Diamond and Engagement Ring question(s)

TPF may earn a commission from merchant affiliate
links, including eBay, Amazon, and others

Brooke11

Brooke11

polisher
O.G.
Apr 13, 2008
3,778
0
#1
I have a few questions and would love any advice :D

My fiance purchased a Tacori engagement ring (as well as a wedding band) a while back. He saved up and was able to purchase a diamond this week (:yahoo:). He bought the diamond online.

1. I would like to get the diamond appraised to make sure it is worth at least as much as he paid. Should I do this before I have it set or after (if I do it after, I'll have the total value for insurance reasons).

2. Second, we need to have the diamond set. Do you think we should have it sent back to Tacori to have it set? Or should we have it set by the store we purchased it from (Bailey, Banks, and Biddle)? Or should we have whoever appraises it set it (I would have it done by someone certified by the National Association of Jewelry Appraisals).

3. Another concern of mine is that whoever sets it could possibly switch the diamond. How can I guard against this happening?

I'm also having an issue with ring sizing... the salesperson who sold us the ring insisted I get a 4.5 when I told her that the size 5 felt more comfortable... she kept telling me that the ring sizer was off, etc. So we purchased both rings in a 4.5 and they are SO TIGHT. I can barely get them off. Just trying on my engagement today, I actually cut my knuckle trying to get it off. Should I discuss this with the store I bought it from? I shouldn't have listened to the salesperson -- I should have gone with my own instinct -- but I thought 'she's the expert, she knows what she's talking about'. I'm very concerned that it can't be resized.... and I'm frustrated that the salesperson pushed us into making such a big purchase in the wrong size.
I know I should have done something about this sooner but I'm afraid to bring it up to my fiance because the rings cost him so much money...

Thank you for any advice on any of my questions!!! :D
 
#2
1) My appraiser told me afterwards AS LONG AS there's tons of documentation and photos on the loose stone. I am not sure which online vendor he bought it from. I bought mine from GoodOldGold.com and they run about a million tests on each stone they sell, so the appraiser told me to wait til after because otherwise you have to pay for a 2nd appraisal or an amended appraisal.

2) I would absolutely have Tacori set it. No doubt. If you can have the appraiser check the loose stone, then send it all to Tacori and then back to him afterwards, that's what I would do. In fact, I would avoid BBB at all costs--they're closing all stores, you might end up with all sorts of problems.

3) It's highly unlikely. But that's another reason to have Tacori do it, and have it sent back to the appraiser. The appraiser can check it out to confirm it's the same stone.

Also---unless you can easily exchange the ring for a 5, see if Tacori can resize it or figure that out.
 
#3
ame said:
1) My appraiser told me afterwards AS LONG AS there's tons of documentation and photos on the loose stone. I am not sure which online vendor he bought it from. I bought mine from GoodOldGold.com and they run about a million tests on each stone they sell, so the appraiser told me to wait til after because otherwise you have to pay for a 2nd appraisal or an amended appraisal.

2) I would absolutely have Tacori set it. No doubt. If you can have the appraiser check the loose stone, then send it all to Tacori and then back to him afterwards, that's what I would do. In fact, I would avoid BBB at all costs--they're closing all stores, you might end up with all sorts of problems.

3) It's highly unlikely. But that's another reason to have Tacori do it, and have it sent back to the appraiser. The appraiser can check it out to confirm it's the same stone.

Also---unless you can easily exchange the ring for a 5, see if Tacori can resize it or figure that out.
Click to expand...

Thanks so much for all the advice! He bought the diamond through Blue Nile, so it has a GIA cert., but that's about it.

I had no idea BBB was closing all stores... that's kind of scary since he bought a warranty through them. I'll have to look into how that works, if it transfers to another store or what... I'll contact Tacori and see what the process is for having them set the stone.

Thanks again, I really appreciate all of your help :D
 
#4
^^^ You might want to see if your warranty will transfer to Zales or Gordons as they are part of the same overall company as Bailey Banks and Biddle...
 
#6
That's a good idea. The GIA report is helpful but I would go with an appraisal before setting in this case. That to me is not enough info. But it would likely help you with the setting to have it sent from the appraiser.
 
#7
I had my loose diamond appraised before setting and again afterwards to make sure the diamond was my stone. You can also have your diamond GIA inscribed at your appraiser (if it isn't already) to safeguard against your stone being switched in the setting process. If you don't already have an independent appraiser (make sure you don't get your appraisal done at a jewelry store), you can check pricescope.com for a list of recommended appraisers.

My ring size is a 6 and while looking for settings, one saleswoman measured my ring finger and told me I should get a 5.5. Her point was that an ering should fit securely on the finger and not be loose at all. I went with a 6 and I'm so glad I did. Go back to the store and see if they can resize your rings.
 
#8
The appraiser I am considering going to is certified by the National Association of Jewelry Appraisals, but he also sells diamonds and jewelry. Would that present a conflict of interest?

I wish I could have the ring replaced in a larger size, but it was custom built for us through Tacori. I absolutely adore the ring... I just wish it fit me better :( I wish I had done what you did 2manybags and trusted my gut and not the salesperson!
 
#9
Brooke11 said:
The appraiser I am considering going to is certified by the National Association of Jewelry Appraisals, but he also sells diamonds and jewelry. Would that present a conflict of interest?
Click to expand...
Most likely, yes.

A couple others to check out:
Neil Beaty:
http://www.gemlab.us/

Richard Sherwood:
http://sarasotagemlab.com/

Both are certified and neither are employed by any jewelry company. Completely unbiased.


Brooke11 said:
I wish I could have the ring replaced in a larger size, but it was custom built for us through Tacori. I absolutely adore the ring... I just wish it fit me better :( I wish I had done what you did 2manybags and trusted my gut and not the salesperson!
Click to expand...
You can tell Tacori it isn't the right size. They might be able to resize or remake.
 
#10
Hi Brooke!

From my understanding, all GIA certified diamonds have the serial number of the certificate laser-inscribed onto the girdle of your rock.

When you send it in to your jeweller for setting, you can request for them to put the rock under the scope, for you to check the laser inscription. Depending on the setting, you can also ask them to try not to cover the inscription with the gold/plat claws (for claw settings). This is so you can check again when you're collecting your ring from the jeweller.

This was what I did for mine! =)
 
#11
I don't know if there has been a change recently, but to my knowledge not all GIA diamonds have the serial number inscribed. I know independent appraisers usually offer the service of inscription in the event the diamond doesn't have it.

Pixielexie said:
Hi Brooke!

From my understanding, all GIA certified diamonds have the serial number of the certificate laser-inscribed onto the girdle of your rock.

When you send it in to your jeweller for setting, you can request for them to put the rock under the scope, for you to check the laser inscription. Depending on the setting, you can also ask them to try not to cover the inscription with the gold/plat claws (for claw settings). This is so you can check again when you're collecting your ring from the jeweller.

This was what I did for mine! =)
Click to expand...
 
#12
Pixielexie said:
Hi Brooke!

From my understanding, all GIA certified diamonds have the serial number of the certificate laser-inscribed onto the girdle of your rock.

When you send it in to your jeweller for setting, you can request for them to put the rock under the scope, for you to check the laser inscription. Depending on the setting, you can also ask them to try not to cover the inscription with the gold/plat claws (for claw settings). This is so you can check again when you're collecting your ring from the jeweller.

This was what I did for mine! =)
Click to expand...

Interesting!! and that would be great because then I'd really be certain. There is a serial number on the cert. and I've tried my hardest to see one on my diamond but I'm just looking with my naked eye, so I can't see a thing. Would it be around the 'girdle'?
 
#13
^It would be laser inscribed on the girdle. However, not all GIA stones are inscribed, but the certifiicate should make a note if it is, such as "laser inscription registry". You can also have a gemologist set up the diamond under a microscope and show you the diamonds inclusions (which will be plotted on the GIA if it is a full report). It may have some memorable inclusions and you could always use those as future verification.
 
#14
^^ yeah on my cert. there is a plotting of the inclusions... there aren't many at all, so I hope the gemologist can recognize it as the same diamond when it comes back from being set. My GIA cert. doesn't say anything about being laser inscribed though :( . I contacted a gemologist to set up an appt. but haven't heard back from him.

As soon as it is set (and I get it... I think my fiance is planning on a surprise re-proposal, since the first one was just kind of 'lets get married!') I will post pictures in the engagement ring thread :D I'm so exciting!

Thanks for all of the help everyone!! I REALLY appreciate and value all of your advice!
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Top