- Joined
- Dec 3, 2008
- Messages
- 958
I have a diamond that I am considering re-cutting. I can't find the very old appraisal I had done, but the best I can remember is that it was estimated to be in the VVS-VS range, L/M color and somewhere in the 2.25-2.5 ct range. It has some nicks along the girdle (and possibly a very thin girdle) and years ago and it was recommended that I put the diamond in a bezel setting to protect it. The previous appraisal was one of those inflated appraisals that had me paying inflated insurance premiums. I eventually dropped the insurance and put it in a safe deposit box. I am a poor photographer but I will attach the best shot I could get. I have an ideal scope somewhere and I could try to get a photo with it if it would help.
Background: The diamond has been in my family for a long time and my grandmother had it re-cut into a MRB some time in the 1970's. I used to wear it but it has just been sitting in a safe deposit box for years. It is mounted in a huge yellow gold setting and I have never seen the stone outside of the setting.
I have seen some remarkable re-cuts on Pricescope and I am wondering if I should send it in to someone to explore that option. But then there are many questions that come to mind. Who to send it to (Southwest Diamond Cutters is much less expensive than Brian Gavin, but maybe Brian Gavin is worth it? Any other suggestions?) Do I need to get it insured first? If so, then I need to get a new appraisal and the two local places I called want $150. That seems high to me, especially since I would probably be having it sent to AGS or GIA later if it is re-cut. How much is it worth spending to explore this, given that it is probably at least an M color and not worth a lot of money because of that? I think that USPS shipping and insurance might be pretty expensive. Is there a cheaper way to ship it? Should I just set it in a bezel setting and not worry about the nicks and possible very thin girdle and not risk the stone being destroyed during re-cutting? It is fairly unusual to see diamonds this large in my area, and unheard of in my social circle, so I am struggling with the idea of what kind of setting I would use and would I even wear it often enough to make all of this worthwhile.
Sorry this got so long!