to appraise or not to appraise????

[greersteven]

When you guys buy diamonds, earrings, etc. from vendors such as whiteflash, gog, blue nile............do you still get an independent appraiser to check out the diamond to ensure that it matches the corresponding certificate?

Or do you rely on the reputation of the seller and not "waste" the money for an additional independent appraisal?

 

[chrono]

It depends who I'm buying from and the purpose of the appraisal. GOG and WF give very comprehensive appraisals with their diamonds that can be used for insurance purposes. I also trust them enough not to have another appraisal done.

If I'm buying an eternity ring from Signed Pieces, then their appraisal documentation is sufficient for me. If I'm buying something from Blue Nile, then I would want my own independant appraisal for insurance purposes. If it's just a smaller stone (under 0.5ct) with a GIA or AGS cert, then I usually skip the appraisal unless you want to insure it.

In short, it depends on the vendor, the item I am buying (relative cost) and if I am planning to insure it.

 

[HEPennypacker]

I got one simply because I wanted someone with no interest in the stone to give their full, unbiased opinion. While I trust WF to be as objective as possible, I also know that simple psychological forces are difficult to control.

 

[avlis]

My first internet diamond purchase was from GoG. I did get an independent appraisal. I will not be getting an independent appraisal for any subsequent purchases from them, just dont need it.

 

[kennyg]

I bought from BlueNile and it was my first diamond purchase over the Internet. I got it appraised for peace of mind, and I did a "full service" appraisal - i.e. I basically got it recertified. I did this 1) to check that the product I received from BlueNile was indeed what they said it would be, and 2) out of curiosity to see all the knowledge I gained on PriceScope in action with my actual purchase.

I ended up returning the stone and buying a different one from BlueNile. I now trust BlueNile enough that I don''t need an appraisal for reason #1 stated above, however BlueNile does not send an appraisal document with their stone. So I got a "basic service" appraisal because my jewelry insurance company required one.

My recommendation: if you''ve never bought online, even with the good reputation of some of these vendors I''d still get a full appraisal for peace of mind. If you''ve bought online before and are comfortable with certain vendors or you can''t afford a full appraisal, I''d stick with the reputable vendors listed on PriceScope, and I''d stick with the ones talked about the most in the forums.

Hope that helps.