Frequently Asked Questions

Question: Should I be concerned about sending my diamond to Ralph Mueller and Associates

Answer: For over 30 years Ralph Mueller and Associates has been an importer and wholesaler of diamonds and fine colored stones. We believe in the old fashion values of trust, honesty, and integrity. We are members of the Better Business Bureau with an impeccable history and have hundreds of references from satisfied customers. We also have a flawless reputation in the diamond and jewelry trade. We are also members of the Jewelers Board of Trade, Polygon, and MJSA.

Question: Why should I sell my diamond to Ralph Mueller and Associates?

Answer: We are the experts. Between our two gemologist we have over 60 years of experiences and a complete gemological laboratory. Every day we evaluate hundreds of diamonds for cut, clarity, and color. We study the diamond for potential to improve the cut and also clarity by recutting with an expert diamond cutter. We can pay you TOP dollar because we can maximize the value of your diamond and then sell it amongst our network of WORLDWIDE diamond buyers.

Question: What is a certified diamond?

Answer: Diamonds are often submitted to an independent laboratory to be graded. The lab generates a report based on the inspection that includes the weight of the diamond, the measurements, color, clarity, and information regarding the proportions, polish, and symmetry. The most recognized laboratories are the Gemological Institute of America, American Gemological Society, International Gemological Institute, European Gemological Institute, and HRD Antwerp. If your diamond does have a grading report simply scan and send to us via email or fax it to 480-990-9076 and we will give you a price range we would be willing to pay based on inspection.

Question: Do you only buy certified diamonds?

Answer: No, we are highly trained gemologists and can determine all of the details needed to make a firm offer once we inspect your diamond. If you have an appraisal or other detailed information these are also helpful in determining a range of value. (Note: Appraisals are one individuals OPINION, it is not uncommon for us to see appraisals that are no accurate. For that reason we must inspect the item before makeing a CASH OFFER. Once our offer is accepted we will send a bank wire or overnight a check to you.

Question: Is there a charge for evaluating my diamond?

Answer: No, all of our evaluations are free of charge and there is absolutely no obligation to sell.

Question: What size and shape of diamonds do you buy?

Answer: We buy primarily 1 carat and larger diamonds, however, we will consider individual stones as small as 1/2 carat if they are better quality. NO DIAMOND IS TOO LARGE.

Question: Do you buy anything other than diamonds?

Answer: Yes, we also buy fine quality colored gemstones such as Sapphire, Ruby, Emerald, Tanzanite, Alexandrite, and other unique stones. We also buy finished jewelry, watches, and signed pieces such as Tiffany, Cartier, Van Cleef and Arpels, David Webb, and Boucheron.

Question: Can I get a bid over the phone or online?

Answer: We can give you a price range that we would most likely be offering. The more detail you can provide the more accurate our bid will be. Keep in mind there are factors in determining value such as carat weight, clarity, color, cut, shape, and fluorescence.

Question: I am out of state and I am nervous about shipping my diamond ring. What assurances do I have that my ring will arrive safely and will not be switched on arrival?

Answer: We can offer several shipping solutions. The easiest is Registered US Mail. You can insure for up to $25,000, this is the most commonly used method in the jewelry industry. In 30 years we have never had a Registered package go missing. The second option is through Fedex. We can provide instructions and a shipping label to have your ring sent to us overnight. These packages may be insured for up to $50,000. Once we receive your package it will be taken to a secure area where two employees will open the package under video survellance. Your ring will then be inspected and we will contact you immediately with a firm CASH offer!