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GIA Or AGS Graded Diamonds? Take Both.
Recently on various diamond forums I see certain diamond experts getting their pants up in a bunch with all kinds of lengthy polemics even Albert Einstein wouldn't understand as to which diamond grading lab is considered to be the end all and be all. The two labs in question are the GIA and AGS. Certain flaws on the part of both labs are pointed out to support an argument one way over the other. What everyone agrees on however, is that both of these labs are the top two diamond laboratories in the world. Any loose diamond accompanied by a grading report from one of these labs is your assurance of only the highest and strictes standards for diamond grading.
In reality, it really doesn't have to be made so difficult. We're not talking rocket science.
Here is a rather simple break down:
Every loose diamond that you are considering for your purchase should be accompanied by a grading report (or diamond certificate) from an Independent grading laboratory whose job it is to ensure that you are getting what you paid for.
Many labs are incompetent. Other "labs" are really some guy in the back of the diamond store printing out cards with arbitrary grades given to each diamond. Usually these diamond color, diamond clarity, and diamond cut designations has you paying more for considerably less.
The strictest and most respected diamond grading labs in the world are the Gemological Institute of America and the American Gemological Society.
There is however one key difference between these two labs.
GIA until recently did not issue a diamond "cut grade" while AGS has been issuing cut grades for diamonds going back quite some time.
The coveted GIA certifed diamond has always been the GIA EX/EX or Excellent/Excellent for diamond polish and symmetry.
The coveted AGS certified diamond has always been the AGS-0 (or AGS-000) indicating ideal cut diamond proportions for all measurements.
As to the question of which lab is better? The answer is they are both excellent.
A loose diamond graded by the GIA or AGS is more valuable then any other "certified" diamond of dubious distinction. You are assured that a loose diamond graded by any one of these labs is exactly as described.
An AGS-0 loose diamond or a GIA certified EX/EX diamond will BOTH be visually beautiful and brilliant to the eye. Ultimately this is what really matters to the customer. All of the other nitty gritty permutations and considerations are moot.
Finally, for those who would like to know how a loose diamond measures up on both the AGS and GIA scale, there is a simple solution; get both.
I'm not suggesting here that a customer ask for two diamond certificates, that is ridiculous and unwarranted.
What I am suggesting however is that you can get a GIA certified EX/EX diamond and also ask for a sarin, or MegaScope analysis of your diamond which will give you an indication of the AGS score for the stone. You will see clearly whether the diamond in question qualifies as a true AGS-0 or not.
There are many diamond companies and websites that offer all of this comprehensive information up-front to their customers without you having to ask for it. It is always advisable to seek out a company the provides this level of data and full disclosure on all of their loose diamonds.
Thus, you can have your cake and eat it too!
For more information on the actual cut parameters and differences between the AGS and GIA models, here is an excellent link.
Comments
Hi Judah,
I'm a consumer and need more info.
What's your comment on IGI cert then?
Posted by: Eclair G on March 12, 2007 10:26 AM
Eclair,
IGI is certainly a better report than not having one in the first place.
However, it is very far removed from a GIA or AGS report in terms of the stringency and accuracy of its grading.
For this reason, it is also a far less valuable report.
Simply out, it does not inspire the same amount of confidence as a GIA or AGS report.
When you make a purchase of this magnitude, confidence is a crucial part of your shopping experience.
You need to know that you are getting EXACTLY what you paid for.
Kind Regards.
Posted by: Judah on March 12, 2007 10:45 AM
Hi Judah,
Thx for the info.
How much difference is the price of the same diamond certified by IGI & GIA?
Posted by: Eclair G on March 13, 2007 8:15 AM
Eclair,
No such thing.
Price is determined by the relationship between what the vendor wishes to charge and what the consumer is willing to pay.
An IGI certified diamond as compared with a GIA certified diamond is a less valuable certification/diamond, assuming all other variables are equal.
Regards,
Judah
Posted by: Judah on March 13, 2007 10:21 AM