Reputable Appraiser in San Fran area?

[SCchico]

Hello everyone, I am hoping I can get some good advice as to where to get a diamond ring appraised before I purchase (or not) it? I have done some research and found one independent appraiser but I was a bit put off by the fact that they asked me for all of the stone''s information (size, color, clarity)...I thought that''s what they were going to appraise it for me, not just have the information in front of them and ahead of time then just give me the same information back? It just seemed like they shouldn''t have asked for that to have a clear unbiased evaulation. They also asked me what the ring was being sold for and what the current owner paid for it? Again I felt it should be unbiases so I''m looking for someone locally that can do this.

Any references would be great! Thanks in advance.

Prefer in San Francisco or areas nearby.

 

[Regular Guy]

Nancy Stacyis mentioned frequently, I think.

 

[SCchico]

Has anyone seen her? Any reviews at all? Any help would be greatly appreciated!

 

[boston_jeff]

I enjoyed working with Nancy-- I would recommend her.

However, I think she will want your cert information as well-- that seems to be a pretty common practice amongst appraisers, and while I understand your consternation I do not think you should let it bother your so much-- someone who is reputable is not going to "cheat," and I don''t think that having the information will lead to a "bias"... but that''s just my .02

 

[elmo]

Date: 8/3/2007 8:14:02 PM
Author: boston_jeff
I enjoyed working with Nancy-- I would recommend her.

However, I think she will want your cert information as well-- that seems to be a pretty common practice amongst appraisers, and while I understand your consternation I do not think you should let it bother your so much-- someone who is reputable is not going to 'cheat,' and I don't think that having the information will lead to a 'bias'... but that's just my .02

Neil Beaty (highly recommended but not in SF) was very receptive when I asked him to do his workup before seeing the report. I think some other folks here do this as well. I think it varies from appraiser to appraiser. However, the lab info is a critical piece of information in the final report, so most appraisers will want it at some point.

I think the difference here is that there are two different analyses being discussed. What you're talking about is more of a gemological analysis, whereas an appraisal is more documenting what something is and its value. Nothing wrong with having both done as part of the service.

 

[Modified Brilliant]

True, every appraiser handles evaluations differently. I''m sure home inspectors each have their own technique as well.

Personally, I don''t want to see the report or even know the carat weight before I do my own analysis.

At the end of my analysis, I will verify that the report matches the diamond and that I have a comfort level with the grading.

Ultimately, as a consumer..you should decide what information is important to you..it''s your time to spend anyway that you wish.

Jeff Averbook, G.G. Graduate Gemologist (since 1986)

www.metrojewelryappraisers.com