Shipping Diamonds

[OnInTwo]

Would the experts agree FedEx''ing a diamond (worth a little over 10K) overnight is safe and reliable?

Should I be hesitant to do this? Does anyone have any suggestions? With insurance, how much would something like this cost?

 

[denverappraiser]

The FedEx insurance limit is considerably lower than that. The most secure way to ship a stone from one US address to another is USPS registered mail. They will insure jewelry and unmounted gems up to $25,000. Figure about $30 for postage and insurance. Depending on how far you are shipping it can be annoyingly slow but it gets things safely from one end of the country to the other in 5-10 days.

Most of the diamond dealers and appraisers will ship by FedEx or UPS service using a 3rd party insurance program in order to get the overnight service but that’s only available to people who ship such things regularly and will sign a contract with the insurance company. As an individual, stick with the Post Office.

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

 

[Ellen]

I personally wouldn't do it. USPS registered mail is the safest way to ship valuables. Slower indeed, but the safest.


btw, I'm not a real expert, if you mean a jeweler, but I've shipped jewelry many times.

EDIT, I'm talking ME shipping something, however, most jewelers do ship FEDEX.

 

[OnInTwo]

Thanks for your responses. What if I don''t have the 5-10 days USPS will take to arrive? Is there any way they can guarantee registered mail by a certain delivery date? The person will be shipping the ring out this Friday, and I need it for next Thurs night. (From Texas to Ohio)

Also, you mentioned USPS will insure unmounted gems...what if it''s mounted?

 

[Ellen]

Date: 7/15/2009 9:58:27 AM
Author: OnInTwo
Thanks for your responses. What if I don''t have the 5-10 days USPS will take to arrive? Is there any way they can guarantee registered mail by a certain delivery date? The person will be shipping the ring out this Friday, and I need it for next Thurs night. (From Texas to Ohio)

Also, you mentioned USPS will insure unmounted gems...what if it''s mounted?

I have had many pieces (in fact all, I think) shipped from jewlers by FEDEX, I think it would be fine. As Neil said, they have an arrangement with them/are insured properly, etc.

It''s more when YOU are shipping things that USPS is the way to go.

 

[denverappraiser]

No, USPS will not guarantee delivery dates. In fact, their ‘guarantee’ on the overnight service is limited to a refund of the postage. FedEx has different rules for mounted and unmounted gems, USPS does not. You’re over the FedEx limit in any case without the outside insurance. Chances are pretty good that 6 days will get you from Texas to Ohio but it’s not a sure thing and if it’s important, yours is sure to be the one that misses the deadline. Perhaps there’s a neighborhood appraiser who will ship it for you for a modest fee? Is the shipper a jeweler? Where in Texas is it?

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

 

[OnInTwo]

Thanks.

The person shipping it to me is a friend, not a jeweler. He''s located in Galveston, which is right outside of Houston.

What are my other options? Have my friend take it to an appraiser and ask him to ship it?

 

[denverappraiser]

Date: 7/15/2009 10:40:07 AM
Author: OnInTwo
Thanks.


The person shipping it to me is a friend, not a jeweler. He's located in Galveston, which is right outside of Houston.


What are my other options? Have my friend take it to an appraiser and ask him to ship it?

That would be my suggestion, especially if you otherwise need appraisal services anyway. Houston has several excellent folks. Call them up first and ask if they’re willing to do this and what they want to charge.

An option is to assume the risk yourself. You can ship overnight via USPS, FedEx or UPS overnight service and self-insure.

Another option is to have a backup plan or reschedule the plans for next Thursday in case it doesn’t arrive an then ship by registered mail.

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