AGS Certification number

[Lal]

Hi there,

I just got my ring appraised yesterday and the appraiser couldn''t find the AGS certification number on the girdle. We''re not sure if it is hidden underneath a prong at the moment, but she mentioned that it is possible that it isn''t engraved on the girdle. I always thought that ALL AGS certified diamonds had the number engraved in the girdle but the appraiser mentioned that AGS no longer needs to do these engravings as of May 03.

Is this true?

 

[oldminer]

I always thought the inscription was an extra cost item. I understand that AGS had a laser problem that made them not inscribe some items recently, too.

 

[niceice]

Ask the seller if the diamond was inscribed. If the diamond was inscribed by the AGS then the inscription will be indicated under the "comments" section of the lab report in the lower left hand section of the lab report. Not all AGS graded diamonds are inscribed with the lab report number. If the AGS inscribed the diamond or if the inscription was present at the time the diamond was graded, then it should be referenced on the lab report. If the diamond was inscribed after the diamond was graded, then it will not appear on the lab report...

The AGS still provides inscription services, however they are waiting for a new machine to arrive. As we understand it, the core on their previous machine took a dump and the entire machine needs to be replaced. OUCH - that's got to hurt!

 

[Lal]

I spoke with the vendor and I thought I'd report back my findings. Apparently, AGS inscription service is indeed an extra cost item and not very many diamonds actually do get inscribed. Before pricescope, when we were shopping at a local jeweller, I remember the local jeweller telling us that the benefit of buying an AGS stone was the automatic laser inscription.

I'm still learning

 

[niceice]

----------------
On 4/28/2004 1:49:02 PM Lal wrote:


I'm still learning

----------------

It's a curve... Pun intended

 

[10X]

We were contacted by the director of operations of the AGS Lab this morning, and their laser inscription machine is back up and running. (Thank Goodness!!)

On a seperate note the laser inscription is not automatic and is indeed an extra cost item.

 

[10X]

Getting back to the original problem of not being able to find the inscription, assuming of course that the diamond was indeed inscribed. Sometimes the graphite (burned carbon deposit caused by the laser in the inscription) which gives the inscription its "black writing" look can be washed away in the course of normal jewelry setting. The combination of polishing compound (used to finish the piece), ultrasound and professional steam cleaning can remove the black graphite. What is left behind is a white on white etching which can be harder to find, especially if you are not looking for it.

Here is a picture of the laser inscription with the graphite still present.

 

[10X]

Here is a picture after the graphite has been removed by cleaning.