Should I get AGS cert or just independent appraisal?

[rensallar]

Hi everyone..

I have a diamond coming in from Blue Nile that is GIA certified. I don''t think it has a laser inscription yet.

Couple questions:

Do you think it would be a good idea to get it AGS certified?
If it doesn''t have the laser inscription, should I have that done, and if so.. who does that?
Or- should I just have it independently appraised for value (insurance purposes) and to make sure it''s the same stone that matches with the GIA cert?

Any recs in southern California.. mainly Los Angeles area, but I''m willing to drive.

Thanks in advance!

 

[mrssalvo]

I wouldn''t spend the $ to get the AGS cert nor an inscription although some folks like having the number to identify their stone. you can also learn to identify your stone by having someone teach you where the inclusions are so you can spot them with a loupe. You can take your stone to and independant appraiser to verify it''s the same one you bought from Bluenile if that makes you feel more comfortable.

 

[Ellen]

I guess I have a question instead of an answer. If you think having it graded by AGS is somewhat important, why not just buy an AGS graded stone?

 

[rensallar]

After thinking about it.. getting an AGS cert doesn''t really make sense, since I''m not really expecting to sell it anytime. I''ve looked at a lot of diamonds over the past couple months, so I''d be able to recognize it by the inclusions, but the one I''m getting has an IF clarity, so I''m thinking I should get a laser inscription.

I was quoted a price of $45 to do it, does that sound reasonable? The person has many recommendations here for appraisals, is there a chance of causing major damage by having it done?

 

[diamondseeker2006]

All you need is verification that your stone matches the cert, and $45 is reasonable. You don''t need a full appraisal unless you want to insure it for something different than the purchase price or the insurance valuation that comes with the stone (if they include one).