Recommendations for international financial intermediary?

[BoSnerdley]

Not ready to buy, but wanted to get a list of companies in advance: what financial intermediaries have people used to buy stones outside of your borders to hold the funds in escrow until you receive the stone and can verify it's what you are wanting/what they claimed? I tried searching the forum but most results are related to people in the US using local jewelers. Google isn't too helpful either.

Yes, I know, don't do a deal so shady that you feel you have to use an intermediary . I'm not looking on Craigslist, but given the amount at risk, I'm wiling to pay a few percent for the peace of mind, and there are a lot of options when looking at colored stones outside of the US.

 

[Dreamer_D]

I have never heard of anyone of these boards using such a company. That is the risk for the savings people accept. But if someone did, hopefully they will chime in.

Many credit cards and paypal offer some protections. That might be your only option if the vendor will accept these forms of payment (many won't).