil.

How do I determine that the appraiser is credible?

I`m pretty sure it`s an appraiser from Toronto (I`m in Ontario). I somewhat trust the jeweller and have known him all my life but he`s in the business to sell his product so i don`t necessarily want to take his word for it either.

Would it be gauche of me to ask him to send it to another appraiser for a second opinion?

Thanks again for your quick response.

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(¸.•´ (¸.•''Cachette

 

[beach]

I would ask for 14 days to get it appraised by an independent appraiser of YOUR choice and make the sale contingent on appraisal. Get everything in writing. You want someone who does not sell diamonds to give you an appraisal. Somone who has no clue about your diamond specs and does a full workup without knowing anything about your diamond. Do NOT give your specs until he tell you what he thinks they are. The resources tab above has lists of independent appraisers.

 

[Cachette]

Thank you Beach!

How difficult would it be to have the diamond shipped outside of Canada to be appraised?

Also, What can I expect on the appraisal? What will it tell me? I know it`s an obvious question but I`ve never had anything appraised therefore I`m trying to understand the process.

Thanks again.

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(¸.•´ (¸.•''Cachette