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AGS

June 24, 2010 | Updated Nov 14, 2010 14:28 by JoeDiamond

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The American Gem Society (AGS) established its diamond grading laboratory services in 1996 and have since been esteemed for their rigid grading techniques and uncompromising standards. The AGS Laboratories (AGSL) offer several state-of-the-art services, the most prominent of which is the Diamond Quality® Document, or DQD. Although AGSL offers only diamond evaluations at this time, they are hoping to expand their field to include colored gemstones in the near future.  AGSL is a trade-industry testing laboratory, meaning that it only evaluates loose diamonds submitted by diamond jewelers or professional manufacturers.  Consumers who would like their private diamonds evaluated by the AGSL should find an American Gem Society jeweler to submit their stone.

Diamond Quality® Document

Every diamond submitted to AGSL analysis is evaluated by a minimum of two certified diamond graders.  In the aim to increase customer awareness and understanding, AGSL has developed a unique proprietary grading scale that ranks all diamond properties on a scale from 0 to 10. AGSL believes this system makes it easier to understand the diamond analysis. Each AGSL grading report includes a thorough ledged explaining the unique AGSL nomenclature, clearly displaying the equivalent GIA ratings alongside.

The Evaluated Diamond Properties

Clarity: A diamond’s clarity is graded from 0 (Ideal) to 10 (Poor). This numeric scale is the equivalent of GIA’s VVS/VS/S ratings.

Cut: A diamond’s cut is graded according to three crucial factors, which are Finish, Proportions and Light Performance. AGSL was the first gemological laboratory to include all three of these essential factors in their cut evaluation. Each criterion is graded on a scale of 0 (Ideal) to 10 (Poor). When all three parameters are in perfect harmony, the diamond is assigned the “Triple 0”, or “Triple Ideal” grading, which is the ultimate ‘cut’ standard.  Diamonds of any shape can receive a Diamond Quality report, however, AGSL only provides a cut grade for Round Brilliants, Princess cuts, Emerald cuts and Oval cuts.

Color:  AGSL offers color grading for colorless diamonds only.  Fancy colored diamonds will not be assigned a color grade. Colorless diamonds are graded under controlled lighting conditions from the pavilion according to their color saturation properties, in the following manner:

 GradeName
GIA Equivalent
 Description
 0 Colorless D No trace of color
 0.5-1.49 Essentially Colorless
 E-F Faintest trace of color detectable only by expert diamond grader
 1.5-3.49 Near Colorless
 G-H Slight trace of color.  Color is undetectable when diamond is set in jewelry.
 3.5-4.49 Faint I-J Faint color.  Color is undetectable in smaller mounted stones.  Faint Color in larger mounted stones may be visible.
 5-7.49 Very Light
 K-R Some visible color.
 7.5-10 Light S-Z Visible color.

Security

Each Diamond Quality® Document is marked with a distinctive hologram marking in order to prevent fraudulent duplication. The AGSL reference number is clearly visible on the upper left corner of the report, and could be used to acquire further information and verification regarding your diamond’s evaluated properties.
 
 

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