How to buy a loose diamond off ebay

i don't know if i would trust ebay with an expensive item like a diamond, if it's a reputable dealer that you know/heard of, that's one thing, but if it's joe blow with the diamond for sale and 20 action figures for sale, i don't know if i would trust it. but that's just me, the idea of having it shipped to a jeweler is a good one, but if it turns out to not be real, the odds of getting your money back are going to be slim, but if you like it, and are willing to take the risk, go for it!

 

No Way Jose!

Considering how much hype goes into a face-to-face purchase from a real "bricks & mortar" jeweler, I would NEVER buy something like a loose diamond on Ebay unless you can travel to the seller and have an expert appraisal done, while you wait.

 

A diamond is probably worth thousands of $$$$ - a plane ticket is much less.

I would forget the shipping thing. The idea that the UPS driver is going to be some sort of expert witness or guardian of the package's integrity is way off base. The UPS guy gets a signature, and that's that.

Lets say the package is opened, then the UPS guy leaves. Then during the examiniation, the jeweler says the stone isn't what the GIA cert says it is. You call the dealer, he claims your jeweler is trying to screw you, or he says the other jeweler replaced the stone with another one, etc, etc.

Unless it's a diamond with one of the laser etched micro serial numbers on it, I wouldn't do what you are thinking of doing. You are better of finding a very reputable seller and dealing with them, and verify once you get the stone that it is what they claim... and check before you buy with the seller what their return policy is and what sort of confirmation of the correct stone they will use, and go from there.

 

I would buy from Blue Nile. $1500-$2000 is not worth the risk. JMHO

 

First thing I would do is ask the seller about this.... you can obviously handle it on your end - getting it checked out, etc. I would ask him what you could/should do in order to insure that if it doesn't live up to your expectations, that he will take it back without hassle. I am not an expert in the trade, but assuming it's not flawless, then the GIA cert will show the inclusions and their location within the stone... so it would be very hard for you to return him a different stone than you got.

Of course, he could send you a different stone than the GIA cert showed, then claim that you swapped it and tried to return the bum stone to him, but that's what the reputation of the seller is all about, IMO I think that if you have it shipped directly to a reputable shop in your area - a shop that preferably he either knows about or knows the chain, or that has been around for a while, they would be more then qualified to check the stone and give you a yes/no. The shop must be reputable too so that they don't give you a BS answer on your purchase then quickly offer to sell you a stone

IMO it's all about reputation. if the eBay seller is reputable, then I'd throw your question at him/her and see what they say. I'm sure you wouldn't be the 1st to ask and if they are good they will have a very good answer to your query.

Good luck!

 

Use an escrow service.

You pay them, they keep the cash, you get the diamond, and have x days to check it's fine. Unless you say there's a problem, they'll send the money to the seller. Safest way for both parties. If the seller doesn't want to use it and you insist to pay for all escrow fees, run away

I use it everytime for more expensive items.

 

I'd never buy a diamond without inspecting it first-hand using a loupe. There are so many stones on the market and most are just plain crap.

 

If you are comfortable with your friend judging the stone, then this is the way to go!

Ship it UPS or FedEx and make sure the package value is correct (unless you specify a higher number, I believe they only insure it to $100). Also, have it shipped overnight (may as well - and it will whisk through the UPS/FedEx system quicker), and mark it 'adult signature required' (so not just anyone can sign for it and the UPS/FedEx driver will check ID).

 

Why don't you just go to your local Nordstroms store. They have great prices on loose stones, gurantee them, and have a fabulous upgrade program.

 

UPS or FedEx is the least of your worries, I would but local and become a great customer.

 

I work in the jewelry business and I agree with what many have already said. Buying a diamond on eBay is a risky business.

If I were you I would call LA Jewelry appraisers and ask them about their qualifications. Find one that is a graduate GIA student in gemology and have them set up an appointment with the officer. Appraisals usually run 50-75 dollars. If the diamond checks out, then you may be ok.

Shipping poses a whole seperate issue.

 

If the stone is engraved with a serial number matched with a genuine GIA certificate I don't think a jeweler would charge that much to verify the serial number vs. a full appraisal.

Or you can buy a cheap 20x loupe and have your friend verify it that way. I had one so I peeked at my wife's diamond. Amazing how tiny the numbers are.

I don't think too many people have access to lasers that can write a fake serial # on a diamond. IMHO, but I could be wrong.

 

What is the clarity of the stone?

Daniel

 

Nice ring and you two look like a nice couple, glad everything worked out. Back to laser marking: 1) What percentage of diamonds are laser marked? 2) Since laser marking systems are not rocket science, what keeps a crook from laser marking a diamond (That was not marked prior) with whatever markings are needed on the stone to bump it's value?

 

I just looked at my pricing and I can't get a diamond of that quality for less than 20-25,000$ retail.

You got a great deal.

Edit: That's just 2.01 carat centerstone. If it is 2.01 carats combined that changes the equation drastically.

Daniel