10 replies to this topic

[soodong11]

Hi,

I just purchased 1.02ct round solitaire ring. (VS2, D)
The appraisal confirms the weight to be 1.02 ct with excellent cut; however, when I compared its size to those in Costco (VS2, F), the table size is only equal to their 0.8ct.
The vendor assures that what he sold is 1.02 ct, the the size is not always same for every diamond, and his diamonds are all natural.
However, one jeweler I consulted told me that mine cannot be more than 0.8ct (rough examination) but it has better quality than what he offers.

I am not sure what to do.
He said if I don't like it, I can return.
Can the appraisal be fake?
Or what he says is true?

Can somebody advise me on this issue I am having?

Thank you.

[LaurieH]

Take it for independent appraisal. You can find certified appraisers through the NAJA (National Assoc of Jewelry Appraisers) website http://www.najaappraisers.com/ . If you can't find an appraiser, worst comes to worst, unset the diamond and weigh it--no arguing then. Really, they can only estimate weight on a diamond that's set. However, if the diamond has paperwork--ie a certification, esp one with a plot--then sometimes there are things on that that can be matched up to make sure the diamond on the paper is the diamond in the ring.

That all said, YES diamonds can have different diameters/measurements and the same exact weight. If the diamond is well cut, then it should be cut to maximize the size without compromising the appearance. But cutters ARE cutting for weight so, if say, the girdle is very thick, then you're tying up weight in the widest part of the diamond without adding to the appearance, so a diamond that's 1c and well cut with an ideal (slightly thin to slightly thick, or any combination) it'll be wider than an otherwise well cut diamond that has a very thick girdle. That said, a 20 point discrepancy is usually a little more noticeable--so I'd definitely get it checked out. If you're still not comfortable, by all means, return the stone and start over again.

Good luck and hope you get some good answers.

[denverappraiser]

It's pretty easy to tell the difference between an 0.80 and a 1.02 even mounted.

DO NOT REMOVE IT FROM THE SETTING WITHOUT THE SPECIFIC PERMISSION OF THE SELLER.

In fact, don't even do it then. Have THEM take it out if it comes to that. Messing with it will completely undermine your case (assuming you have one). Have it inspected by a professional appraiser immediately and without damaging the piece in any way.

Can an appraisal be fake? Sure. Most are crap anyway, but if you're concerned that the jeweler may have misrepresented the product, they could easily misrepresent paperwork they gave you as wwell. You don't need a rough estimation, you need a signed statement by a professional who has had the opportunity to inspect the piece and come to an educated conclusion. Soon would be a good schedule. NAJA is a good place to look. Also appraisers.org and ags.org. Where are you?

A few questions about the 'appraisal'. This is a document that was given to you by the seller, right? If not, where did you get it? Were you given other paperwork, particularly a receipt? It lists a weight and some dimensions, right? The weight is 1.02cts, what are those dimensions? Who signed it? Was it written by the jeweler or one of their employees or some 3rd party? Is there any other paperwork on that stone, in particular, is there a report from a lab describing it?

Edited by denverappraiser, 13 June 2011 - 06:29 PM.

[davidelevi]

An even more basic question from me:

You say that "the table size is only equal to their 0.8ct". How did you compare?

If you are looking at two reports, both of which say (for example) "table 58%", you cannot deduce anything about the size of the diamond from that. Table measurements are expressed relative to the diameter of the diamond, so a 5.00 ct can have the same 58% table as a 0.50 ct.

If you have a receipt/appraisal/grading report listing the diamond dimensions (diameter), you can also compare it to hundreds of other 1.0x diamonds by using the Diamond Finder at the top of the page. While you are at it, check out the prices too...

Other than that, Laurie and Neil gave you some excellent advice.

[LaurieH]

And yes--what Neil said about unseating the diamond--you can have it done, but don't risk it if it's going to potentially negate your option to return. Have the original jeweler do it and weigh it on their scale if it comes down to that to determine weight beyond a doubt. I should have included that, but I was tired when I was writing before and forgot to say so. Thanks for catching that, buddy!

[jan]

soodong11, on 13 June 2011 - 03:43 PM, said:

Hi,

I just purchased 1.02ct round solitaire ring. (VS2, D)
The appraisal confirms the weight to be 1.02 ct with excellent cut; however, when I compared its size to those in Costco (VS2, F), the table size is only equal to their 0.8ct.
The vendor assures that what he sold is 1.02 ct, the the size is not always same for every diamond, and his diamonds are all natural.
However, one jeweler I consulted told me that mine cannot be more than 0.8ct (rough examination) but it has better quality than what he offers.

I am not sure what to do.
He said if I don't like it, I can return.
Can the appraisal be fake?
Or what he says is true?

Can somebody advise me on this issue I am having?

Thank you.

A well cut 1.00 ct. diamond is generally around the 6.45-6.55 mm in diameter.
The table size won't tell you what size the diameter is.

It sounds to me like you are not sure what you got and are feeling worried about your purchase. At this time, it may be better for you to return it and learn more about diamonds so you feel better about your purchase without misgivings.

[denverappraiser]

I flatly disagree with the above advice to return it over this. By all means return it if you're unhappy with the goods, but we have no evidence whatever that the jeweler here has done anything at all wrong beyond an off-the-cuff verbal statement made by a competitor. I think it's at least as likely that the problem is with your 'appraiser' as it is with the original jeweler. Deal with your concern, and if it turns out you actually have a problem then deal with the problem, but don't throw out the baby with the bathwater. I agree that table size is completely unrelated to weight and that if that's all that you know, it doesn't apply at all. I was guessing you meant diameter (which only indirectly relates by the way).

[soodong11]

I was wrong to mention "table size".
What I meant was the diameter.

I think the stone looks just small in width & depth over all compared to other 1 ct stones.
How can a small stone weight equal to a larger stone?

The appraisal was prepared by other Jewelry shop in LA, 3rd party, but it doesn't specify dimention or any other details.
It's like an invoice repeating what I ordered.
It's signed by somebody, but no printed name of the germologist, but there is business address & phone number on the appraisal.

To be honest, I purchased the ring online from a jeweler in LA and I am in BC, Candada.
As much as I want to trust what this vendor claims, but I am loosing sleep over this.
I hate the idea of being tricked since I was very skeptical about purchasing the stone on the internet.

I like the ring, but I don't want to be overcharged.
If there is discrepancy, the difference of amt. will be close to $1500 US.

I really want to verify the weight.

[denverappraiser]

Find a local appraiser who is working for YOU, not them. If you can't find one nearby, ship it to someone.

You weren't the client. You don't even know who the appraiser was. They didn't do even the most basic parts of the job. They weren't a 3rd party, they were a sub-contractor of the seller who helped them to make their receipt.

[davidelevi]

Regardless of "how" you bought it, just return it and get your money back - if you can. You are being scammed.

The seller is not providing you with reliable information on the two aspects of a diamond which are not "judgement" (weight and size), how on Earth can you trust him/her with information on colour, clarity or cut?

Incidentally - the difference in value between a (GIA graded) 1.02 D/VS1 and a 0.80 D/VS1 Excellent cut is of the order of $10,000 not $1,500.

And equally incidentally, "the internet" is innocent in all this. You didn't do your research properly - a diamond of the price and characteristics like the one you bought should come accompanied with a lab report from GIA or AGS (not Joe's lab), stating clearly its size, weight, colour and clarity (and cut quality and a lot of other things), regardless of whether you are buying it in Vancouver, LA, Wellington (NZ) or Timbuktu.

[denverappraiser]

A 'free' bogus appraisal is worth less than it costs. Does it give a value conclusion that's many times what you paid?

You need real information, and you're in a hurry. The return window on this sort of deal, if there is one, is usually pretty short and the clock is ticking. Are there any 'terms and conditions' listed on the receipt, packing materials or the dealers' website? How did you pay? How did they ship?