What to do next?

[ruskoz]

Hi all,

I am not a diamond expert by no means. I hope someone can help me here. My mom died over 15 years ago and she had this uncut diamond, if it is even a diamond? My family has been hit with hard times and I want to determine if this has any market value. I originally wanted to hold on to it and have it cut for one of my daughters but sadly things have changed.

Is this even a diamond? If so what might it be worth (ballpark)?

Thank you.

 

[antelope1]

It's hard to sell rough because the cutting will affect the color, clarity, and final carat weight of the retail diamond. And you will never get as much selling rough as you would for a cut gem, even factoring in the cutting cost.

My suggestion is that you contact someplace like Brian Gavin (who does re-cuts, so might cut the rough as well) and ask whether it's worth cutting it. You're probably going to have to pay $350 per carat (on the rough) but they might be able to give you an estimate on how much carat weight you will be left with after it has been cut. You would also have to pay a couple hundred for a lab to grade it (via Brian or another trade member), then sell it (likely on consignment) somewhere.

Either way, the process will take months. Good luck!

 

[stone-cold11]

Does not look like diamond, too rounded. Cross post over to the color stones forum.

Even if it is a diamond, without Kimberley process paper, no cutter will be touching it.

 

[Circe]

It's hard to say off of a picture on the internet, but from the water-worn appearance and the inclusions, I'd bet quartz. I suggest you take it to a local jeweler to get tested ... and if (I hope I'm wrong about it being quartz) it turns out to be a diamond, contact a cutter and see what they can do. Without certification, it will be hard to get it cut. There has to be something people with family stones can do!

 

[partgypsy]

What makes you think it is a diamond? Most people do not have uncut diamonds in their safety deposit box. Does it come with any paperwork? No one will buy it without paperwork.

 

[ruskoz]

I don't have paper work, It was in my mothers jewelry box. i have no idea where it cam from. Or maybe I'm a diamond theft. Come on man are you for real, I didn't know having a "maybe" uncut diamond way so criminal.

No one will by it with out paper work? why?

 

[stone-cold11]

Without paperwork, originally implement to prevent blood diamonds, no one is sure of the origins of the stone unless you have enough paper work to prove its origin. It is considered money laundering, criminal offense, and after 9/11, can be considered as funding terrorist activities.

 

[yssie]

I don't have paper work, It was in my mothers jewelry box. i have no idea where it cam from. Or maybe I'm a diamond theft. Come on man are you for real, I didn't know having a "maybe" uncut diamond way so criminal.

No one will by it with out paper work? why?

goodness, so accusatory.. does the brouhaha over 'blood diamonds' mean nothing to you?



in any case diamond is isometric crystal, won't be (naturally) evenly worn through all planes. doesn't look like diamond to me, but I am not an expert. if it is diamond, it needs to be gem quality to facet into a gem

 

[iota15]

I'm thinking quartz too. But the only way to tell for sure - bring it to a jewelry store. They should have a diamond tester there and I imagine any quality store would do it for free in front of you. The test is quick and doesn't hurt the stone. They probably won't be able to tell you what it is, but they can tell you whether it's a diamond or not.

If you're truly interested in what it is, bring the stone to a gemologist, although it might not be worth the price it costs for the gemologist to look at it. The colored stone forum may be able to give you a better idea of what it might be, and what it could be worth.


By the way - I hope your situation improves. This can't be easy....

 

[Amys Bling]

Without paperwork, originally implement to prevent blood diamonds, no one is sure of the origins of the stone unless you have enough paper work to prove its origin. It is considered money laundering, criminal offense, and after 9/11, can be considered as funding terrorist activities.

very interesting...