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Why use an appraiser?

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32degrees

Rough_Rock
Joined
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I know this has been asked before, but here''s the situation. I''ve chosen a diamond from a retailer, and upon my inquiry about having them send it to an appraiser, they''ve responded with:

"I personally think sending out the diamond to be appraised prior to mounting is a waste of money. The diamond has already been graded by AGS, photographed by our staff and inspected by a gemologist. What more is an appraiser going to tell you?

Appraisals are really for insurance purposes, so the more prudent move (imo) is to have the diamond set into the ring, then sent to you for inspection. Once the finished ring is in your hand you can then take everything into an appraiser. Even that isn''t necessary, however, as we''re going to include an insurance appraisal with the finished ring.


With that said, if you would like to have the diamond sent to an appraiser prior to purchase we simply require that you cover all of the shipping fee''s. In this case that would be about $80 round trip. This is in addition to the fee you would pay the appraiser. The appraiser would also have to be someone that we approve, but that is generally not a problem"

So far, the retailer has been forthcoming with information, but this response was rather unexpected. I''d just like to ask your take on this response.
 
Date: 6/5/2009 11:26:14 AM
Author:32degrees





I know this has been asked before, but here's the situation. I've chosen a diamond from a retailer, and upon my inquiry about having them send it to an appraiser, they've responded with:

'I personally think sending out the diamond to be appraised prior to mounting is a waste of money. The diamond has already been graded by AGS, photographed by our staff and inspected by a gemologist. What more is an appraiser going to tell you?





Appraisals are really for insurance purposes, so the more prudent move (imo) is to have the diamond set into the ring, then sent to you for inspection. Once the finished ring is in your hand you can then take everything into an appraiser. Even that isn't necessary, however, as we're going to include an insurance appraisal with the finished ring.







With that said, if you would like to have the diamond sent to an appraiser prior to purchase we simply require that you cover all of the shipping fee's. In this case that would be about $80 round trip. This is in addition to the fee you would pay the appraiser. The appraiser would also have to be someone that we approve, but that is generally not a problem'

So far, the retailer has been forthcoming with information, but this response was rather unexpected. I'd just like to ask your take on this response.
Click to expand...

Well it depends on the purchaser and their comfort level, usually a vendor does not take exception to a client wishing to have the loose diamond appraised prior to setting. Some buyers feel much better in having an independant expert inspect their diamond prior to mounting, so if that is what you want to do then I see no reason not to. As to "what more is an appraiser going to tell you", they can give you an independant expert opinion on the colour, clarity, cut and various other aspects of the diamond, not to mention their opinion on the price. Depending on the clarity grade, they can give an opinion on inclusions such as feathers, cavities etc, and give you peace of mind that you are purchasing a good stone.

What some do is as you propose, have the loose diamond inspected then have it set, then the appraiser gives the completed ring a check to make sure everything is in order and to give a suitable sum for insurance.

https://www.pricescope.com/appraiser.asp

The above link goes into greater detail concerning the appraisal process. Maybe the vendor was trying to save you money but if you want to have the diamond appraised in the manner above then go ahead and do so! I look at it this way, although we have many great and trusted vendors here that I would buy from in a heartbeat without having a separate appraisal, I will use this as an example - some when buying a car much prefer their own mechanic to look under the hood and inspect the car prior to the sale being finalized and this to me is a similar scenario.
 
An appraisal done on an unset diamond is far more definitive than one done after setting, but it does slow down the purchase decision which is counter to the seller's wishes. In most cases nothing is wrong, but when the occasional problem arises, it is best handled BEFORE the diamond has been set. I think the seller has given you the option to do it the way you choose, so there is no problem here except that it is up to you to decide on how to appraoch the various risks involved in any major purchase. The choices boil down to 1. Impulsive, 2. Methodical or 3. Cautious and Methodical, or 4. Most cautious and Most methodical.

#3 and #4 involve an independent opinion. #3 mounted, #4 unmounted and again examined after setting. Most shoppers on Pricescope are #2 or #3. The rigorous only opt for #4, but we don't know what your own personality is most like.
 
Thanks David and Lorelei. I suppose I'll suck it up and have it appraised after I receive the mounted stone. I'm usually one of those skeptical/paranoid buyers, but in all honesty, the setting is going to be custom, and take two weeks. So, I can schedule an appraisal while I'm waiting perhaps. Thanks for your input!
 
Date: 6/5/2009 11:26:14 AM
Author:32degrees
Appraisals are really for insurance purposes,
Click to expand...
I disagree. Some appraisals are for insurance purposes. Perhaps even most are but it’s incorrect to say that this is the only purpose and it’s not the reason for having stones examined by an independent expert as part of the shopping process.

Appraisals are to provide you with expert and useful information.

Some examples of how people can benefit by pre-purchase appraisals are those who want to determine if the lab report is accurate, or even the correct the report, if the stone has been damaged since the lab saw it, if there is any important or useful information NOT contained on the report, if the supplemental information provided by the retailer is correct and if the pricing is appropriate for the marketplace. None of these questions have anything at all to do with insurance and all can be useful for shopping purposes.

The same sorts of issues apply to appraisals after it’s set. Customer often have questions about craftsmanship, condition and matching of stones to prior documentation among other things. These are not insurance related issues.

If you are 100% comfortable with the information provided by the jeweler you need neither a lab nor an independent appraiser. If you are concerned over buying a blind item and don’t wish to rely 100% on the seller’s advice then you might consider employing outside advise and an opinion from corroborating expert can be useful even if it agrees . Frankly, the advice from a seller that you should avoid seeking out an educated 2nd opinion is a bad sign.

Neil Beaty
GG(GIA) ICGA(AGS) NAJA
Professional Appraisals in Denver
 
Date: 6/5/2009 11:52:19 AM
Author: 32degrees
Thanks David and Lorelei. I suppose I''ll suck it up and have it appraised after I receive the mounted stone. I''m usually one of those skeptical/paranoid buyers, but in all honesty, the setting is going to be custom, and take two weeks. So, I can schedule an appraisal while I''m waiting perhaps. Thanks for your input!
Click to expand...
Glad to help! Thats a perfect opportunity to get the appraisal done on the loose diamond, then have it set and get the appraiser to give it the once over when completed.
 
If a vendor told me not to get an appraisal, that would make me MORE inclined to get an appraisal--or to pick another vendor.
 
Thanks Neil, I agree with you, as do David and Lorelei it seems. I''m hoping the appraisal of the diamond in its setting won''t be too far off.

Lorelei, actually, I wasn''t even thinking to have the diamond sent to me while I await the creation of the setting. That wouldn''t be a bad idea at all, though it seems the retailer is reluctant to do so. I have already agreed with the retailer to just have them set it and I''d have it appraised after I receive the finished product though. I suppose it seems fair enough. The setting doesn''t appear to pose any problems for such an evaluation, but I suppose we shall see. Here''s what it looks like, though this is an edited (though a primitive job done by yours truly :)) version.

Ring_22711A.jpg
 
Date: 6/5/2009 12:29:03 PM
Author: glitterata
If a vendor told me not to get an appraisal, that would make me MORE inclined to get an appraisal--or to pick another vendor.
Click to expand...
LOL, I agree. It''s like when you''re a child and you''re told not to do something without sufficient reason (or justified to you as a child that is). It makes you want it more... :)

I''ve dealt with various people at this retailer, so this is just the latest of the customer service reps saying this. I don''t believe this is anyone in authority at the retailer, and merely the rep''s opinion. I just found their reluctance to have it appraised, a bit odd.

Well, I plan to finalize the order this afternoon, annd then in 2 weeks, I''ll be posting photos! :)
 
Good luck.
 
Date: 6/5/2009 12:33:08 PM
Author: 32degrees
Thanks Neil, I agree with you, as do David and Lorelei it seems. I''m hoping the appraisal of the diamond in its setting won''t be too far off.

Lorelei, actually, I wasn''t even thinking to have the diamond sent to me while I await the creation of the setting. That wouldn''t be a bad idea at all, though it seems the retailer is reluctant to do so. I have already agreed with the retailer to just have them set it and I''d have it appraised after I receive the finished product though. I suppose it seems fair enough. The setting doesn''t appear to pose any problems for such an evaluation, but I suppose we shall see. Here''s what it looks like, though this is an edited (though a primitive job done by yours truly :)) version.
Click to expand...
Very pretty setting! Diamonds aren''t cheap so if you would feel more comfortable having the appraisal done on the loose diamond - go for it!
 
With a well documented diamond, AGS/GIA report, pictures, ASET/IS images I am inclined to go with an appraisal after setting unless their is something in the data that raises questions.

I do not like the wording of what they said however. (I am assuming its a direct quote)
It could have been handled much better.
The vendors should have a well thought out reply that they copy and paste for this.
 
Date: 6/5/2009 12:29:03 PM
Author: glitterata
If a vendor told me not to get an appraisal, that would make me MORE inclined to get an appraisal--or to pick another vendor.
Click to expand...
yep that is what bugs me about it.
 
I agree Karl, it should be scripted, and yes, it was a direct quote. The original AGS report, the retailer's gemologist appraisal, and photos (including IS) will accompany this finisihed product. So, I ordered it, and agreed to do the independent appraisal with the stone set. Fingers crossed, and thanks for your input!
 
I''ve always recommended obtaining an independent evaluation by a Gemologist / Appraiser for our clients on Nice Ice despite the fact that we provide very detailed diamond detail pages simply for "our" collective peace of mind. I see it from two perspectives, the first being that most people lack the expertise to verify that the diamond they receive is the diamond that they intended to purchase; and secondly, I figure that if our customers verify their purchase at the time of receipt, that they''re not going to be freaking out in their Lazy Boy at ten o''clock at night when 20/20 or some other television show decides to run some expose on internet diamonds and do so by focusing on a few disreputable dealers and making it appear that all internet dealers are bad... And my basis for this is the show one such program ran on emeralds (like 10 years ago) that created utter panic within consumers who had purchased emeralds because the show focused on like three disreputable dealers after shopping at about 100 dealers where they couldn''t find anything wrong - and then they made it seem like the entire jewelry industry was at fault. Since I''ve always encouraged our customers to seek out an independent evaluation, the fallout the next day was minimal with regards to our clients, but other stores in the area were going insane trying to convince their customers after the fact that the emerald which they had purchased 5 - 10 years earlier was authentic. So yea, I''m a big fan of obtaining an independent evaluation by a qualified Gemologist, the little bit of expense is well worth the peace of mind.
 
congrates and best of luck :}
Hand pics are mandatory hehehehe
 
So a related question to this. I just asked a retail jeweler I''m working with on an engagement ring whether it was possible to have the loose stone appraised appraised while the setting was being made. Their was response was, "absolutely not, no one gets loose stones appraised in a retail setting."

Am I confused? Is loose stone appraisal only a wholesale thing? Am I making a mistake buying stone and setting together?
 
Date: 6/5/2009 3:34:17 PM
Author: spencerogden
So a related question to this. I just asked a retail jeweler I''m working with on an engagement ring whether it was possible to have the loose stone appraised appraised while the setting was being made. Their was response was, ''absolutely not, no one gets loose stones appraised in a retail setting.''

Am I confused? Is loose stone appraisal only a wholesale thing? Am I making a mistake buying stone and setting together?
Click to expand...

You''re not confused, having the diamond appraised prior to setting and afterward is a retail thing... Those of us in the wholesale end of the trade are capable of verifying and valuating the diamond for ourselves
2.gif
 
So is this a totally shady response? To tell me that absolutely the diamond can''t be appraised prior to setting?
 
It definitely can be done, I do it every day, but at most retail jewelry stores it’s a pretty unusual request so I don’t think it’s fair to call their answer 'shady'. 'Uninformed' might be a better word. Most cities and even a few states don’t contain a single independent jewelry appraiser after all. This is a much more common request from Internet based shoppers than in the local stores.

Neil Beaty
GG(GIA) ICGA(AGS) NAJA
Professional Appraisals in Denver
 
Date: 6/5/2009 4:07:18 PM
Author: denverappraiser
It definitely can be done, I do it every day, and personally I recommend it (not that I''m exactly unbiased on this question), but at most retail jewelry stores it’s a pretty unusual request so I don’t think it’s fair to call their answer ''shady''. ''Uninformed'' might be a better word. Most cities don’t contain a single independent appraiser after all. This is a much more common request from Internet based shoppers than in the local stores.


Neil Beaty

GG(GIA) ICGA(AGS) NAJA

Professional Appraisals in Denver
Click to expand...


Thank Neil, that seems like a very reasonable response. Thanks for the help.

Spencer
 
Date: 6/5/2009 11:26:14 AM
Author:32degrees


I know this has been asked before, but here's the situation. I've chosen a diamond from a retailer, and upon my inquiry about having them send it to an appraiser, they've responded with:

'I personally think sending out the diamond to be appraised prior to mounting is a waste of money. The diamond has already been graded by AGS, photographed by our staff and inspected by a gemologist. What more is an appraiser going to tell you?


Appraisals are really for insurance purposes, so the more prudent move (imo) is to have the diamond set into the ring, then sent to you for inspection. Once the finished ring is in your hand you can then take everything into an appraiser. Even that isn't necessary, however, as we're going to include an insurance appraisal with the finished ring.




With that said, if you would like to have the diamond sent to an appraiser prior to purchase we simply require that you cover all of the shipping fee's. In this case that would be about $80 round trip. This is in addition to the fee you would pay the appraiser. The appraiser would also have to be someone that we approve, but that is generally not a problem'

So far, the retailer has been forthcoming with information, but this response was rather unexpected. I'd just like to ask your take on this response.
Click to expand...
Hi 32,

It sounds like this firm doesn't really like us
15.gif
(independent appraisers).
"What more is an appraiser going to tell you?" Answer is ALOT. You ask the questions, as many as you want. We will answer them.
"The appraiser would also have to be someone that we approve." Sort of defeats the meaning
of "independent."

As previously stated by Neil, David and others, there are many reasons why consumers would want an appraisal. I could tell you about problems encountered after the diamond is set i.e. prongs that are not centered and catching on fibers, metal porosity, shoddy workmanship, etc. You might consider us like a building inspector. We provide you with "peace of mind" when making a substantial financial decision. Not everyone decides to have their diamond inspected loose prior to setting, but many do, in fact, take comfort in inspections before and after.
We're here if you need us to provide expert and unbiased information.
After all, it's your hard earned money.

www.metrojewelryappraisers.com
 
Date: 6/5/2009 12:33:08 PM
Author: 32degrees
Thanks Neil, I agree with you, as do David and Lorelei it seems. I''m hoping the appraisal of the diamond in its setting won''t be too far off.

Lorelei, actually, I wasn''t even thinking to have the diamond sent to me while I await the creation of the setting. That wouldn''t be a bad idea at all, though it seems the retailer is reluctant to do so. I have already agreed with the retailer to just have them set it and I''d have it appraised after I receive the finished product though. I suppose it seems fair enough. The setting doesn''t appear to pose any problems for such an evaluation, but I suppose we shall see. Here''s what it looks like, though this is an edited (though a primitive job done by yours truly :)) version.
Click to expand...
I have this JA setting in yg and love it! I also got my diamond through JA and am throughly enamored with my ring. The price was phenomenal compared to what I was offered through a retailer. Was there any reason you decided not to go through one of the PS vendors?
 
Date: 6/5/2009 4:10:18 PM
Author: spencerogden

Date: 6/5/2009 4:07:18 PM
Author: denverappraiser
It definitely can be done, I do it every day, and personally I recommend it (not that I''m exactly unbiased on this question), but at most retail jewelry stores it’s a pretty unusual request so I don’t think it’s fair to call their answer ''shady''. ''Uninformed'' might be a better word. Most cities don’t contain a single independent appraiser after all. This is a much more common request from Internet based shoppers than in the local stores.


Neil Beaty

GG(GIA) ICGA(AGS) NAJA

Professional Appraisals in Denver
Click to expand...


Thank Neil, that seems like a very reasonable response. Thanks for the help.

Spencer
Click to expand...

I am very much in agreement with Neil here.

About one in a hundred of our clients ask for an appraisal prior to purchase, and a few more than that have independant appraisals done while inspecting the gem. Frankly it always surprised me the first few years we did internet business that more people do not ask. Now we are just so used to people not asking that it surprises me a little when someone asks.

I''m fine with it either way. I don''t have a scripted responce. "Sure" just doesn''t take a lot of paper...

Wink
 
Date: 6/5/2009 5:03:22 PM
Author: soocool

Date: 6/5/2009 12:33:08 PM
Author: 32degrees
Thanks Neil, I agree with you, as do David and Lorelei it seems. I''m hoping the appraisal of the diamond in its setting won''t be too far off.

Lorelei, actually, I wasn''t even thinking to have the diamond sent to me while I await the creation of the setting. That wouldn''t be a bad idea at all, though it seems the retailer is reluctant to do so. I have already agreed with the retailer to just have them set it and I''d have it appraised after I receive the finished product though. I suppose it seems fair enough. The setting doesn''t appear to pose any problems for such an evaluation, but I suppose we shall see. Here''s what it looks like, though this is an edited (though a primitive job done by yours truly :)) version.
Click to expand...
I have this JA setting in yg and love it! I also got my diamond through JA and am throughly enamored with my ring. The price was phenomenal compared to what I was offered through a retailer. Was there any reason you decided not to go through one of the PS vendors?
Click to expand...
Hi Soocool,

In the end, I did use a PS vendor. I made the decision to use the vendor based on their BBB rating, and feedback from folks on this excellent forum. Photos to follow in a week or so! :)

Thanks!
 
I have been thinking about asking to have an independent appraisal done too. The ring is classified as a H&A, G, VS1, with Excellent polish and symmetry by EGL USA. I know that EGL USA reputation has hardened over the past few years but from what I have read, they might still be a little soft on color. Any differing opinions?

There is a GIA pricescope recommended appraiser in the area that I would like to go to.

The diamond is as follows:


Round Brillant
1 ct
EGL Ideal Plus
VS1
G
Polish - Excellent
Symmetry - Excellent
Depth - 60.5%
Table - 58%
Crown - 33.2
Pavilion - 40.9

Flour - None
 
Looks like an excellent stone with an excellent light return performance, PirateGuy.

Just figure the G as an H for buying purposes, and then if it happens to be a G you''re ahead of the game.
 
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