Do stones have serial numbers?

[detzdotnet]

One of the thing that scares me about buying a loose stone and getting it set is "the swap". My friends mother had this happen and there was no way she could prove it so she lost out, I''m sure it doesn''t happen but it still worries me. Is there any way to make sure that they set the same stone you gave them?

 

[Independent Gal]

Hi there,

A lot of stones have their GIA certificate number laser-inscribed on the girdle. So, you can always have a look through the jeweler's loupe when he/she hands the stone back to make sure it's the right one. Just make sure you buy a stone with this feature, and you're safe!

Also, get to know your stone: the location and character of the inclusions, the size of the table, all this is a like a fingerprint. It'd be hard to fool me and switch my stone because I know exactly where my feather is and what it looks like. Give me a loupe and I know it's my baby for sure!

The key thing is, even if a stone has no laser inscription, if the stone is certified, unless they hand you back a completely identical stone (in which case, why would they switch it?) you can prove they switched it because the certificate records the exact measurements and characteristics of the stone. Don't buy uncertified, get to know your stone, be vigilant, and you won't have a problem.

 

[lyra]

If you''re buying a certified stone, have it appraised by an *independent* appraiser before and after it is set. This is usually necessary for insurance purposes anyway, and it will give you peace of mind. The appraiser will be able to tell if the stone matches the certificate easily enough.