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Grading The Diamond Grading Labs: Who Can You Trust?
For most of us, buying a diamond engagement ring is nerve racking as heck. We know less than nothing and break out in a cold sweat walking into a jewelry store hoping we don't get ripped off.
Some of us flee to the supposed "safety" of our friend's Uncle's Brother-in-Law who has a "connection" to someone who once tried (unsuccessfully) diamond prospecting in the Congo and can therefore offer us a "Deal".
Flying through the Bermda Triangle actually looks like a pleasant alternative.
Advice and Step #1: NEVER buy a diamond without a Diamond Grading Report.
The two most accurate, consistent, and stringent Diamond Grading labs are the GIA (Gemological Institute of America, GIA) and the AGS (American Gem Society, AGS). For those of us in the Trade, we recognize these Labs as being the best and submit our Diamond Inventory to them for grading.
There are a host of other Diamond Grading Labs with alphabet soup initials, i.e.; EGL, HRD, IGI, NGL that have been found to inflate their color and clarity ratings by 1-2 grades. What this means is that you're paying MORE MONEY for LESS DIAMOND.
Timely and informative discussion going on right now on Diamondtalk.com
