Should I get this GIA certified?

[IanG]

I have a 1/2 carat diamond I inherited that has no sentimental value. I''m no expert, but it looks like it''s good quality. It''s not cloudy or anything. Would it be worth it to get it GIA certified before I sell it? I read that it''s $175 for the service plus $30 for shipping and other stuff. Does that sound accurate?

Thanks!

Ian

 

[Lorelei]

Date: 2/22/2010 2:17:48 PM
Author:IanG
I have a 1/2 carat diamond I inherited that has no sentimental value. I'm no expert, but it looks like it's good quality. It's not cloudy or anything. Would it be worth it to get it GIA certified before I sell it? I read that it's $175 for the service plus $30 for shipping and other stuff. Does that sound accurate?

Thanks!

Ian

Hi Ian and welcome!

It depends, but it might not be financially worth it to get this diamond graded by GIA as it might not sell for much unfortunately even if you can sell it. Rather like new cars, you lose a considerable amount once you purchase diamonds and you can only hope to recoup around 30 - 50% of what was originally paid. What I would do is consult an independant appraiser to see if they feel it is worth you getting a report done.

Here is an example. Now, I am only guessing here but say the diamond is actually a G colour and VS2 clarity with a GIA report. If so, similar stones with an excellent cut are selling for around $1400, this is assuming that it is in fact G VS2, if the quality is lower then obviously this makes a big difference in what you would receive.

$1400 minus approx $200 for a report = $1200. 50% of that is $600 and if you got 30% it would be less still....These figures are of course only an estimate but it gives you some idea.

Here is the appraiser tool for you so you can find an expert in your area and also an excellent article,

Reselling Diamonds and Jewelry

 

[denverappraiser]

Hi Ian,

You should figure out what you have BEFORE you embark on a selling strategy and the only reason to send it to GIA in your situation is as part of a selling strategy. There are several pitfalls but, in most cases, the increased return on a half carater for GIA grading won’t be enough to justify the costs although this will depend both on what you have and what your plans are for how to sell it.

Here's their fee structure by the way. It’s more like $43 plus the shipping.

This article might be helpful. Make sure to read all the pages, the formatting on the site makes it look like there’s only one.


Neil Beaty
GG(GIA) ICGA(AGS) NAJA
Professional Appraisals in Denver

 

[IanG]

Thanks for your help! I''ll probably just put it in a setting my fiance would like and give it to her as a gift.

 

[Lorelei]

Date: 2/22/2010 3:33:37 PM
Author: IanG
Thanks for your help! I''ll probably just put it in a setting my fiance would like and give it to her as a gift.

Glad to help! That is a great size for a pendant so that is an option, or a right hand ring even.

 

[tyty333]

Date: 2/22/2010 3:33:37 PM
Author: IanG
Thanks for your help! I''ll probably just put it in a setting my fiance would like and give it to her as a gift.

Excellent idea...a bezel set pendant would be lovely!