What is a diamond appraisal?

What is a diamond appraisal?

The diamond appraisal is a document that contains the key characteristics of a diamond, like carat, color, clarity and cut. But also the measurements of the diamond. For example the quality of the diamond cut. It tells whether the diamond has an ideal cut, or if the cut is too wide or too steep. But it also tells us something about the setting. When the diamond is in a setting, like a ring or a pendant for example. In that case, the appraisal also holds the characteristics of the combination of the setting and the diamond. It describes the weight, purity and style of the ring, pendant, earrings, or another diamond jewel. In other words, the appraisal is a document that is like a diamond’s passport. Every bit of information, you can find in here.

Why do I need a diamond appraisal?

The main purpose of a diamond appraisal is to establish the value of the diamond (with or without the setting). For example for jewelry insurance purposes. Let’s say you want to insure your diamond piece, or reimburse when it was stolen or destroyed. In most cases, your insurance company will ask for an appraisal. In the appraisal, you find the diamond’s value based on current market prices. This means the value can be higher than what you actually paid for the diamond. In contrast to a diamond certificate, not every diamond or diamond jewel gets a diamond appraisal. Not every jeweler is allowed to provide a valid appraisal. We usually provide it only for very specific pieces. But if you want a complementary diamond appraisal with your purchase, we arrange it for you.

The difference between an appraisal and a diamond certificate

An appraisal and diamond certificate share a couple of similarities. In simple terms: diamond certification is the equivalent of a car title. A car title contains important information about the car such as the make, model and year. As well as unique information, like the VIN number. A diamond certification, or grading report, includes characteristics of the diamond. Features like carat, color, clarity and cut and internal characteristics or inclusions. It also officially confirms that the gemstone is indeed a diamond. The diamond certificate shows it if the diamond in question has undergone any enhancement. Like making the color or clarity of the diamond more beautiful, laser drilling, fracture filling and irradiation. Unlike the diamond appraisal, the diamond grading report never lists the value of the diamond.

The characteristics on an appraisal

Both diamond appraisals and certificates include the 4 C’s. However, with an appraisal, this data is specifically for obtaining the monetary value of the diamond. The following things are included in a jewelry or diamond appraisal:

• Certificate number
• Invoice number, as proof of purchase
• Date
• Name of the purchaser
• Address
• Article number
• Description: the vendor writes down an as detailed as possible description of the diamond and/or jewel
• Weight of the diamond(s)
• Color grade: the color of a diamond rates from D to Z, with Z denoting the deepest (yellow) color
• Clarity grade: the type of clarity and – if possible – a detailed description of the amount of impurities and the type of imperfections
• Cut: diamond shape and – if possible – the quality of that shape, varying from “Ideal” to “Poor”
• Retail value, including the currency
• Appraised by

The last one is important because that way, the insurance company or potential buyers know the diamond comes from a trustworthy organization.

How do I get an appraisal?

Not every diamond company or jeweler issues an appraisal. This is a shame, because, especially for the larger purchases, it can come in very handy. We understand the importance of the jewelry and/or diamond appraisal. That is why we can always make one for you. When you purchase(d) your diamonds here, we issue an appraisal for free. But we can also provide appraisals for diamonds and jewelry that you bought somewhere else. However, since we need to evaluate the diamonds properly, we request a small fee (between €50 and €150) for it.

Steps for appraising a diamond

Whether it is for our diamonds or stones from somewhere else, making an appraisal starts with the gemologist:

1. 1. First, he or she needs to clean the diamond(s). When the diamond is perfectly clear, he can start his examination.
   2. The gemologist looks for imperfections. Some are quite large and you can see them with the naked eye. But others are more hidden. With a microscope, the gemologist is sure to find each and every one of them.
   3. After the inclusions, he or she looks for the engraving. Every diamond has its own serial number engraved in it. You can only find it with a 20x magnifying glass or microscope.
   4. With a daylight lamp and a special white cardboard, the gemologist determines the diamond’s color. “White” diamonds are more easily graded than colored diamonds.
   5. The gemologist uses a very precise scale to weigh the diamond. As you know, we express a diamond’s weight in carats. For loose stones, weighing is relatively easy. However, when the diamond is set, the gemologist uses a “leveridge” as a counterweight.
   6. After this, it is important that the gemologist assesses the cut and the quality of this cut. Was it done properly, or are there any deficiencies?
   7. The next step is determining the fluorescence. Fluorescence occurs when a diamond contains gas. A high amount of gas can seriously decrease a diamond’s value.

Do you want to make sure your diamond jewelry comes with an appraisal? Just ask one of our diamond consultants for the possibilities when you purchase one of our stunning diamond pieces.