Sending a newly purchased stone to an appraiser?

[ccuheartnurse]

Hi All,

I'm curious to know how many of you have sent new stones or stones they are considering to an appraiser before deciding to buy or keep? Why did you decide to do that & did you find it helpful? Did the appraiser's evaluation sway your decision? I'm referring to stones that are AGS/GIA or in house vetted stones from reputable vendors.

For the Appraisers in the group, do you find that with all the tools & images available to the public today, are consumers sending you stones to evaluate prior to purchasing? How many come to you with a newly purchased stone for the purpose of either keeping or returning it?

As for me personally, I've never done it. I was having a discussion recently with a seasoned bling aficionado who is considering going this route. She's at the stage where she is going to be at the no turning back range. As per most upgrade policies, once you spend X, XX, XXX you then cannot go back to buying a stone that is XX as you will not get the difference in value via refund or credit. It's especially important if you have to spend 2X the amount to upgrade but still equally important if you have to spend $1. If you aren't located in the U.S, it's not as easy nor is it as cheap, as having the package shipped / returned domestically.

Thanks..

 

[stonewell]

I just did something similar to this myself, but technically not for a formal appraisal... I’m at what I consider to be my “final” upgrade with JA, so I took the stone to David Klass for his evaluation. I had received great input and feedback here, but for me it was helpful to have DK evaluate it in person, confirm it was a fantastic performer and an excellent value. He’s seen thousands of stones and I knew he would be brutally honest with me. I know because he has out and out told me not to purchase other stones/gems I’ve considered in the past!

If I didn’t have access to someone like David, I would still have found someone to review it given the amount I’m spending and JAs 2x policy. If it were a stone from WF or HPD, I wouldn’t feel the same need or go to those lengths for another eval.

 

[WinkHPD]

I have had several clients over the years send diamonds to Denverappraiser for a look before purchasing. I have also sent a few to other recognised appraisers upon request. I would say the total is between 2 to 3% of the diamonds I have sold.

It is not overly common, but I am always happy to do so when requested.

Wink

 

[kmoro]

Hi All,

I'm curious to know how many of you have sent new stones or stones they are considering to an appraiser before deciding to buy or keep? Why did you decide to do that & did you find it helpful? Did the appraiser's evaluation sway your decision? I'm referring to stones that are AGS/GIA or in house vetted stones from reputable vendors.

For the Appraisers in the group, do you find that with all the tools & images available to the public today, are consumers sending you stones to evaluate prior to purchasing? How many come to you with a newly purchased stone for the purpose of either keeping or returning it?

As for me personally, I've never done it. I was having a discussion recently with a seasoned bling aficionado who is considering going this route. She's at the stage where she is going to be at the no turning back range. As per most upgrade policies, once you spend X, XX, XXX you then cannot go back to buying a stone that is XX as you will not get the difference in value via refund or credit. It's especially important if you have to spend 2X the amount to upgrade but still equally important if you have to spend $1. If you aren't located in the U.S, it's not as easy nor is it as cheap, as having the package shipped / returned domestically.

Thanks..

I’m in Canada ... about ten years ago I bought a loose AGS diamond from JA that was not inscribed. I took it to a certified gemologist/appraiser in my city ... he confirmed the diamond was the one indicated on the certificate and appraised it for more than $3000 CAD more than I paid (about $11000 CAD) ... said very very nice stone.. I even got the impression he thought I was being paranoid, lol

 

[crbl999]

I've had both of my wife's erings from BGD sent to @denverappraiser for an appraisal. I've never had the loose stones sent as I trust Brian and Lesley. I have always talked with Brian about the stones I'm considering and make my decision based on his assessment. Neil always has gone over the details of the diamond with me and points out anything of interest and if he agrees with the grading done by AGS. He does a great job documenting the stone and setting. This will help ensure that the stone and setting is replaced with what you had in the case of a loss.

 

[ccuheartnurse]

Thanks all for weighing in.
Stonewell, I've asked DK to eyeball stones too. He is open about what he sees which I'm grateful for.

Wink, do you find that if you have anxious clients that it's better to send to an appraiser?

Kmoro, I too am in Canada & if I could steer clear of a potential problem before I have to trek 2 hrs to the U.S border or have it delivered, I would!

crbl999, I too have always trusted the vendors I've worked with. For smaller stones I have them shipped & then appraised for insurance & verification reasons. For those that I've bought from WF or BGD or Wink or GOG or August Vintage or .... see a pattern..LOL, I trust the vendor.

As I continue to climb in regards to upgrading & hitting that ceiling like my friend, I'm getting antsy or anxious about the no going back issue.