When To Get A Jewelry Appraisal or Valuation

Q:

Dear Ms. Hancock,

I would like to have an opinion on an engagement ring I would like to buy and later some questions about a jewelry appraisal and/or valuation. As you could imagine, this is the first – and hopefully the last – engagement ring I purchase. I have being looking for information on some websites (especially yours) as well as professional stores. I finally came to the conclusion that my “perfect” diamond within the budget is not necessarily a large diamond size and does not have to necessarily achieve the 1 carat.

Here are some requirements I am looking for:

1. budget is actually $11,000 (I am a European living in the US, where I intend to buy)
2. carat weight as closest as possible to 1 carat;
3. color, clarity as best in budget;
4. my lady likes rings with eternity pave diamonds but she likes also something like a 3 stone engagement ring (white gold)

Reading ODBA, I decided to buy on the websites you suggest. I have used the HCA tool and I have done an advanced search (some more than one actually) on Whiteflash with the suggestions you gave from your Bluenile review.

I finally found the following:

https://www.whiteflash.com/loose-diamonds/round-cut-loose-diamond-2994228.htm

https://www.whiteflash.com/engagement-rings/three-stone/3-stone-diamond-engagement-ring-1422.htm

May I have please an opinion on this?

Thank you in advance for your help,

Oliver

A:

Hello Oliver,

I’m happy to help you. If your budget is around $11,000.00, then we can look at several options for your loose diamond. I think your three-stone engagement ring in platinum is a very beautiful ring. As you know, this ring with .50ctw diamonds will cost you $2,837.25. That leaves us roughly $8000 for the center stone. Since the side-stones are going to be F/G in color, I would suggest sticking with a 2-3 color grade difference in order for them to match nicely with your center-stone diamond.

Your 1.007ct F VS2: https://www.whiteflash.com/loose-diamonds/round-cut-loose-diamond-2994228.htm is indeed very nice but does put you slightly over budget. Are you ok with that?

Another alternative would be this 1.008ct G VS2 for $7,617.00: https://www.whiteflash.com/loose-diamonds/round-cut-loose-diamond-2782645.htm

This diamond will blend well with your other side-stone .25ct diamonds. It is a VS2 and perfectly eye-clean. The cut is a triple 0 AGS ideal (ideal light performance, polish and symmetry) making this diamond sparkle brilliantly. This diamond is still an AGS ideal cut diamond, but isn’t part of the ACA collection because the hearts and arrows symmetry isn’t as symmetrically perfect. However, in terms of light performance and brilliance this stone will be amazing. I think it is a great option for you if you are looking to save a little cash. This puts you at a total of $10,454.00.

Please let me know what you think.

Kind Regards,

Liz

Q:

Hello Liz,

Thank you for answering. I like the alternative you suggested but I am ok also with a higher price, if it is worth it. Do you think the diamond I chose is worth the money? After some more talk with my fiancée about what she likes, I finally came out with this ring:

https://www.whiteflash.com/engagement-rings/diamond-settings/harmony-diamond-engagement-ring-890.htm

Is this appropriate for my 1.007 ct F VS2 A CUT ABOVE® Hearts and Arrows Super Ideal Round Cut Loose Diamond?

1.007 ct F VS2 A CUT ABOVE® Hearts and Arrows Diamond from Whiteflash

One last question, that I think could be important: if I go back to Europe, let’s say Italy or Belgium, will the AGS certificate be considered valid? Could I use that certificate to prove the diamond value if I ever decide to use it to buy a bigger stone? In the end, is this a good diamond investment even if I move to another country?

Thank you so much for your help.

Oliver

If You Are Looking To Prove Diamond Value For Retail Replacement Then You Need To Get A Jewelry Appraisal/Valuation

A:

Hi Oliver,

In comparing both diamonds, the carat weight and color grades for both diamonds are virtually identical (most people cannot tell the visual difference between an F and G diamond when next to each other). Both stones are VS2, but the 1.007ct F VS2 is a much ‘cleaner’ VS2. I’d almost say that it is almost a VS1.

Both diamonds are AGS ideal cut and will be super brilliant. I cannot say if it is worth it, as both diamonds will be beautiful. However, some people like knowing that they have the very best, which all ACA diamonds are. So, if you are looking for perfect then go for the 1.007ct F VS2.

I love the Harmony solitaire ring. It is very beautiful and I think the 1.007ct F VS2 will look stunning with it.

The AGS diamond grading report is a 3rd party lab report. If you are looking to prove value, then you will need to get a diamond appraisal. Keep in mind that free appraisals provided by average jewelers are not for your benefit. It is to each consumers advantage to get an appraisal by an accredited gemologist. You must get a new jewelry appraisal or ‘valuation’ done for each new country that you reside in if you are interested in proving value and/or insurance claims. Your insurance carrier will have their own terms and conditions on acceptable paperwork that constitutes a jewelry valuation or jewelry appraisal.

A finely cut diamond is always a great investment!

Oliver’s gorgeous Whiteflash 1.007ct F VS2 A Cut Above Super ideal hearts and arrows diamond set in ‘Harmony‘ diamomd pave setting

When I lived in the UK I had my AGS graded diamond appraised by a local accredited gemmologist. The jewelry appraisal was based on the cut quality, color, carat weight, and clarity of my diamond in comparison to retail replacement value. Typically, valuations/appraisals are good for a few years and then must be updated. When/if you move you will need to get an updated jewelry appraisal and/or valuation, no matter what diamond grading report you have that accompanies your diamond.

I hope this helps you. Please send pictures of your finished ring! I’d love to see it.

Kind Regards,

Liz