Comparing two very different appraisals.

[peonygirl]

I'd really like to insure my diamond necklace, but I've gotten two very different appraisals, so I'm very confused. The first appraisal--which was done in San Diego by a well-regarded GIA Gemologist said that the diamond was an SI, I, .94 carat valued at 3948.00. My appraisal from Whiteflash's affiliate said that it was an SI, L, .89 carat valued at 2250.00. I'm apt to agree with Whiteflash because they diamond looks a bit yellowy to me, but then again I'm quite color sensitive. Both jewelers were able to inspect the diamond loose, so I also don't understand the slight size difference.

I just don't understand how two different "expert" appraisers could characterize a diamond so differently!

 

[Garry H (Cut Nut)]

There is a big difference in price for a under .90ct to .90ct and above.
So the key issue here is who did not have scales to weigh the diamond?

ask both if they actually weighed the stone - you will find one of them probably measured and applied a formula - which is very very bad when the stone was loose.

 

[valeria101]

Can''t imagine why WF would want to ''denigrate'' your diamond... And an independent appraisal can be a ''feel good'' appraisal.

I am with you that L fits better with a visibly tinted look than I, given the size.


It shouldn''t be so complicate to find out these things, isn''t it!

 

[denverappraiser]

The difference between 0.89cts and 0.94cts is an important value characteristic and it’s pretty easy to recognize on a loose diamond. The clarity of ‘SI’ is also remarkably imprecise for not one but two trained gemologists to be using to describe an unmounted gem. There must be more to this story. Did you buy the stone from Whiteflash? They have a number of employees who certainly know what they’re doing but I’ve never heard of them doing outside appraisals. They also have a Houston gemologist that they regularly use for stone verification who is also well qualified as an appraiser but who is not really related to the company beyond being one of their suppliers.

If you still have the diamond, and if it’s still unmounted, take it somewhere convenient and have them weigh it. Most jewelers have fairly accurate scales and will be happy to weigh it for you for free.

Neil Beaty
GG(GIA) ISA NAJA
Professional Appraisals in Denver

 

[MissAva]

Date: 4/11/2006 8:53:06 AM
Author: denverappraiser

The difference between 0.89cts and 0.94cts is an important value characteristic and it’s pretty easy to recognize on a loose diamond. The clarity of ‘SI’ is also remarkably imprecise for not one but two trained gemologists to be using to describe an unmounted gem. There must be more to this story. Did you buy the stone from Whiteflash? They have a number of employees who certainly know what they’re doing but I’ve never heard of them doing outside appraisals. They also have a Houston gemologist that they regularly use for stone verification who is also well qualified as an appraiser but who is not really related to the company beyond being one of their suppliers.

If you still have the diamond, and if it’s still unmounted, take it somewhere convenient and have them weigh it. Most jewelers have fairly accurate scales and will be happy to weigh it for you for free.

Neil Beaty
GG(GIA) ISA NAJA
Professional Appraisals in Denver

DA- When you get something from WF they send a little one paragraph appraisal in the box with it.

 

[denverappraiser]

Date: 4/11/2006 9:14:37 AM
Author: Matatora
DA- When you get something from WF they send a little one paragraph appraisal in the box with it.

I understand. That's why I asked if it came from WF. For stones they sold loose, I would expect both WF and their verifier to be more precise on the clarity. I would also expect them to be entirely accurate on the weight. Something doesn't sound right.

Neil Beaty
GG(GIA) ISA NAJA
Professional Appraisals in Denver

 

[peonygirl]

Denver, both appraisers rated the stone, SI1, sorry about that. The stone is a Old Mine family heirloom, not from WF. They mounted it into a necklace, and as part of their service they appraise everything that comes through their office.

 

[JohnQuixote]

Hi Peony

I tracked down what I believe was on the letter of verification (if this is yours).

The appraiser we contracted examined the diamond in its mounting. He noted .89 carat (estimated by calculation), 5.91 x 6.41 x 3.85. L, SI1, with 4 significant chips and a large natural on the girdle. The fact that he examined it in its mounting (the finished piece) may explain the discrepancy in carat weight.

Let me know if this was yours - and if it helps.

Best regards,

 

[denverappraiser]

Ah, that makes sense. If neither appraiser had the opportunity to view the stone loose, a 5% difference in estimated weight is neither unexpected or unreasonable.

I’m going to guess that the San Diego appraiser is local to you so I would recommend ringing them up and asking the questions about the color and weight estimation directly. The Houston appraiser will probably also be happy to discuss the matter with you as well but it may be more difficult to give them a second look at it if needed. Their contact information is probably on the report.

Neil Beaty
GG(GIA) ISA NAJA
Professional Appraisals in Denver

 

[peonygirl]

Yep, that''s the one John! Do you think the color grading was affected by the stone being in the mounting? I''m guessing that it''s probably somewhere in between the I and the L since the San Diego appraisers apparently graded the stone loose. I honestly don''t care a whit about the actual value or grading because it''s an heirloom stone, but I''m having a lot of trouble figuring out under which appraisal to insure it.

 

[Jelly]

Girl, you need to post pictures!

I''m a sucker for warm colored stones and antique pieces! My mouth is watering!

 

[AlliBaba]

Hi John,

What is a "natural?"

 

[XChick03]

I think he meant a natural chip or inclusion, meaning something that naturally occurred in the diamond and wasn''t the result of wear or damage.

 

[JohnQuixote]

Date: 4/11/2006 11:22:46 PM
Author: AlliBaba
Hi John,

What is a ''natural?''

A natural is part of the rough diamond that has remained on the polished diamond, having survived the cutting process. It is usually the sign of a cutter attempting to maximize the weight retention of the rough diamond.

 

[JohnQuixote]

Here is a scan sent to me recently of a round brilliant with a natural. The green arrow points to the natural, which added a few points of weight to this stone, making it a 1.01 rather than < 1 ct.

 

[JohnQuixote]

Date: 4/11/2006 10:37:35 PM
Author: peonygirl
Yep, that's the one John! Do you think the color grading was affected by the stone being in the mounting? I'm guessing that it's probably somewhere in between the I and the L since the San Diego appraisers apparently graded the stone loose. I honestly don't care a whit about the actual value or grading because it's an heirloom stone, but I'm having a lot of trouble figuring out under which appraisal to insure it.

Glad to be of assistance m'lady.

All grading is best done with the diamond unmounted. That said, you can insure it for any cost of replacement you deem reasonable. It's hard to be precise with such an heirloom piece, but if you one estimate seems inflated and the other is not enough I suggest you split the difference.