Vendor to Appraiser - Possible Conflict of Interest ?

[Kaleidoscope]

I am new to the whole appraisal process, and I have read here on PS that items of interest are sometimes sent directly to the appraiser before purchasing. If it appraises to the buyer''s satisfaction then the buyer pays the vendor and picks up the item at the appraiser''s. Is there potential for conflict of interest? I see some appraiser''s names on various vendor''s websites and wonder if there are past or current relationships between the vendor and the appraiser. If I''m buying I don''t think I would use an appraiser listed on a vendor''s website because of this. However, what if the appraiser is not listed but has or had a relationship with a vendor that''s not readily apparent? Also, what if just knowing the vendor''s name would bring about bias in quality expectation or lack thereof?
I can see the convenience and relative safety of not purchasing until it appraises to expectations, but I can also see a potential problem. I don''t understand the appraisal business nor the appraisal process and would like advice on how to go about getting a loose stone and setting appraised.
Thanks in advance for your inputs.

 

[denverappraiser]

I think you’ll find that the appraisers here are an up and up bunch and what you describe sounds like a matter of the jeweler trying to make it convenient for you to find a suitable appraiser and of the appraisers trying to advertise as broadly as possible. We DO make a living off of this after all and that requires that clients be able to find us. That said, it''s a valid concern and if you’re concerned, have the vendor ship it to you instead of directly to the appraiser and then YOU take or ship it to your chosen appraiser without including so much as a clue to the vendor''s identity. They can''t conspire if neither knows who the other is. If you’re really worried, find a different appraiser and a different jeweler as well. Colluding an any way without your specific permission and even instructions to do so would be a serious ethical breach for both of them.

Neil Beaty
GG(GIA) ICGA(AGS) NAJA
Professional Jewelry Appraisals in Denver

 

[Richard Sherwood]

Yeah.

 

[stebbo]

Stick with an appraiser that is recommended time and time again by other consumers and you'll be fine. If others are happy, you will be too (unless you worry too much about conspiracy

). It's just too hard to know truly why a vendor recommends a particular appraiser.

 

[Regular Guy]

I think Denver''s said it really well...leaving nothing but crumbs for Richard....(who saves you the time!). Stebbos right, too. Otherwise...

Date: 11/8/2007 7:48:25 PM
Author: stebbo
It''s just too hard to know truly why a vendor recommends a particular appraiser.

You know, just because jeweler''s and appraisers both are in it for the business, doesn''t mean they don''t also have your best interests in mind. I think it works like that in some businesses. You recommend people to those you know that do quality work, and hope others likewise associate you with quality work, too. I think it''s called enlightened self interest.

For the good, an environment like Pricescope exists, where there is a talk forum, and where we can talk to each other as consumers...and where you can get additional confirmation about the goodness of an approach.

The search function does work here pretty good. I hear there''s even over a million posts. Some are about appraisers, too!

 

[strmrdr]

As a great man we called RockDoc said again and again, appraise the appraiser!
Find out what their credentials are and search here and on google for both the business and the persons name.
Then talk to them and see how comfortable you are with them.

 

[Modified Brilliant]

I also believe that certain vendors might utilize certain appraisers who are verified as
trustworthy and operate as a legitimate full time business with insurance and security measures.

Diamonds are more expensive than donuts and a vendor needs to know that the appraiser
on the other end is able to receive and safely store their diamonds while in their possession.

Jeff Averbook, GG
Graduate Gemologist/Appraiser

www.metrojewelryappraisers.com

 

[stebbo]

Date: 11/8/2007 8:00:04 PM
Author: Regular Guy

Date: 11/8/2007 7:48:25 PM
Author: stebbo
It''s just too hard to know truly why a vendor recommends a particular appraiser.

You know, just because jeweler''s and appraisers both are in it for the business, doesn''t mean they don''t also have your best interests in mind. I think it works like that in some businesses. You recommend people to those you know that do quality work, and hope others likewise associate you with quality work, too. I think it''s called enlightened self interest.

Totally agreed, hence the ''why'' (in case I gave the wrong impression).