What to do after getting the ring, besides proposing

[surand1]

I purchased my diamond and ring setting online. It will come in one piece with the diamond in the setting. Can I still get the diamond appraised? I''m weary of the appraiser taking out the diamond from the setting, because I don''t want anything bad to happen.

And would their appraisal be the basis for insurancing the jewelry or the AGS certificate or would I have to go to a specific appraiser approved by my insurance company? Thanks for the help.

 

[denverappraiser]

In most cases it is not necessary or recommended to remove the stone from the mounting. Good appraisers can do a lot with a mounted stone. The AGS report, or a copy of it, will be included in your appraisal report in addition to a description of the remainder of the item, the other attributes of your stone and similar information so that your insurance company can reasonably bind a policy. You want an appraiser that''s working for you, not the insurance company and not the jewler. The companies do have some minimum standards on what makes an acceptable appraisal but they are usually quite low. Set your own standards considerably higher. There is a list of appraisers near the top right corner of this page under ''resources''.

Neil Beaty
GG(GIA) ISA NAJA
Independent Appraisals in Denver

 

[dazedland]

I actually just talked to my insurance agent this morning about the same thing. They told me to get it appraised for the 4Cs, after it has already been set. There''s no reason to spend the extra money to get the loose stone appraised unless you really want to. My insurance company won''t even insure loose stones.

 

[denverappraiser]

Date: 6/28/2005 3:05:46 PM
Author: dazedland
I actually just talked to my insurance agent this morning about the same thing. They told me to get it appraised for the 4Cs, after it has already been set. There's no reason to spend the extra money to get the loose stone appraised unless you really want to. My insurance company won't even insure loose stones.

Dazedland,

The reasons to get a loose diamond appraised rarely have to do with insurance. Many people, especially the regulars here, feel that there are important considerations for their purchase beyond what's included in the lab report. You're correct that most insurance companies won't insure an unmounted diamond. I wouldn't go so far as to call this 'no reason' but it certainly isn't likely to be required by the insurance company.

Neil Beaty
GG(GIA) ISA NAJA
Independent Appraisals in Denver