AGS different than AGSL?

[Jennifer2828]

Hi All,

I have come across references to both AGS and AGSL who appear to be different organizations, but I am not sure. Can someone confirm? They have different websites and different lookign reports.

AGS: www.americangemsociety.org

AGSL: agslab.com

Are they different, which is better or rather the one you think of when hearing "AGS"? Thanks!

 

[stone-cold11]

They are the same.

AGSL = AGS Lab.

They recently change their report format, so there are about 4 different report format out there in circulation.

 

[denverappraiser]

They are different.

AGS is a network of jewelry stores and a few others (I’m a member for example). We pay dues, subject ourselves to the AGS code of ethics etc. the purpose of AGS is to advance the cause of it’s members by promoting good practices in jewelry. AGS does not issue gemological reports.

AGSL is a gemological laboratory. They issue reports on diamonds. ALL diamond reports that you have seen have been issued by AGSL regardless of format.

AGS is a non-profit organization. AGSL is a for-profit entity owned 51% by AGS and the balance by private individuals and companies, most of whom are AGS members and member firms.

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

 

[Lynn B]

Date: 11/13/2009 7:07:38 PM
Author: denverappraiser
They are different.

AGS is a network of jewelry stores and a few others (I’m a member for example). We pay dues, subject ourselves to the AGS code of ethics etc. the purpose of AGS is to advance the cause of it’s members by promoting good practices in jewelry. AGS does not issue gemological reports.

AGSL is a gemological laboratory. They issue reports on diamonds. ALL diamond reports that you have seen have been issued by AGSL regardless of format.

AGS is a non-profit organization. AGSL is a for-profit entity owned 51% by AGS and the balance by private individuals and companies, most of whom are AGS members and member firms.

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

Interesting. Thanks Neil!

So is it incorrect, then, when describing a specific stone, to refer to it as an "AGS-0"? (I do this a lot!

)
Is the correct term rather "AGSL-0"?

 

[denverappraiser]

Date: 11/13/2009 9:55:15 PM
Author: Lynn B

Date: 11/13/2009 7:07:38 PM

Author: denverappraiser

They are different.


AGS is a network of jewelry stores and a few others (I’m a member for example). We pay dues, subject ourselves to the AGS code of ethics etc. the purpose of AGS is to advance the cause of it’s members by promoting good practices in jewelry. AGS does not issue gemological reports.


AGSL is a gemological laboratory. They issue reports on diamonds. ALL diamond reports that you have seen have been issued by AGSL regardless of format.


AGS is a non-profit organization. AGSL is a for-profit entity owned 51% by AGS and the balance by private individuals and companies, most of whom are AGS members and member firms.


Neil Beaty

GG(GIA) ICGA(AGS) NAJA

Professional Appraisals in Denver

Interesting. Thanks Neil!


So is it incorrect, then, when describing a specific stone, to refer to it as an ''AGS-0''? (I do this a lot!

)

Is the correct term rather ''AGSL-0''?

AGS-0 is correct. The 0-10 grading scale is owned by AGS. AGSL is a lab that is authorized to use it but any AGS titleholder, which includes basically every AGS member, is authorized to use it if they wish. In practice lots of people use it (mostly incorrectly) but only AGS titleholders are authorized to do so by AGS.


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

 

[Lorelei]

Date: 11/13/2009 7:07:38 PM
Author: denverappraiser
They are different.

AGS is a network of jewelry stores and a few others (I’m a member for example). We pay dues, subject ourselves to the AGS code of ethics etc. the purpose of AGS is to advance the cause of it’s members by promoting good practices in jewelry. AGS does not issue gemological reports.

AGSL is a gemological laboratory. They issue reports on diamonds. ALL diamond reports that you have seen have been issued by AGSL regardless of format.

AGS is a non-profit organization. AGSL is a for-profit entity owned 51% by AGS and the balance by private individuals and companies, most of whom are AGS members and member firms.

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

Thanks for the excellent explanation Neil.

 

[Lorelei]

Date: 11/13/2009 11:27:23 PM
Author: denverappraiser

Date: 11/13/2009 9:55:15 PM
Author: Lynn B

Date: 11/13/2009 7:07:38 PM

Author: denverappraiser

They are different.


AGS is a network of jewelry stores and a few others (I’m a member for example). We pay dues, subject ourselves to the AGS code of ethics etc. the purpose of AGS is to advance the cause of it’s members by promoting good practices in jewelry. AGS does not issue gemological reports.


AGSL is a gemological laboratory. They issue reports on diamonds. ALL diamond reports that you have seen have been issued by AGSL regardless of format.


AGS is a non-profit organization. AGSL is a for-profit entity owned 51% by AGS and the balance by private individuals and companies, most of whom are AGS members and member firms.


Neil Beaty

GG(GIA) ICGA(AGS) NAJA

Professional Appraisals in Denver

Interesting. Thanks Neil!


So is it incorrect, then, when describing a specific stone, to refer to it as an ''AGS-0''? (I do this a lot!

)

Is the correct term rather ''AGSL-0''?

AGS-0 is correct. The 0-10 grading scale is owned by AGS. AGSL is a lab that is authorized to use it but any AGS titleholder, which includes basically every AGS member, is authorized to use it if they wish. In practice lots of people use it (mostly incorrectly) but only AGS titleholders are authorized to do so by AGS.


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

Good to know.