Appraisal before purchase

[Ready2AskHer]

I am purchasing a 0.90 carat F VS2 Round stone for an engagement ring. The PS vendor offered to send it to an appraiser before I purchase it so that it could be sent back to the vendor to be mounted and then I would pay for the diamond and ring together. I am planning to use either David Atlas or Lorraine Lopezzo or the Jewelry Judge of Princeton as the appraiser (Leaning toward David Atlas at Gem Appraisers). Has anyone ever worked with the Jewelry Judge of Princeton or Lorraine Lopezzo? I''m thinking that David Atlas might give a more thorough appraisal, I think he uses more sophisticated instruments.

How does it work? I am in NJ about an hour from all of them. Can the vendor just send it to Mr. Atlas? Does David Atlas accept stones sent to him before they are purchased? Can I come down and watch the appraisal?

Also, what general ballpark can I expect to pay for the insurance/purchase verification-appraisal from David Atlas?

 

[jaz464]

I would contact Dave Atlas and see how he does things. Most of the time, diamonds are sent to appraisers before purchase so that consumers can see the diamond in person before deciding if they want to make the purchase. Usually the appraiser is happy to let you watch. I recommend it because then he can point things out to you that you would not see yourself. My appraiser showed me the diamond under a microscope and under UV lights and carefully showed me the inclusions and explained what they meant. Charges vary depending on how thorough the appraisal is. Mine was quite thorough and cost about $150 I believe.

 

[BrownEyes]

Dave Atlas and Christian DeCamillo are great to work with at Gem Appraisers in Philly. You may also want to consider having the setting sent to them along with the loose stone, so they (rather than the PS vendor) can mount the stone for you. If you plan to schedule an in-person meeting for the appraisal, you might even be able to take the completed ring with you when it''s done ... AND, you''ll have the benefit of having Gem Appraisers double-check the integrity of the prongs and setting while you''re at it.

Finally, with the completed ring in-hand, Gem Appraisers could then provide you with a written appraisal of the completed ring, which is absolutely essential if you plan on buying insurance.

When we purchased our .93 ct. F/VS1, we had Dave/Christian appraise the loose stone AND mount it in the setting we provided. Then they provided an updated appraisal of the completed ring for insurance purposes. They couldn''t have been nicer and more professional, and the cost was quite reasonable.

Hope this helps.

 

[jaz464]

I would check carefully before having someone else set the diamond. Not all jewlers will take financial responsibility for a diamond they did not sell. So on the off chance that the diamond is chipped during setting, you may be out of luck. If the diamond''s vendor sets it, you should be protected.