When consumers are shopping for diamonds they will often be met with terms such
as AGS diamond grading report or GIA diamond grading report in the midst of
their gemstone browsing. These reports are ones which are issued by two of the
more popular diamond grading laboratories, American Gem Society (AGS) and the
Gemological Institute of America (GIA). These types of reports are requested by
the jewelers in order to provide information regarding the type of diamond they
are selling to the public. It is important to consider the characteristics of
both diamond grading laboratories to determine if one is better than the other.
What Does the AGS Diamond Grading Report Contain?
The
staff members at AGS laboratories review each and every diamond which comes
their way and then institute a detailed report stating various characteristics
of the stone. The chart which one receives from AGS will show items such as
measurements, shape, style, cut, clarity, color, carat and dimensions. There is
also a section on the grading report where additional comments relating to the
diamond can be listed. The document lays out the basic details in a concise and
forthright manner.
Differences Between AGS and GIA Reports
Some may wonder how the AGS reports differ from the GIA reports
which are issued on these beautiful and brilliant stones. By reviewing the two
types of reports, one can see that each contains some of the same
characteristics as the other such as the 4 C's and dimensions. As for the
differences, the GIA reports seems to be a bit more detailed in nature and
provides the diamond owner with the exact scale pertaining to color and clarity.
Both of these diamond grading reports allow the grader to include any additional
comments which they may find pertinent to the overall review of the gemstone.
Are AGS or GIA Reports Better?
In the end, many may wish
to know if an AGS diamond grading report or a GIA diamond grading report is the
better one to choose. This is a tough question to answer as both laboratories
meticulously scrutinize the diamonds and check for items which would be
important to both the jeweler who submitted the diamond for review and the
consumer who will ultimately purchase the piece of jewelry. It may matter to
some how long each laboratory has been involved with this type of business. For
example, the GIA has been involved with these luxurious gemstones since their
inception in 1931 whereas the AGS is a recent newcomer to the diamond review
business having only been around since 1996. Although years of experience should
only be one factor to consider in the grand scheme of things, it is something
which should be looked at when choosing a diamond grading report which works
best for an individual.
Ultimately, the choice of having a diamond
reviewed by the AGS or GIA is one which must be left up to the diamond owner. A
good tip for determining the best grading report system to use is to review
samples of the grading document by both the AGS and GIA and see which is easiest
to understand, most encompassing and highly detailed. Another thing which may
help make the decision easier is to review the techniques of the laboratory and
see which one produces the most thorough review.
James Greene is a Graduate Gemologist and Master Gemologist Appraiser. James has been in the diamond, jewelry, and appraising business for over 25 years and specializes in Insurance and estate appraisals. http://www.diamondmarketwatch.com
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