Apprasing Loose Diamond - Unnecessary step?

[almondbear]

Hello all

I have been doing lots of reading and am quite honestly dizzyed by the amount of information out there, so forgive me if my question may seem at all silly.

I was looking at buying a diamond unset/loose online at one retailer (blue nile, james allen ) and getting it set some where else locally.

The reason why I was looking at doing this is because I heard that getting a diamond appraised loose is easier then when it is mounted. I had wanted to get it appraised "loose" so I can have a second opinion on the flaws, potential issues and just wanted a good feel for the diamond itself before its put in its final resting spot (setting) and of course to verify that the diamond I received was what I paid for.

I am planning on getting a GIA certified diamonds anyways, so should I even bother getting it appraised loose? Am I just being overly paranoid?

Im also concerned that from the time I receive the diamond to when I set it, it is basically "uninsured" and that it would be difficult to find someone to set it locally that would also take responsiblity for any damage while setting.

Any insight appreciated!

 

[Karl_K]

In this case it could be important to have it appraised before and after.
That way you have documentation and someone to appear in court if needed that it was not damaged before setting and give an opinion of if the damage could have been avoided if the worse happens.
That said:
Using jewelers mutual you can get it insured unset that will cover it during the setting process but the setting jeweler has to know about it and set it up for you.

 

[diamondseeker2006]

I strongly recommend buying a diamond from someone who has a setting you like. This is a far easier process. I have never seen any need to have a loose diamond (new and GIA/AGS graded) appraised because the GIA or AGS report is the independent evaluation of the stone.

What setting are you interested in?

 

[SHOWBIZ]

I did this recently and even though it might seem like an unnecessary step, I was happy to get it done as it was more for my own peace of mind. It only costed me about $65, but it was good to know that the diamond I received was what I was expecting.

 

[heididdl]

My opinion is to have the same evendor set the ring . We can help you find a similar setting. It is so much with worrying about local vendor damaging the stone an haviing to get the insurance twice. So just insure the GIA/AGS stone set ...

 

[hearts-arrows_girl]

I also agree, that it would be good to get the stone and setting from the same place. Then you get your beautiful stone sent to you in the gorgeous setting you've picked, and you don't have to resend it anywhere. Less risky, to me.

 

[CharmyPoo]

Every day, people buy loose diamonds and have them set else where. Most people on here who get settings from the LM, VC, SK of the world are usually buying diamonds separately and sending it to them to get set. I have plenty of rings and I have never purchased a diamond and have it set at the same place. My point here is that it may be easier to get the diamond/setting from the same place but equally easy to have it set else where.

When buying a loose diamond from a reputable source, I find appraising a loose diamond to be a waste of money. In my experience, the appraiser just repeats what you already see on the certification. The reputable vendors aren't going to send you a wrong diamond on purpose! The majority of appraisers don't sit down and tell you what you actually want to learn about the diamond - I personally find you get a better analysis posting your diamond here and having the prosumers comments on it. The only reason I might want to send a loose diamond to an appraiser is if I am buying a potentially structurally risky diamond (feather on the edge, mega chip, etc).