Suggestions for Diamond Appraisers/Buyers--NYC (Hope: 2015, live in, prices)

[elchevere]

Greetings:

Have some diamonds that I need appraised and/or might sell if I get the right price. Can you name me a couple of reputable places (I trust on 47th Street??) I might go to....any caveats or recommendations (i.e. diamonds do not leave my sight) are appreciated as well.

I live in California and might bring the diamonds back with me for the same objective at some point or for a comparison...any suggestions on getting through the TSA line at JFK--i.e. would you be comfortable putting your carry on bag through the x-ray machine and hoping you do not get delayed by someone in front of you, thus leaving your bag exposed?....can I request a private screening in a back room and declare what I am carrying??

Thanks

[BrightRabbit]

Scroll down and see the suggestions in the first Comment, below the article.
The NYC Diamond District - How to Avoid the Shopper's Trap

Main point of their suggestion is: only get appraisals at a place that has nothing to do with sales. They list a few in the first comment.

[elchevere]

I trust an appraisal by a reputable agency noted in the comments section is a necessary first step before trying to sell my diamonds? ...47th Street seems "sketchy" according to the article. I travel a lot on business--might there be other cities or places where I might sell for top dollar (or at least not get ripped off??)...thanks for your help.

[Febtober]

Check out Gemlab on (surprise) 47th street. They purely do appraisals, no selling. If I remember correctly, they charge $75 per carat or somewhere thereabouts.

And yes, you can go through the TSA line just fine with it. Just open the box when your stuff comes out on the other end of the x-ray machine to verify its there, or unless you're carrying around the Hope Diamond, just leave the stone in your pocket as you walk through.

I'd also definitely make sure its insured before I travel with it.

might there be other cities or places where I might sell for top dollar

There may be small market fluctuations from city to city, but by and large the prices you'll be offered for your diamond are going to be fairly uniform. I'm sure you're aware that you'll get a fraction of whatever the jeweler is going to turn around and sell it for. Do you have a GIA certificate for it? If not, get one, or be prepared to be offered peanuts.