8 year old AGS Cert--Am I getting a deal?

[chaupa]

Hi everyone-

I'm engagement ring shopping. I've been to 7 stores in the last 2 weeks. Right now I have a diamond on hold but I am concerned about age of the Cert. The cert. is from 2004, which I know is prior to the change in cut grading method. I put the numbers into HCA and returned a score of 1.4--how should I feel about this, and the older cert in general? I've searched the forum already and I understand the idea of trade in diamonds. I just don't want to pay a current grade price for a diamond that isn't up to current spec. However, I should note the price seems good at 3200.

Here are the specs, which I have verified from AGS:

Report Type: Diamond Quality Document
Shape and Style: Round Brilliant
Measurements: 5.74 - 5.77 x 3.52 mm
Cut Grade:AGS Ideal 0
Polish:Ideal
Symmetry:Ideal
Proportions: Ideal
Color Grade: AGS 1.5 (G)
Clarity Grade:AGS 3 (VS1)
Carat Weight: 0.713
Fluorescence: Negligible
Comments:
Table: 57.0%
Crown Angle: 34.2
Crown Height: 14.9%
Girdle: Faceted, 0.9% to 1.7%
Pavilion Angle: 40.9
Pavilion Depth: 43.1%
Total Depth: 61.2%
Culetointed

 

[TC1987]

[URL='https://www.pricescope.com/community/threads/is-ags-getting-too-lenient-with-cut-grade.177877/']https://www.pricescope.com/community/threads/is-ags-getting-too-lenient-with-cut-grade.177877/[/URL]
^ I found that fairly recent thread that comments a bit on today's AGS grading vs. older AGS grading. I don't think it would be drastically different now. I believe most labs say that appraisers and graders can vary one grade plus or minus, and that might account for how and AGS color-whatever dropped two grades when the GIA looked at the same stone. I still trust AGS's cut grading more than GIA's.

Idealscope and ASET images are probably what you should check next, if you haven't already. For prices, you can look at comps using the Diamond Search of in-house diamonds, under Resources at the top of the page. Check the dimensions against others in the same carat weight, too.

 

[TC1987]

Here's what changed in 2008.
[URL='https://www.pricescope.com/community/threads/ags-introduces-cut-grading-on-dqr-reports.97120/']https://www.pricescope.com/community/threads/ags-introduces-cut-grading-on-dqr-reports.97120/[/URL]

There's a comment in this thread. Maybe the jeweler can get an updated report. (Which raises the question of why don't they have an updated report.) Wink and DenverAppraiser posts toward the end:
[URL='https://www.pricescope.com/community/threads/why-doesnt-ags-grade-cut.162514/']https://www.pricescope.com/community/threads/why-doesnt-ags-grade-cut.162514/[/URL]

 

[yssie]

There are two potential "issues" - one is that as you noted AGSL has since changed their cut grading system to include a ray tracing analysis, so this report isn't the prestigious DQD with light performance analysis that commands the slight premium, and the 0 cut grade is proportions-based like GIA's. The actual numbers look fine - no LGF info

Edit* slow to post and TC already addressed it, but definitely look through the links, one of AGSL's (IMO unfortunate) habits is creating tons of new reports that grade in different ways - one of the links discusses the DQR which is basically what the pre-late'04 DQD became - their proportions-based solution.

The second issue is that the report tells you about the condition of the stone at that time - it doesn't tell you anything about wear and tear since the report was issued. I'm guessing it wasn't sitting on a shelf for the last eight years, so you'll want to confirm that there are no nicks/chips/scratches from poor setting jobs/careless wear...

Good thing about diamonds is that they don't go off so if it's in good condition and it's a fair price and you like how it looks IRL then there isn't really anything else to worry about!

 

[TC1987]

http://www.briangavindiamonds.com/diamonds/diamond-details/0.716-g-vs1-round-diamond-ags-bl-104061006053
similar diameter, smaller table, G VS2, current AGS report, and $3367 wire transfer price. Brian Gavin Blue

 

[John P]

In terms of information provided, a pre-2005 AGSL report is similar to having a current GIA report with slightly fewer data points; no information on minor facets or potential indexing issues. The pre-2005 AGSL "Ideal" grade is stricter than the current GIA EX proportions range and has higher finish requirements but has the same limitations as any numbers-only report based on averages.

TC provided a terrific alternate option from a highly respected seller.

If you're committed to your current jeweler the numbers and finish grades you posted are promising. The price is good. For $100 more plus shipping your jeweler could get an updated Platinum Report from AGSL. That would give you current paperwork and address any wear-and-tear concerns. Turnaround at AGSL is 5 working days.

 

[chaupa]

Thanks for the help guys. I had an independent appraiser look at it today, she confirmed the AGS grading, said no signs from prior mounting wear and tear. Being paranoid, I called another jeweler to ask about a second appraisal and potentially sending the stone to the AGS to upgrade the cert. I felt like she was honest when I was in her shop before because she told me point blank that she couldn't match the price I had. When I called her today she said that they could do an appraisal and would be happy to, but at this point she thought I should consider relaxing and accepting that I did not get taken for a ride. She said it nicely. So I think I'm going to take her advice.