Should I be worried??

[jls944]

Hi all. I just went to Robinson''s to pick out a center stone. Though it looked nice, I wanted to use the advise that I received from this forum and have an appraiser check it out before purchasing it. When I asked him if I could do so, it looked like he was upset and didn''t seem to think I needed to do that. Should I be worried about this or should he be willing to let me get the diamond checked out?

Also, has anyone bought jewelery from Robinsons? If so, how was your experience. Thank you.

 

[hoorray]

Yes -- you should be worried. I would never buy a stone without having the opportunity to have it checked out with an yunconditional return policy. I also would not buy a stone at Robinsons. I havn't checked it out specifically, but I have looked at fine jewelry in other department stores, and the premium is VERY high. If you want to buy locally, I would recommend an independent jewelry store, not in a mall. I would also do some searching online to get a feel for reasonable pricing for various combos of the 4 C's.

 

[Lurchie]

I think there''s some confusion - the Robinson''s I think he''s talking about is a small jeweler in Boston''s diamond building - I don''t think it''s a chain, although I could be wrong. In any event, no jeweler should be offended by a request for an appraisal. I''d go elsewhere.

 

[MichelleCarmen]

Unless there's something to hide, a jeweler should be accomodating with your request. We're talking thousands of dollars, right? It'd be in your best interest to get an appraisal. . .or at least buy an idealscope and use this tool to determine of the diamond is returning enough light.

I've never even heard of Robinson's but if it's a department store or a mall chain jeweler, I'd steer clear. Even if you do find a well-cut stone, you'll be overpaying.

(Lurchie was typing at the same time - Robinson's, even if a small jeweler, SHOULD respect your request for an *independent* appraisal. . .)

 

[hoorray]

Whoops -- in CA we have a dept store called Robinsons, and most dept stores have fine jewelry depts, so my mistake! However, I still think you should always have the right to have it confirmed.

 

[belle]

i agree that the stone should be allowed to be checked, but that doesn''t change the fact that for some jewelers, this may be an unusual request and his reaction could be considered normal. it doesn''t necessarily mean he is trying to hide something. best of luck in your diamond quest!

 

[Regular Guy]

Consistent with Feydakin''s comments, so long as the jeweler conceded they have a standard return policy, payment with a credit card should allow you to both have the diamond be checked, and -- as necessary -- returned, to effect the same result, and although there may be more inconvenience, and financial commitment on your part to do this, the internet''s provision of these "review before buying" options has somewhat uniquely developed to deal with the circumstance of not seeing the diamond, I think, and so there are reasons for the anticipated difference you could see on this.

Being upfront with the vendor, I would imagine, as to both your exposure to this board, your thoughts on the matter, and anticipated strategy, could help to smooth the process.

Best,

 

[jls944]

Thanks for the comments and advice everyone. This is indeed a stand alone jeweler in the Boston Jewelers Building.

One other thing I forgot to mention was that he said I could get the diamond check out after it is mounted. Wouldn''t this void the whole appraisal process as the appraiser would need the diamond unmounted?

I think I''m going to call them back and let them that I have decided not to purchase the diamond. Too many sketchy comments from Robinson''s have made me reconsider the purchase.

 

[northstar_78]

I talked to a jeweler in NYC once who said that diamonds could be appraised and "checked out" while they were mounted. It''s less costly then doing it with a loose stone, according to them. As for voiding the appraisal process that depends on who you want to check it out. I thought that some appraisers only worked with loose stones ie. the GIA but I guess others will accept a diamond that has been mounted.

If you are uncomfortable about this by all means let them know. I''d like to think that the vendor if he or she doesn''t sell the stones already appraised could refer you to someone who could or at least let you get an independant appraisal.

 

[Regular Guy]

Imagination...

Interesting problem. Since it will be your intention to have the appraiser check out the diamond before the more permanent commitment would be necessary suggested by its being mounted...I think this caution is reasonable. Finding a place that will let you at least work with them step by step...with your having the diamond evaluated before mounting...even if you purchased it before sending to the appraiser...this seems certainly consistent with both what you want, and with what should be possible.

Also, re northstar''s comments...though a diamond can be checked out with or without it being set...it can be checked out better with it not set, and if you really want an eval before the commitment...it seems you want to do this eval before it is set, from the point of additional costs you''d incur with the setting.

 

[boston12345]

I say walk over to Long''s on Summer St. I used them, they''re pros.