Validate, and please walk me through the purchase process?

[rmkwebdesign]

An update from last week''s post...

Several responded saying that this JA diamond appeared to be a good buy if it was eye-clean.

Shape: Round
Carat weight: 1.11
Cut: Ideal
Color: H
Clarity: SI2
Certificate: GIA
Depth: 61.8%
Table: 55%
Polish: Excellent
Symmetry: Excellent
Girdle: Medium, faceted
Culet: None
Fluorescence: Faint
Measurements: 6.62*6.65*4.10


After contacting JA, their representative confirmed that it is eye-clean. So, my first question is:

Does anyone think I should keep looking? For a better diamond for the "same" price? Or for any another reason? Or should I take the big step and buy this one? (For what it''s worth, it appears very good to me. But, I''ve only come to researching diamonds in the last couple of months, so I''m open to others seeing past my blindspots and telling me if there''s a concern!)

If folks are in agreement that I''d be goofy not to purchase this stone, then would someone please walk me through the purchase process? Once the money is transfered to JA, do they send it to a local dealer of mine for appraisal? How much does the independant appraisal typically cost? Once appraised, if all is well, what''s next? Insurance? How and from whom? Are there any other "steps" in the typical purchase process?

 

[Ellen]

I don''t think you''ll find a better diamond for the same price. I think this one has lots of potential, no red flags.

An independant appraiser will tell you if it''s truly worth it/a great stone. None of us can say with total certainty, because we can''t see it. I guess whether you have it sent to you, or an IA, is up to you. (unless JA won''t send it to them for some reason) I noticed you referred to your "local dealer". Not sure what that means, but you want someone who doesn''t sell jewelry to appraise your stone.

An indepth appraisal can run anywhere from $100-200 usually. Prices can vary a bit.

Once you receive the appraisal, you take that to the insurance co. of your choice. If you don''t have anyone specifically in mind, call and get prices from a few, and then pick.

HTH

 

[rmkwebdesign]

Date: 8/21/2007 8:36:59 AM
Author: Ellen

An independant appraiser will tell you if it''s truly worth it/a great stone. None of us can say with total certainty, because we can''t see it. I guess whether you have it sent to you, or an IA, is up to you. (unless JA won''t send it to them for some reason) I noticed you referred to your ''local dealer''. Not sure what that means, but you want someone who doesn''t sell jewelry to appraise your stone.

Very interesting...I''m glad you told me this. Send it to an appraiser who does not sell jewelry? I guess I was under the impression that you took it into any reputable B&M down the street. If not, then how do I find an IA who does not sell jewelry? Is there a "heading" in the Yellow Pages for such, do I call a jeweler and ask (and if so, what am I asking for?), or is there an online search that will point me in the right direction? (When I said "my local dealer," I wasn''t referring to anyone/place specifically, just a B&M.

Date: 8/21/2007 8:36:59 AM
Author: Ellen

An indepth appraisal can run anywhere from $100-200 usually. Prices can vary a bit.

An "indepth appraisal"...good to know. Would you please describe this? When I''ve found an IA, and have the diamond sent either directly there or I take it myself, what do I ask them to do? Is "Will you appraise this?" sufficient? Or, do I need to further elaborate what I''m asking them to do and why?

Date: 8/21/2007 8:36:59 AM
Author: Ellen

Once you receive the appraisal, you take that to the insurance co. of your choice. If you don''t have anyone specifically in mind, call and get prices from a few, and then pick.

I do not have an insurance co. in mind. I typed "jewelry insurance" and "diamond insurance" in Google... should I look more specificly?

 

[devientdrow]

I didn''t send my stone to an appraiser or any of that other stuff, but I did want to say I purchased an .83 G SI2 from JA and i''m in love with it. It''s eye clean and it''s great. I just love it. I''vwe had it for maybe 1 year/ 1.5 years now and I''ll always casually look around, and I have not found a better deal as far as quality, size and price then what I got from them.

 

[Ellen]

I hate to say it, but "reputable B&M" is an oxymoron to me. lol But I''m cynical, had a lot of bad luck.

However, it is not unheard of, at all, to hear stories on here where someone buys a stone online, takes it to a B&M to be appraised, and they start telling the person all types of nonsense and how bad it is. What they''re really trying to do is get the person to return the stone and buy from them. An IA has no such motive, and nothing to gain by lying to you.

Here''s a link that may help you find one in your area. If that comes up blank, then hit your yellow pages.

http://www.pricescope.com/appr_list.aspx


An indepth appraisal is when they check on all stats and cut of a stone. They''ll tell you just how good, or not, the stone is, and whether you''re getting your money''s worth, as opposed to the type I got with my Ering stone. I knew it was a great cut H&A''s, from a reputable vendor. I really just wanted verification that the stone matched the grading report (mistakes happen, but are rare), and that the price was indeed a good one.

Just tell the appraiser you have bought a diamond loose and want a full appraisal on it. They make ask more questions, but that''s how you''d start out.

As for insurance, again, I''d hit your yellow pages for some in your area. Or inquire with parents, friends, etc. and see who is happy with who. Or, I take it you have at least car ins., you might ask that company about it.