AGS-GIA-Self Cert. Versus Performance

[corbin801]

Just a newbie here, looking to grab the best possible diamond for his soon to be Fiance. From what I''ve learned, I''m going for best cut as possible. Somewhere around a 1.5-1.8 c, G/H/I color, AGS-0(?), SI1/VS2 (It all depends on what the diamond says to me when I see it.). I want something I can be proud of and will turn heads when she walks into a room. That being said.

Does it matter what a diamonds cut grade is, as long as it performs well enough for your standards? A GIA-EX may not have the same strict guidliness as a AGS-0, but who is to say which one will perform better than the other. Wouldn''t it make more sense to shuffle through a varity of certifications, as long as the Ideal Scope indicates good performance?

It seems to me that AGS-0 grade only makes it easier to narrow down the best performers, but adds cost while doing so. This is also assuming you or someone you trust can get eyes on the diamond before buying.

 

[Dreamer_D]

You are right about your thinking. The best deals are to be found with diamonds that did not make the cut for AGS0 or GIAEX because of good/verygood symmetry or polish. The naked eye cannot discriminate between grades of Good and above, so finding a diamond that has perfect proportions and very good polish, for example, can save you some money.

Start by running the angles through the HCA then pick the ones that score less than 2. You can evaluate those either with your naked eye or with an IS if you have access to one. Buy yourself one if you are buying in person, they cost about $25.

 

[yssie]

If you''re not looking specifically for H&A - ditto, your ideas are spot on. The H&A brands and the AGS0 grade command premiums that you can avoid by looking for AGSs that were marked down for polish/sym like dd said, or GIA VGs that have slightly steeper crowns and shallower pavilions (there are some combinations that are GIA VG but would be AGS0).

 

[Lorelei]

Date: 1/24/2010 9:48:00 PM
Author:corbin801
Just a newbie here, looking to grab the best possible diamond for his soon to be Fiance. From what I've learned, I'm going for best cut as possible. Somewhere around a 1.5-1.8 c, G/H/I color, AGS-0(?), SI1/VS2 (It all depends on what the diamond says to me when I see it.). I want something I can be proud of and will turn heads when she walks into a room. That being said.

Does it matter what a diamonds cut grade is, as long as it performs well enough for your standards? A GIA-EX may not have the same strict guidliness as a AGS-0, but who is to say which one will perform better than the other. Wouldn't it make more sense to shuffle through a varity of certifications, as long as the Ideal Scope indicates good performance?

It seems to me that AGS-0 grade only makes it easier to narrow down the best performers, but adds cost while doing so. This is also assuming you or someone you trust can get eyes on the diamond before buying.

Hi Corbin and welcome!

The ladies offer good advice! Some prefer AGS0 cut grade but GIA Excellent can still include some superb stones so no, it doesn't matter what a cut grade is as long as when buying online, images show top light return. Yes, AGS0 can carry a premium and yes it does help narrow down the best performers but still make sure you can get images to evaluate each one. There are occasions where you can find AGS0 with definite leakage, and sometimes borderline stones due to cutters trying to game the system to get the AGS0 grade, it doesn't always work that well.