What''s the process?

[aneelcon]

Ok, I''m thinking of starting my research for diamond studs. I want them by May of this year to wear to a wedding. I got engaged and my fiance didn''t go through the internet. In fact, I found out about this wonderful site because after we got engaged, I wanted to know what an H&A diamond was. I only heard of a HoF diamond through a cousin. Kudos to this site and to all the wonderful rocks I have seen!

Ok anyways, I have a question...first of many. After I find the stones (.65-.75 ct each) and pay for them, what do we do to get them verified and what are the costs? Do we have the dealer send them to an independent lab and if they look good we get them mounted? Or do the stones come to us first and we look at them and if we want to get them looked at by an independent appraiser, we mail it to them who then mails back to the dealer?

How much would the independent appraiser cost and how much are shipping costs? And insurance for shipping?

How long do you think it will take to find nice eyeclean vs2-si2 i-j stones? I did a pricescope search and usually I like two stones from two different vendors.

geez. I kinda feel weird about sending this much money through the internet but with all the testimonials out there and the good quality rocks, there''s no alternative!

Thanks in advance everyone!

 

[DiamondExpert]

A number of vendors will allow you, at your expense, to have the stones examined/verified by and independent appraiser (someone who does not sell diamonds) prior to your purchase.

Costs vary according to the nature of the workup you want done...a couple of 3/4ct. stones might cost about $100-300 depending.

If you are happy with the appraiser's report then you can take delivery directly from them following payment, and you still will usually have a few days to decide if you want to keep them.

 

[Mara]

Personally for diamond ear studs, I would use a vendor I trust, and one that has AGS certs with angles on each diamond and has Sarins and other types of information, e.g. IdealScope images, Bscope etc. I find that the more information a stone has, the less I feel I need to get the full workup on the loose stones, because chances are the original vendor gave me the same information that an appraiser would, if not more.




I would have the vendor set my studs, and then take them to my appraiser and have her basically confirm everything that was on the AGS certs and Sarin reports by reviewing the stones while set. When we did our e-ring we had it unset appraised and then again when completed, but that was more because we had hardly any data on the stone to begin with. If I had all the information that vendors give online, I probably would have just taken her the finished product for a final 'check'.




Or you can have them sent to the independent appraiser sometimes before purchase, if the appraiser is nearby you can go see the diamonds, approve them, buy them, then have them sent directly back to the vendor for setting. It's easier to have vendor to appraiser shipping and vice-versa than you handling it yourself IMO. They have insurance to cover all that.




My two cents...I think if you trust the vendor you can take the chance and get the checkup on the already mounted pieces OR do the local indy appraiser and set your mind at ease if you have the additional time.

 

[aneelcon]

Thanks again Mara,

Your from the bay, who's your appraiser again? I think I will take your advice and have an appraiser/gemologist look at my stones AFTER I have purchased them from the net. How much do you think that's going to cost? You can pm me if you want.

How long does it take and does the appraiser do it in front of you and explain what's going on?

Ok, now that's done, onto the stones!

thanks!

ps. when are we having our bay area get together?

 

[Mara]

Our appraiser is Nancy Stacy in Walnut Creek. About an hour of work is $125 (that should be all the time it should take for your earrings), she's very approachable but older and very forthright and honest as well...interesting lady! She doesn't have a Bscope or anything, I don't even know if she has a Sarin but she could definitely confirm the stones match their certs and reports for you. She does have an IdealScope. She teaches appraisal classes for the GIA so she's pretty knowledgeable. You can stay and watch or you can drop off your stones and come back for them. She's flexible.




BayArea get together, we said sometime in Jan eh?! I will have to start up that email string again!

 

[fire&ice]

Finding matching stones from different vendors can be very problematic. I would put out an RFP to a few vendors for a pair of matching stones w/in your specs. Ask for specs, prices & turnkey product. See who responds with your best option & then work w/ them.

 

[pqcollectibles]

I just got a pair from White Flash. WF set the diamonds in the studs for me. Once I received the earrings, I took them to my local appraiser for verification. One quick trip and I was done with my beautiful new earrings. If you go turn-key on the studs, most Vendors can have them set and out to you within a day or 2 when the diamonds are in stock.

You've got plenty of time. Call and chat with some Vendors. Check out Feedback on the Forum by searching old threads for testimonials. Compare the Vendors' return/refund/upgrade policies. Find a Vendor you are comfortable working with. If you would rather have the diamonds verified prior to setting, you can have the Vendor ship to an approved appraiser, without paying in advance many times. When the appraiser has completed the evaluation and you are satisfied, you pay the Vendor. Most of the appraisers can arrange to have the diamonds set and ship you your completed studs.

 

[Kamuelamom]

OK PQ, now that you are hyperlink educated

, can you kindly link me to pics of your earrings? I'm curious about those prongs.

 

[diamondsman]

I suggest you get it from the same vendor,reason being that if you don't like it,you don't have to ship it to two different companies,it's a hassle.
Also check out different vendors and see which one will allow you to send the diamonds, to a well known,reputable laboratory or an appraiser ,which after examination and authentication of the stones, the lab/appraiser will send it to you directly on the vendors behalf.


good luck

 

[fire&ice]

----------------
On 1/5/2004 2:34:43 AM aneelcon wrote:


Ok, got a few more questions, what's a 'turnkey' and what's an RFP?

thanks! ----------------

Turnkey = a vendor that has the stone, the setting & the ability to set the stones.

RFP = Request for Proposal.

Good luck.