Questions to ask and info to request from an appraiser?

[WhoaNelly]

My quest for an antique cushion continues: Adam at OWD may have found a contender. Since the purchase price will be in the $30K range, I plan on sending it to an appraiser and was wondering if you folks could advise what I should ask? Here's my list so far (much pulled from DreamerD's advice to JustGinger when she was considering Poppy [URL='https://www.pricescope.com/community/threads/i-found-it.175686/']https://www.pricescope.com/community/threads/i-found-it.175686/[/URL]).

In addition to cut, color, weight, clarity:
--Face up/down color
--Light distribution
--Under table darkness
--White light v. fire
--Patterning
--Crispness
--Symmetry
--Sarin
--ASET

If I get all of this from a reputable PS appraiser, should I get a GIA certificate as well?

This is my first (and hopefully not my last ) diamond purchase---so advice greatly appreciated!

Thanks much

 

[CharmyPoo]

I would absolutely get a GIA certificate. That's worth more to me than an appraisal.

Also, I am assuming you are buying an old stone. Don't be too disappointed when you get back the ASET / Idealscope. You can't compare an old stone to a modern round brilliant. Also, when you get your GIA - don't be disappointed when it goes back good or even poor in the ratings.

 

[spicyitalian]

Do both. 30K is a substantial price and a GIA report will give you an accurate report on the 4Cs. You will need an appraiser's help on other aspects like fire/asET scope reading etc...

 

[JulieN]

Some of these things you want to ask are not well defined, or are highly subjective. An appraiser's opinion is great, but there is no substitute for seeing it yourself.

 

[WhoaNelly]

Thanks for the swift responses! Sounds like getting both is the consensus so far.

Charmy: yes, it is an old stone. I just luuuurve the chunkiness

JulieN: I will be sending the stone(s) to a local appraiser so will get a look at it then. I would agree that seeing it in person is pretty important, even though I don't have an educated eye! Luckily, the appraiser is one who is a solid contributor on PS and has worked with antique cushions in the past (he helped Just Ginger).

Do you think I should hold out for good symmetry?? I don't know how uncommon that is in true antique cushions.

I've been making notes on generalized suggested numbers for such stones (depth, table, crown height) but I recognize that the numbers don't tell the story the way they do with MRBs.

 

[Resonance.Of.Life]

No advice, but do you have pics of this beauty?

I bought the 4.00 J VS2 that was on OWD for 2 years Adam does have an eye for beautiful antiques.

 

[WhoaNelly]

Hi Resonance of Life: love your ring btw

No pics yet---Adam emailed to say he may have some options---at GIA for one and the other is so new he hasn't fully vetted it yet except to say it looks beautiful and is a lower color. I'm anxious and impatient to know!!!

Will definitely post once we determine if worth pursuing.