Appraisal Advice

[Valentina]

Hello Ladies,

I'm changing SPAMSPAMSPAMSPAMSPAMSPAMSPAMSPAMSPAM carriers and need to have a piece insured that I inherited. I've never had something appraised before - the only other piece of jewelry I have scheduled is my engagement ring and that came with its own papers. What should I expect to pay? To whom should I bring it?
Am I expected to leave it there overnight? Anything you can tell me would be appreciated.

Thanks so much!
Val

[beekeeper]

Appraisals are usually around $100. I've never had to leave anything overnight ... not sure I would feel safe doing that!

Just so you know, depending on how long ago you bought the engagement ring, you might want to have it done again ... prices go up!

Find a good reliable jewelry in your area, that's what I've done.

[Valentina]

My engagement ring is a little over a year old. Should I have that redone as well?

[beekeeper]

No, you'll be ok with the one you have. BUT, when you find an appraiser, ask him to be sure ... they will know if it's necessary.

[pebbles]

Do NOT leave and do NOT let him take it out of its setting. I would keep it in sight at all times.

A woman was cheated in a switch a few years ago. The 6 carat (yes!)diamond in her ring was switched with a CZ.

[Valentina]

OMG, I would die. Thanks for the tips. It's a diamond cluster pendant that was my grandmother's. I never wear it, because the baby pulls on everything. The diamonds seem to be quality, but I know nothing about this. I just know they are similar in color to my engagement ring, and that is a good diamond. Do you usually ask for an appointment for an appraisal?

[Garnet333]

I know my jeweler will not do an appraisal without an appointment. I would call your jeweler to make sure.

[beekeeper]

I've seen stories on Dateline, Primetime, etc. regarding jewelry stores switching stones on people ... dispicable! That's why I say find a trusted jeweler in your area ...

What if it were a stone passed down from mothers/grandmothers/etc ... I would just die!

You can have your diamonds mapped ... but again, it takes sending your stone away for God knows how long, and the cost I'm sure is pricey!

[fezmydoodle]

I agree with not letting your ring out of sight whether it's for an appraisal or a resizing. I recently made an appointment (yes, after 3 kids I gained a few) to have my wedding set sized up and I made sure to wait for it.

[jewelfreak]

-------------------------------------------------------------------------
fezmydoodle:
I agree with not letting your ring out of sight whether it's for an appraisal or a resizing. I recently made an appointment (yes, after 3 kids I gained a few) to have my wedding set sized up and I made sure to wait for it.
www.tvtalkshows.com/board/showpost.php?p=1488557
-------------------------------------------------------------------------

I can understand not waiting for an appraisal, but can you really stand and wait for a resizing? I didn't know you could, usually it takes a couple of days. Who wouldda thunk it.... I figured it at least took a few hours.

[fezmydoodle]

Yes, I was able to wait. It was about 45 minutes (because I have 3 rings soldered together) and I just shopped around the jewelry store. I called ahead to make sure we could do it that way. I know some jewelers have to send the rings out to be done.