Could my diamond have been switched?

[lynnas]

I was given grandparents engagement ring and had it originally appraised when I got it. It has a marquis stone and the original appraisal gave the following specs- 12.3x5.2mm at 1.61ct color h and clarity I1. The stone was set in a large gold, older type setting so I understand it was an estimate. I recently had it reset into something more my taste and size (I do have larger fingers) and they provided a new appraisal including stone out of mounting (both done within 6 months of eachother). I know the appraisals can be different but the second appraisal came out with 1.24 ct 12.28x5.19x3.5 mm g color and s12 clarity. The first one at 1.61 ct also closely aligned with grandparents appraisal and value it was insured at but unsure if that was in or out of mounting.

Can there really be a .37 margin of error for the carat size just from being in the setting? I am worried they gave me a different stone. It doesn’t look like the same stone to me. I remember there being a black dot as well that I no longer see, the black dot did not come off on either of the 2 initial cleanings and appeared to be in the diamond. I understand I did lose a good amount of gold based on my setting choice but the second appraisal came out over $2000 less than the original. I admit I am a novice but it just doesn’t feel right.

Should I be alarmed by that drastic of a change? What should I do, do I have any legal recourse or way to confirm this is the same stone?

 

[Patty]

The measurements are very close. And the specs are just one grade off. The original appraiser probably guessed that the stone was deeper than it is when they estimated the weight. The chances of them switching your diamond are extremely slim.

 

[lovedogs]

I think it's possible for estimates to be that different, although the 2k difference in price is bizzare. But the measurements are almost identical and being 1 color grade and 1 clarity grade off happens all the time. I highly doubt the stone was switched.

 

[mjea]

Hm.. probably the same stone and maybe your new setting hides the black dot?

what was the weight of gold in the old setting vs your new setting? And what is your new setting in - 14k? 18k? What was it before?

 

[Bron357]

The first appraisal was done while the stone was set so the measurements were done using calibers and then a formula used to estimate carat weight. This estimation is only as accurate as the reading off the numbers. The depth measurement is nearly impossible to do on a mounted stone.
Same with judging colour and interpretation of clarity. Unless you are using a lab with set guide lines / parameters, a grade difference in colour and/or clarity is not unusual at all.
when you have your ring reset the diamond was able to be correctly measured and assessed for colour and clarity. The carat weight would be the reading off a scale not by using a formula based on measurements.
And valuations or appraisals are in part subjective and apt to change over time as diamond prices and consumer tastes change.

 

[lovedogs]

The first appraisal was done while the stone was set so the measurements were done using calibers and then a formula used to estimate carat weight. This estimation is only as accurate as the reading off the numbers. The depth measurement is nearly impossible to do on a mounted stone.
Same with judging colour and interpretation of clarity. Unless you are using a lab with set guide lines / parameters, a grade difference in colour and/or clarity is not unusual at all.
when you have your ring reset the diamond was able to be correctly measured and assessed for colour and clarity. The carat weight would be the reading off a scale not by using a formula based on measurements.
And valuations or appraisals are in part subjective and apt to change over time as diamond prices and consumer tastes change.

Bron explains this really well

 

[Karl_K]

What @Bron357 said.
The appraisal where the stone was actualy weighed and graded lose is the best one.

 

[Ibrakeforpossums]

A marquise that size is not that common, having a very similar one to switch it with seems unlikely. The disparities in mounted vs. loose kind of don't surprise me. Do you like the diamond you see now?
If you can find an appraiser you trust it would be worth the money to discuss it.

 

[caolsen]

And if the stones was acid boiled/cleaned while it was loose, that can really change a stone that’s been in a setting for many years. I had an old stone acid boiled and I swear I did not recognize it, in a good way. There was so much crude on the girdle playing havoc with the light return.

 

[motownmama]

May we see it???