Shipping your diamond to receive a quote is an ill-advised practice. It can be difficult to protect the stone from damage during transit, and it leaves you at the mercy of a faceless entity as far as trustworthiness and expertise are concerned.
At Austin Diamond Buyer, our transparent process allows customers to make well-informed decisions about their diamonds without ever having to worry about putting them in harm’s way. Our team of certified gemologists is available to answer any questions and provide professional advice, giving you peace of mind that you’re making the right choice for your diamond.
With our Austin-based office, you can also meet with us in person to discuss your diamond needs. There’s no need to take risks by shipping your diamond elsewhere – contact us today and let us show you why making an informed decision when it comes to diamonds is the right choice.
Don’t Make the Mistake of Shipping Your Diamond Without Protection
You may have seen online ads or TV commercials for companies that offer to buy your engagement ring or gold jewelry by providing a quote without ever seeing it in person. While this might sound ideal at first glance, these companies are asking you to take a significant risk by shipping your valuable item to them without knowing what they will offer in return. If the package containing your diamond or engagement ring is lost or damaged during delivery, you may not be able to recover your precious item, even if the company claims to have a policy in place.
Shipping your diamond for evaluation may seem like a convenient option, but it comes with hidden costs—both financial and emotional. Mishandling during transit, potential fraud, or underwhelming offers can all lead to disappointment. Diamonds and gold are highly valuable items that require extra caution, and trusting them to a third party without proper precautions puts their safety at risk.
In this blog post, we will discuss why shipping your engagement ring or diamond for a quote can be risky, highlight the importance of choosing safe and secure alternatives, and offer advice on how to get a fair evaluation without jeopardizing your precious package.
Risks Involved in Shipping Your Diamond
The most obvious risk when shipping your diamond is the possibility of it getting lost or stolen in transit. Once a diamond is mailed, there is no guarantee that the recipient will receive it and you could be left without your diamond and without any insurance coverage to compensate you for the loss.
Even if your diamond does make it to its destination safely, there is always a risk of damage during transit. Diamonds are delicate and require special handling, so any rough or improper handling of your diamond can easily lead to chipping or cracking.
Insurance coverage is also an important factor to consider when shipping a diamond. Most carriers will not insure diamonds for their full value, leaving you with only minimal coverage if anything were to happen during the shipping process.
Additionally, you could be at risk of fraudulent behavior if you are not careful in selecting a valuator or shipping company. Unscrupulous parties may try to take advantage of the situation and scam you out of your diamond or its value.
Alternatives to Shipping Your Diamond for Assessment
The safest and most reliable way to get your diamond evaluated is to do it in person with a trusted jewelry buyer. This eliminates the risk of loss or damage during transit and allows for a hands-on evaluation by an experienced professional.
Another option is to get a virtual assessment through photos or videos of your diamond. This allows you to have an expert examine your diamond from a distance and is a convenient option if you do not have access to an in-person jewelry buyer.
If you already have a diamond grading report from a reputable lab such as GIA or AGS, then that should be sufficient for the purposes of evaluation. Many jewelry buyers, including Austin Diamond Buyer, accept grading reports from these labs in lieu of an actual evaluation.
It is also recommended to seek out multiple assessments if possible and compare the results for accuracy. This will help you get the most accurate evaluation and can help protect you from potential fraud or manipulation.
Tips for Finding a Reputable Jewelry Evaluator
Do your research and read reviews of the jewelry buyer or evaluator in question, paying special attention to those from trusted sources such as the Better Business Bureau.
Ask for references from past customers, so you can get an idea of what their experience was like working with the evaluator.
Always ask for an assessment certificate or report after the assessment is done and make sure it includes all relevant information about the diamond, such as its cut, color, clarity, carat weight, and any other details that were noted during the evaluation process.
Finally, make sure that the jewelry buyer or assessor is insured and certified, to ensure you are getting an accurate and reliable evaluation.
FAQs About Shipping Your Diamond To Get A Quote
Is it safe to ship my diamond for a quote?
No, it is not safe to ship your diamond for a quote. The risks of shipping diamonds are too great. We recommend that you come to our store and get an in-person evaluation by one of our certified gemologists who can accurately assess the value of your diamond and make you an offer on the spot.
What are the risks of shipping my diamond?
There are many risks associated with sending your diamond for a quote, including theft, mishandling, and accidental damage. Additionally, it may be difficult to obtain insurance to cover any potential losses in transit. When you come to our store, you can rest assured that your diamond will be kept safe and secure.
What happens if I don’t feel comfortable coming into the store?
We understand that some of our customers might not feel comfortable visiting our store. In this case, we offer virtual assessments over video chat. During the call, one of our certified gemologists will be able to assess your diamond and make you an offer. With this option, you get all the safety and security of coming into the store without having to leave your home.
Can I trust M.I. Trading with my diamond?
Absolutely! We are an established business with over 10 years of experience in the diamond-buying industry. We have a commitment to providing our customers with the highest level of satisfaction and professionalism, so you can rest assured that your diamond will be handled with care at all times.
How long does it take to receive an offer?
Once we have assessed your diamond in-store or during a virtual evaluation, we aim to make an offer within 24 hours.
What methods of payment do you accept?
We accept cash, checks, and wire transfers. We are also able to provide funds via PayPal or Venmo if preferred.
Does M.I. Trading offer a guarantee on the offer it makes?
Yes, we offer a 100% satisfaction guarantee on our offers. If you are not completely satisfied with the offer you receive from us, we will refund you the full amount.
What if I change my mind after accepting an offer?
We understand that it can be difficult to make a decision about selling your diamond. If you change your mind after accepting an offer from us, simply let us know and we will cancel the transaction with no penalty.
At M.I. Trading, we want to ensure that you get the best price for your diamond in a safe and secure manner. Our experienced professionals are available to provide you with an accurate assessment of your diamond and make you an offer on the spot. Contact us today to find out more about our services and get the best value for your diamond.
Looking to sell your diamond but don’t know where to start?
You’ve probably heard tales of people sending their diamonds away in the mail, only for them to never end up seeing any money or hearing from the buyer. This can be avoided by selling directly with a reputable local buyer with decades of experience who has served countless customers. At Austin Diamond Buyer we make sure you get a fair price and have a hassle-free experience.
Our team is composed of highly trained gemologists who are experts in diamond valuation and recognize the true worth of your jewelry. We pledge to never take advantage of our customers, but instead, offer them exceptional customer service every step along their journey. With us, you can rest assured that all questions will be promptly answered so that you can feel secure throughout the entire process.
Conclusion
Shipping your diamond to get a quote may seem like an easy way to get an evaluation, but it can also pose serious risks to the safety of your diamond and leave you open to potential fraud. It is always best to seek out alternatives such as an in-person or virtual evaluation through photos or videos. Additionally, it is important that you do your research and select a reputable jewelry buyer who is certified and insured. By following these tips, you can be sure that you are getting an accurate evaluation of your diamond without risking its safety.
M.I. Trading is a trusted and experienced jewelry buyer that specializes in diamond evaluations and purchases. We offer free in-person evaluation for diamonds of any size, as well as virtual assessments for those who cannot make it to the store. Additionally, we accept grading reports from reputable labs such as GIA and AGS. To learn more about M.I. Trading, visit our website at austindiamondbuyer.com or call (512) 817-1582 to speak with a representative today.