If I were to purchase this diamond, where could I go for a detailed appraisal?

[henearly89]

I am considering going out on a limb and purchasing a diamond without access to an idealscope. Here is the diamond (it is a 1.3 TIC on the HCA and falls within the overlap for GIA Ex and AGS Ideals:

http://www.bluenile.com/round-diamond-1-carat-or-less-ideal-cut-d-color-if-clarity_LD01029163

I would most certainly need to take it somewhere for an independent appraisal. Can anyone personally recommend an appraiser in my area (Suffolk County- Long Island, NY)? I want someone who uses tools like the Idealscope, Brilliantscope/Gemex, ASET, etc.

Should I have the ring sent separately from the loose stone? Will the appraiser be able to set them for me? How does this work if I am using Bill-Me-Later? Would that make the return process complicated? Would a place like GOG (they are in my area) be a good place to go to get the ring and diamond evaluated, appraised, and set? Would that qualify as an independent appraisal since I would be buying from Blue Nile?

 

[henearly89]

How much does it usually cost to have a stone evaluated (with tools like Idealscope, Brilliantscope, etc.), appraised, and set?

 

[henearly89]

However has the time to answer any of these questions, thank you very much in advance.

 

[henearly89]

Whoever has the time to answer any of these questions, thank you very much in advance.

 

[stone-cold11]

GOG would not be an independent appraiser as they are selling their own diamonds.

Use this link to find one near you with the equipments. Fees depends on individual appraisers so ask.
https://www.pricescope.com/appr_list.aspx

 

[elle_chris]

Here''s a link https://www.pricescope.com/appraisers_NY.aspx . I saw two appraisers in Long Island. Not sure if they''re in Nassau or Suffolk though.

As far as cost, it depends on the appraiser. Some charge by time, others by piece. You need to call and ask.

I use David Wolf from Just Appraisers in the city. Totally trust him but he''s not cheap and charges by the hour.

 

[henearly89]

So many questions... I know. I was hoping someone on here had personal experience with any of these appraisers. Also, did GIA recently change their grading system? This diamond was last graded in December of 2008. Is this grounds to ask that they have it regraded if the GIA system has changed since?

 

[Collee]

I live in Suffolk as well. Bought stone from GOG and had it appraised by Barry Block of the Jewelry Judge in Garden City. http://www.jewelryjudge.net/block.htm. Not sure what equipment was used but he was SPOT ON with all the specs. Stone was appraised loose and will be appraised again once it is set.

Since you live in the area why not purchase a stone from GOG? If given the opportunity (as we both have), IMO, I would much rather view and compare stones IRL prior to purchasing. Jon is not only a VERY reputable and knowledge vendor but a pleasure to work with.

ETA: can't remember the appraisal fee but i think it was around $120. fee is based on stone size. follow-up appraisal after stone is set is around $30.

 

[stone-cold11]

Date: 2/7/2010 8:43:43 PM
Author: henearly89
So many questions... I know. I was hoping someone on here had personal experience with any of these appraisers. Also, did GIA recently change their grading system? This diamond was last graded in December of 2008. Is this grounds to ask that they have it regraded if the GIA system has changed since?

If you mean the proportion cut grade of GIA. Use this link and check your stone''s proportion. If it is the same then there is no change for your stone.

https://www.gia.edu/facetware/

If you mean the clarity and color grading, maybe slight difference depending on individual grader.

 

[henearly89]

Only because GOG doesn''t have any diamonds in stock that meet my specifications. Looking for a .71, D, IF, Ideal (my setting is .29 carats and I''m anal retentive about arriving at a total CW of 1.00 and having an internally flawless diamond (like my soon-to-be fiance... sappy, I know). Because she wants a smaller diamond, I insist on it being perfect in every other way.

 

[Collee]

Date: 2/7/2010 9:05:45 PM
Author: henearly89
Only because GOG doesn't have any diamonds in stock that meet my specifications. Looking for a .71, D, IF, Ideal (my setting is .29 carats and I'm anal retentive about arriving at a total CW of 1.00 and having an internally flawless diamond (like my soon-to-be fiance... sappy, I know). Because she wants a smaller diamond, I insist on it being perfect in every other way.

Very sweet. Have you already purchased the setting?

Just because a stone isn't listed on the site, it doesn't mean that Jon can't source one of your desired specs. He has access to all stones listed in the virtual inventory as well as other sources. Totally worth giving him a call to inquire. GOG can also set the stone for you.

Regardless of which vendor the stone is purchased from, I would definitely recommend Barry Block for the appraisal. He is located a little west of the Roosevelt Field Mall. For a stone size of .71, the price should be around or less than $100. My stone is a 1.67.

 

[henearly89]

Thanks everyone. I am going to try to go through GOG and then bring it to Barry Block.

 

[Collee]

Best of luck!

If you want more info about the equipment used, call Barry prior to scheduling an appt. He is a very low-key, laid back guy but very forthcoming and honest. Again, ALL specs were spot-on. However, he did note that the GIA inclusion plot was inaccurate.

Keep us updated!

 

[henearly89]

New chain of thought. Would I really need an independent appraisal if I had all the documents that GOG provides (IdealScope, BrilliantScope/Gemex, Helium Report) in addition to the GIA cert and the Sarin Report Blue Nile would provide? I would think an insurance company would have a tough time denying a claim with all that info available.

 

[elle_chris]

For insurance purposes that would be more than enough.

The reason I go is to make sure everything matches the reports and to get an unbiased opinion on the stone.

 

[Collee]

An independent appraisal isn't really necessary. To be honest, the only reason we decided to have the stone independently appraised was due to the SI2 clarity. We wanted to be 100% certain that the stone was eye-clean and the inclusions were not a concern.

Not sure if GOG still offers but I received a 10+ pg in-house appraisal report (description, retail replacement value, copy of GIA, BrillianceScope, etc) with the purchase of my original stone in 2003. Current stone is being set right now so we don't have the final transaction paperwork yet.