QUESTION - I purchased a diamond engagement ring from a local jeweler
who is a cga. when i picked up the ring, there was no certificate
associated with the diamond. the only paperwork supplied to me is
a statement of replacement, which lists the diamond quality as G
Si1. when i look at the diamond with the naked eye, i can clearly
see an internal flaw. how do i know that this is not a lesser quality
diamond than what is stated? i was considering getting the ring appraised
at a different store to see if it is in fact the quality listed on
the paper. if in fact the diamond is a lesser quality, do i have
any recourse?
ANSWER - The Statement of Replacement is the correct document a jeweler
should provide with the sale. This documents the quality and the value
and would be suitable for your insurance company. If
you would like to obtain a second opinion, be sure you find a
credentialed appraiser, comparable to the level of education
and experience of a Certified Gemologist Appraiser.
If your jeweler graded the diamond before it was mounted, the
grade determinations after mounting could differ. The color of
the metal can affect the color of the diamond and the setting
can prevent an accurate determination of the clarity and carat
weight.
The grades you stated are taught and used by all Certified Gemologist
Schools. According
to their courses, G color is described as near colorless and
SI1 is described as slightly included. There
is a grade of SI2 which would indicate a lower grade than the
SI1.
When grading for clarity, the grader considers five factors: size
of the inclusion relative to the size of the diamond, location, number,
nature, and color of the inclusions. A grade of SI1 may have eye-visible
inclusions; it may not. This would depend on the five factors
and the diamond.
If you decide to obtain a second opinion, and it differs more
than one grade from the document you have, you should talk with
your jeweler and let them explain. If you are not satisfied,
you can negotiate a return or replacement with your jeweler.
A Certified Gemologist Appraiser
has completed advanced education in diamond grading, gem identification,
and appraising methodology. They maintain a gemological
laboratory for testing and grading along with a gemological library.
They are among the most respected professionals in the industry.
The Jewelry Guy appraisal services
are provided by our Certified Gemologist Alice Kao who carefully
and thoroughly examines each item of jewellery. Each item
is thoroughly cleaned, digitally photographed and the entire
finished document is digitally stored. Hence, the document
can be reproduced and updated in the future as the values
change. See
appraisal example report. AND our Appraisal
Services.
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