Should I get an independent appraisal?

[cutandprice]

So, I have finally purchased my ering from James Allen!

Diamond: http://www.jamesallen.com/diamonds/F-SI1-Ideal-Cut-Round-Diamond-997671.asp,

Setting: http://www.jamesallen.com/products/item_57-1849_build.asp?cid=57&item=1849&module=setting)

I am wondering whether I should now get the ring independently appraised? Obviously, JA provide an in-house appraisal from a GIA Gemologist (apparently) and they assure me (quite expectedly!) that I really needn''t bother with an independent appraisal. I must admit I do think the ering is worth what I have finally paid ($3933) and judging from the idealscope images I believe the diamond is of excellent cut quality. However, in the unlikely event the diamond is not the one I bought is it really worth the extra hassle and expense of another appraisal? (I am based in the UK and don''t want to have to go through the whole returns/apply for a VAT & duties refund if possible!)

Has anyone else had the JA appraisal AND an independent one and found them to be in accord?

 

[cutandprice]

Sorry for my impatience but I really need some advice!

 

[surfgirl]

If you do a search you will find a ton of threads and advice on this topic.

 

[cutandprice]

Yes thanks SG - I have just spent the last 30mins checking through old posts. It appears to be about 50/50 as to whether to independently appraise or not, usually dependent on what you are expecting from an appraisal. I realise JA will appraise my ring at well over the price I paid (which doesn''t really help my insurance premium!) which is supposed to give me the feel good factor. However, I am after confirmation that the stone I chose is the one I am getting. I would imagine with JA''s reputation here on PS I shouldn''t have anything to worry about unless there has been an non-deliberate error.

At least I understand the JA appraisal now and will make my decision as to whether to independently appraise after seeing the ering. After all, if it looks beautiful enough then do I really need to question it?!

 

[Lorelei]

James Allen is an excellent and trustworthy vendor with a great rep here. It is up to your own comfort level if you want to get an independant appraisal.

 

[LitigatorChick]

In my opinion, get the independent appraisal. It is quite a small fee (compared to the price of the diamond) and it gives you peace of mind. Odds are that it will mirror the JA appraisal. If it doesn''t however, you can now do something about it. Just my opinion (being over-cautious/paranoid, as usual).

 

[aljdewey]

Even excellent vendors can make mistakes. I don''t mean sending the wrong stone; I mean other mistakes like unintentional damage.

It has happened that a diamond was very subtlely damaged during setting....so slight was it that that the vendor didn''t pick it up in the quality control check. Because the ring went to an independent appraiser, he did catch it and the consumer was protected.

A decent appraisal will likely cost less than 5% of the price you''ve paid for the ring. If this represents a "major" purchase to you (as e-rings are for most people), then the cost of an independent appraisal really is a pretty nominal cost to protect that significant outlay of $$.

Personally, I had my e-ring independently appraised. I''ve not bothered with earrings, pendants or smaller purchases, but it seemed like a no-brainer to protect the money we invested in my e-ring.

 

[MrYoung]

A "replacement value-comparable" will reflect what you paid for it. If it is lost, it can be replaced at that figure. If you feel confident, as others had mentioned, an appraisal might not be neccessary. If you choose not to value, make sure you have in writing (sales receipts?) ALL gemological data, date, value, pictures, more.

Keep in mind, though:
- The retailer might have simply "trusted" his wholesaler on quality grades.
- A gemologist does not denote a person who can tell value (called an independent accredited appraiser).
- JA might not be around when/if you loose your ring.
- An insurance company might argue value with a gemologist, they will have a VERY tough time arguing value with an appraiser.
- A professional appraisal will tell you everything you do or dont want to know about your piece.

Good Luck.