appraiser for an Old European cut in LA?

[hippi_pixi]

I've done a few searches and found a few appraisers in LA that are recommended generally but does anyone recommend a certain person in LA to appraise an OEC?

 

[VRBeauty]

Just to be clear... we're talking about Los Angeles, right? Not Louisianna?

 

[Lovingwarmdiamonds]

Patrick Davis

 

[hippi_pixi]

yes LA as in Los Angeles. sorry im not from around here does it stand for Louisiana?

Yes i have got patrick davis's contact details at the ready has anyone had experience with him and antique cuts specifically? i feel theres no point sending an old cut to an appraiser of modern diamonds who usually only have negative things to say about old cuts

 

[Resonance.Of.Life]

He was recommended to be by Grace of JBEG. So, I would think highly of him. Unfortunately, I haven't had the time to make the trek to LA to see him to appraise my antique cushion yet

 

[Modified Brilliant]

yes LA as in Los Angeles. sorry im not from around here does it stand for Louisiana?

Yes i have got patrick davis's contact details at the ready has anyone had experience with him and antique cuts specifically? i feel theres no point sending an old cut to an appraiser of modern diamonds who usually only have negative things to say about old cuts

Hi h p,

It IS important to ask the appraiser regarding experience with Old Cut Diamonds (OMC, OEC, Antique Cushion etc.)

Personally, I have a strong fondness for the individual character of an Old Mine or Old European Cut diamond
that is different than my fondness for a modern round brilliant cut with ideal proportions. Understanding the individuality,
specific shape/cut, beauty, and uniqueness makes appraising an Old Cut Diamond so interesting. One has to know the
market and current values. Some appraisers "get it" while others don't...so ask questions first and what you expect to learn about your diamond during your appraisal appointment. I know that Patrick has a good reputation here on PS and in the LA area.

 

[madelise]

yes LA as in Los Angeles. sorry im not from around here does it stand for Louisiana?

Yes i have got patrick davis's contact details at the ready has anyone had experience with him and antique cuts specifically? i feel theres no point sending an old cut to an appraiser of modern diamonds who usually only have negative things to say about old cuts

Yes, I have been to both Patrick Davis and Charles Carmona, and would recommend both. They're both very busy people, so if you're trying to fit them in on your vacation, I suggest trying both to see if either have availability. I prefer Patrick over Charles, but they are both experts in their fields, and are court appointed for authentications. Fun tidbit: Patrick Davis was the one who worked on Lindsay Lohan's case about the stolen necklace! Her felony was downgraded to a misdemeanor because Patrick Davis went to the courts and stated the cost of the necklace was much less than the stated amount. Because of the cost, it was no longer considered a felony. FUN! Hehe.

However Patrick will be realistic with you that an old cut isn't going to give you the light return that a modern will. He was very fair, but he wants the client to know 100% what they get into with an old cut. Since you know all that already, it will be no problem. Patrick will pull out his ASET and have you play with it as its blown up on a computer for you to see, and he will let you see the color comparisons to his master set yourself. He lets you be more hands-on. Because of this, I spent over an hour in his office! I truly enjoyed his appraisal. He has a fun personality, too.

Charles was able to give me an estimated time period my diamond and setting was from. He seemed to care more for the art and the time period. He showed me my diamond under the scope, but that's about it. He graded the color himself, without me comparing it with my own eyes to a master set. He graded the clarity, and showed me the stone under a scope, and explained why he graded it that clarity.

Either way, you'll be in great hands, and you will get a true confirmation of the stone you purchased.

I'm guessing you found "The One"? Congratulations, friend!


Since you already have Patrick's info, here's Charles':
http://www.guildlabs.com
Guild Labs
550 S. Hill, Suite #1188
Los Angeles, CA 90013
Phone: 213.624.0137

 

[hippi_pixi]

Actually I've narrowed it down to 2 stones. I saw one while i was in LA 3.2 uncerted approx Gia L $34500. Nice cut chunky facets good symmetry but has obstruction and no cert. Now im in NY and have seen 3.5 certed gia M, same face up size $28000. So i was hoping to double check the cut of the 3.5 personally and see if its possible to call someone monday morning and organise an appraisal for the same day of the 3.2 in LA, so i can decide monday night. I have a thread in rocky talky called 3.5 m oec i think. Im on my phone so i cant link

 

[madelise]

Actually I've narrowed it down to 2 stones. I saw one while i was in LA 3.2 uncerted approx Gia L $34500. Nice cut chunky facets good symmetry but has obstruction and no cert. Now im in NY and have seen 3.5 certed gia M, same face up size $28000. So i was hoping to double check the cut of the 3.5 personally and see if its possible to call someone monday morning and organise an appraisal for the same day of the 3.2 in LA, so i can decide monday night. I have a thread in rocky talky called 3.5 m oec i think. Im on my phone so i cant link

Nix the one with obstruction. It will bother you endlessly. My biggest pet peeve isn't inclusions or color or whatever.. it's dead facets.

Anyway, I am happy for you, but I can't emphasize enough on calling them ASAP. FWIR, Charles has more availability than Patrick. But they are both usually booked like crazy. Explain you're from Australia to them, and see if they can help squeeze you in if they say they're booked!

 

[CharmyPoo]

Wow ... Patrick sounds awesome and even I want to go to him now!!! Is there anyone like him in NYC?

Dave Atlas is the guy in Philly?

Retail prices are so high for OECs ... have you considered the online estate sellers?

 

[Hospatogi]

I just had Patrick Davis do my appraisal this weekend on my earrings and wedding bands. He is friendly , professional, and extremely knowlegable. I highly recommend him if you are in the LA area!