What is Whiteflash''s Letter of Verification?

[cherry]

What is Whiteflash''s Letter of Verification?

Letter of Verification confirming:

-The weight/color/clarity of the diamond and that all measurements match the original grading document from AGS, GIA or EGL.
-Laser inscriptions (where they apply)
-Setting details
-Approximate retail replacement value.

So can we skip the independent appraisal if we have whiteflash verfication letter? (foget about the insurance issue, just to comfirm the diamond is good)

 

[pqcollectibles]

WF has an independent, 3rd party appraiser, inspect every package prior to shipment. It is the appraiser's job to make sure the correct diamonds, or jewelry items with the correct diamonds, and Certificates are going to the right buyers. The appraiser checks each diamond and Cert to make sure they match, verifies the contents of the package, and provides a "fair market" appraisal.

 

[fisiogrl]

Obviously the appraiser must be paid by WF, so how do we know to trust this?

I am looking at a stone from WF also and have the same question. Seems to me we still need to have it sent to an independent appraiser for our own comfort. What do people think?

Also, does anyone know if Canadian insurance companies require a canadian appraisal? Or will one from the US be OK?

 

[LesleyH]

Yes, we pay the appraiser for his services, but he is not a paid employee of Whiteflash, and he does not do work for us exclusively. His role is to confirm that the diamond matches the certificate and is perfect, undamaged condition at time of shipping. He also outlines the details of any settings that are included in the order and he assigns an approximate retail replacement amount to the entire purchase. In addition, all packages are packed under camera.

We have always had wonderful response to the letter of verification. It is very comforting for our customers to know that a third party has actually seen and verified the diamond/ring and put it in writing. Many companies are drop shipping diamonds directly from manufacturers and who is to say that the customers are actually getting what they ordered???

LesleyH
www.whiteflash.com

 

[niceice]

It is a thoughtful service, however the term independent may be a stretch if the appraiser is being paid by the vendor. David Atlas is independent if the services are paid for by the client... Bill Lieberman is independent if the services are paid for by the client... Marty Haske is independent if the services are paid for by the client... The clients interests are maintained when the services are paid for by the client, the vendors interests are protected when the services are paid for by the vendor... In other words, this service could be considered as a protective factor for WF against clients who claim to have received a different diamond than ordered just as easily as it could be considered to be protection for the client to ensure that they receive the diamond that was ordered. Ask an appraiser, their job is to protect the interests of the person who 'retains' their services just as an attorney generally represents the interests of whoever pays for their services... Again, we want to emphasize that this is a nice step being taken by Whiteflash to provide their clients with a reasonable level of certaintity that they are going to receive the diamond initially ordered from Whiteflash, but in no way should this service lead a client to believe that they shouldn't have the diamond verified by the independent gemologist of 'their' choosing to protect 'their' interests. No offense Lesley, Brian, Dana, etc. we DO think that this is a wonderful step that you have taken! Our only objection is to the use of the word "independent" as it was used in the beginning of this thread and it is the clarification of the term "independent" that we seek to clarify by this statement.

 

[LesleyH]

Thanks for the feedback R & T. Yes, the letter of verification protects the interests of both the seller and the customer, and it adds a high level of security and comfort to the transaction. In no way do we discourage our customers from taking their diamonds to independent appraisers who they hire separately. All 3 of the ones you listed are well known, reliable appraisers. There are many other local appraisers that customers can actually visit. We are careful to point out that whoever they decide to use should be completely INDEPENDENT which means that they do not sell diamonds and see their role as an appraiser ONLY. I am sure you have had as many incidents as we have of "supposed" independent appraisers who end up sabotaging our sale through introducing a fear factor, and end up selling our customer their diamond!

LesleyH
www.whiteflash.com

 

[Kay]

The verification letter is a nice extra service provided by Whiteflash, but I would not consider it to be a replacement for having an appraisal done by an independent appraiser of your own choosing. Also, the estimated replacement value on the verification letter I received seemed a bit inflated, so if you use it for insurance purposes, you will be paying too much in premiums. The replacement value listed on my verification letter was about double the price I paid for my diamond, while my local independent appraiser placed the retail value roughly mid-way between the price I paid and the replacement value listed on my verification letter (so I still got a great deal).

 

[jqwest]

I purchased a A Cut Above diamond from Whiteflash and it is exactly what they represented. The ACA diamonds are some of the most beautiful diamonds you can buy.IMO competitive vendors should not post a response to questions about another vendor when a customer is asking. To me this a conflict of interest and should be against the rules of this board.

 

[niceice]

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On 1/16/2004 1:06:18 PM LesleyH wrote:

Thanks for the feedback R & T. Yes, the letter of verification protects the interests of both the seller and the customer, and it adds a high level of security and comfort to the transaction. In no way do we discourage our customers from taking their diamonds to independent appraisers who they hire separately. All 3 of the ones you listed are well known, reliable appraisers. There are many other local appraisers that customers can actually visit. We are careful to point out that whoever they decide to use should be completely INDEPENDENT which means that they do not sell diamonds and see their role as an appraiser ONLY. I am sure you have had as many incidents as we have of 'supposed' independent appraisers who end up sabotaging our sale through introducing a fear factor, and end up selling our customer their diamond!

LesleyH
www.whiteflash.com----------------

We would expect nothing less of you and the team at WF, Lesley. You continue to be one of our favorite competitors