AGS Certification Question

[noob2010]

Does AGS inscribe a indentifier on their certified diamonds similar to GIA? And if so, does AGS have a "look-up" system like GIA? If not, how can tell if the diamond matches the certificate?

If I bought my stone online and had someone set it in my setting, how can I be sure it''s the same stone I bought?

Thanks everyone

 

[tonyc2387]

i think, like the GIA, laser inscription is an option... but if a diamond makes it to AGS, my guess is it's usually done. yes, you can go online to agslab.com and look up your diamond based upon cert # and weight, like GIA.

as for your last question... buying a loupe and becoming familiar with inclusions is a good way, unless you're at VS1 clarity or higher. in that case, inscription is the best way to go... although you'll usually need something a lot more powerful than 10x to see it. also, i've heard of people making written agreements with the jeweler, and that's a great thing to do. if you make it clear to the jeweler you know your diamond, the chances of you getting ripped off are much smaller...

 

[stone-cold11]

Inscription is a special request by the vendor to AGS, comes with extra cost. Not really that secure if the thief knows what he is doing as it is relatively easy to polish it off.

Report check link for AGS.
http://www.agslab.com/verify_diamond_grading_report.php

The inclusions in the diamond is their finger prints, every stone is unique, so learn how to compare the inclusions to those mark on the inclusion plot in the grading report or hire an independent appraiser to do it for you. The appraiser should also be looking at the overall piece workmanship and if the setting process is done well.

 

[Lorelei]

Date: 11/17/2009 10:54:32 AM
Author:noob2010
Does AGS inscribe a indentifier on their certified diamonds similar to GIA? And if so, does AGS have a 'look-up' system like GIA? If not, how can tell if the diamond matches the certificate?

If I bought my stone online and had someone set it in my setting, how can I be sure it's the same stone I bought?

Thanks everyone

Its best to get an appraiser to do the verification for you if you have a high clarity stone as in some cases it can be more difficult to do this yourself.

 

[noob2010]

On AGS'' website, why do they say, "The DQC will not be issued for diamonds sold over the internet."

Does that not apply to diamonds being sold over the internet that also have retail stores?

 

[Todd Gray]

Laser inscription is offered by the GIA and AGS and other gemological laboratories as an option at the time of grading. Inscriptions can be used in conjunction with the other characteristics of the diamond, e.g. diameter, depth, inclusions, etc. to help identify the diamond and I believe they are beneficial to people when trying to identify their diamond while dropping it off or picking it up from a jewelry store.

While it is true that a laser inscription can be easily removed with a diamond polishing wheel, I like to think that most thieves are not that bright and don''t think to look for an inscription on the girdle edge of a diamond... And the inscription would have to be removed by somebody in the trade with the skills and equipment to do so... Hopefully that person would have some scruples, but skeezy people exist in every type of business.

 

[stone-cold11]

Date: 11/17/2009 11:46:22 AM
Author: noob2010
On AGS'' website, why do they say, ''The DQC will not be issued for diamonds sold over the internet.''

Does that not apply to diamonds being sold over the internet that also have retail stores?

Why do you need to care about that report? Looks like it is only for vendor, not much use for consumers as it is not a detailed report.

 

[denverappraiser]

Date: 11/17/2009 11:46:22 AM
Author: noob2010
On AGS' website, why do they say, 'The DQC will not be issued for diamonds sold over the internet.'


Does that not apply to diamonds being sold over the internet that also have retail stores?

The DQC is a report that includes a signature and endorsement by a titleholder who is a local member of AGS. That titleholder is obligating themselves to the accuracy of the grading and he/she is agreeing to buy it back or pay some formula for restitution if it’s later found to be incorrect. This means that the report isn’t issued just by AGSL but rather by a collaboration between AGSL and your local jeweler. This report is only available as a supplement to the DQD or the 'platinum' report. No additional gemological information is provided.

AGS has forbidden their members to sell stones with these reports unless the deal is done in person, in an AGS member retail store, and with an AGS titleholder present. Why? The AGS retailers (some of them at least) want a document that’s special just for them to use as a sales tool in the B&M environment and AGSL has agreed to produce it for them. In practice, any jeweler who wants to can make a similar offer if they like and can back it with the same gemological lab but only AGS retail member firms selling to local clients can offer this particular format of document. Stores with both local and long distance customers aren't allowed to issue one of these unless the buyer is present for the deal although they are welcome to sell other stones or even that same stone without the pedigree to their far away clients.

Neil Beaty
GG(GIA) ICGA(AGS) NAJA
Professional Appraisals in Denver

 

[noob2010]

Date: 11/17/2009 12:13:27 PM
Author: Stone-cold11

Date: 11/17/2009 11:46:22 AM
Author: noob2010
On AGS'' website, why do they say, ''The DQC will not be issued for diamonds sold over the internet.''

Does that not apply to diamonds being sold over the internet that also have retail stores?

Why do you need to care about that report? Looks like it is only for vendor, not much use for consumers as it is not a detailed report.

I thought it was something like the GIA report or something like a certificate of authencity that we needed to keep with our diamond.