6 replies to this topic

[KAS82]

My boyfriend recently inherited 6 loose, round diamonds. He was told they were very good quality by family but we have no papers. We may want to use one for an engagement ring but in any case want to find out what the real quality is of all of them. Which grading service do you recommend?
Thanks!

[Joseph Higgins]

KAS82, on Wednesday, Jun 30 2010, 03:31 PM, said:

My boyfriend recently inherited 6 loose, round diamonds. He was told they were very good quality by family but we have no papers. We may want to use one for an engagement ring but in any case want to find out what the real quality is of all of them. Which grading service do you recommend?
Thanks!

[url="http://gia.edu"]GIA - The Gemological Institute of America[/url]
This organization is the highest standard of gemstones in the world. They have a laboratory located right in 580 5th Avenue in New York City, USA. Most higher end diamond stores go by these standards.

After you receive certificates for your stones, you may bring them into a jeweler to be appraised.

Good luck!

[denverappraiser]

I would actually start with an appraiser rather than going directly to GIA. Although I agree absolutely with the above that they are the place to be documenting high end stones, it’s important to get a feel for what you’ve got, and even if what you have are diamonds before going through the expense of submitting the stones. A quick session with a capable appraiser would be very helpful in designing a strategy and, in my opinion, well worth your money. (note: I'm not exactly unbiased on this sort of question. I'm a professional appraiser and I make part of my living with questions just like this).

Neil

[diamondsbylauren]

Although I think that advice to see an appraiser is given in many situations where it's not neccesary, I totally agree with Neil on this one.

BTW- Just to be clear- the times I disgree, it's generally NOT Neil giving the advice.

[davidelevi]

From a slightly less biased point of view (I'm a consumer - or collector, if you prefer), I still think Neil's strategy makes sense. Submitting 6 stones to GIA will end up costing you several hundreds. Getting an opinion from an expert as to which ones of your stones are worth submitting and how much they are likely to be worth (which incidentally GIA won't tell you) is worth the modest fee involved. JMHO.

[KAS82]

Thanks for the responses - I hadn't thought of splitting them up and just getting the better ones graded, but it makes total sense. We'll go to an appraiser then just submit the nicer ones to GIA.
Thanks!!

[HeartAndStone]

Hello KAS82!

Once the final choice is made, lets bounce more ideas for the setting of that e-ring!
You guys are so lucky,no more diamond hunting pressure., and I hope you can show us
the specs of that chosen stone anytime soon!
@Niel, you're always reliable and generous!

Cheers!