AGS I is that a GIA J color?

[arbd]

Is there a difference in AGS and GIA color?
I heard that AGS is much more lenient and their I color can be similar to a GIA J color?
Is this why their is a price difference between AGS and GIA stones?

 

[EFADiamonds]

American Gemological Society is actually a rather reputable certificate like the GIA. The exact specifics between AGS V. GIA on their grading I am less aware of but they are both highly regarded in the trade for their accuracy. GIA is the largest gemological laboratory and therefore might just charge more for their certificates. I always recommend a GIA certified diamond because they have such a strong presence and history in the trade, but if you like the stone and the price is right, there is nothing wrong with a AGS certified stone.

 

[RockyRacoon]

Is there a difference in AGS and GIA color?
I heard that AGS is much more lenient and their I color can be similar to a GIA J color?
Is this why their is a price difference between AGS and GIA stones?

There is no empirical evidence that AGS/GIA color grading differs drastically.

AGS stones trade at a premium vs. GIA stones, so this is not a possible reason for a GIA stone to be priced higher than a comparable AGS stone.

 

[WinkHPD]

The reason that AGS graded diamonds trade at a premium to GIA graded diamonds is because the GIA cut grading system is a joke.

Sadly, the trade accepts this system because it is in their benefit to do so. It allows them to keep weight that should be polished off to have an incredible diamond and thus to put more dollars in their pockets for producing merely pretty diamonds.

Both labs are very accurate in their overall grading of color and clarity and people who see thousands of stones per month, like Paul Slegers of Crafted by Infinity have stated this to be their experience. In cut grading however, AGS left GIA in the dust many years ago and thus commands a 3% to 5% premium over GIA graded diamonds. (This is the premium stated by Martin Rapaport at an educational session at the JCK show two years ago. The exact number may have changed by now.)

As far as accuracy goes, GIA now employs over 1,000 diamond graders around the world. I suspect that they are having more problems with consistency than we would really like to think about.

Wink

 

[MarionC]

there is nothing wrong with a AGS certified stone.

indeed!

 

[bunnycat]

rock on- Wink-

The reason that AGS graded diamonds trade at a premium to GIA graded diamonds is because the GIA cut grading system is a joke.

Sadly, the trade accepts this system because it is in their benefit to do so. It allows them to keep weight that should be polished off to have an incredible diamond and thus to put more dollars in their pockets for producing merely pretty diamonds.

Both labs are very accurate in their overall grading of color and clarity and people who see thousands of stones per month, like Paul Slegers of Crafted by Infinity have stated this to be their experience. In cut grading however, AGS left GIA in the dust many years ago and thus commands a 3% to 5% premium over GIA graded diamonds. (This is the premium stated by Martin Rapaport at an educational session at the JCK show two years ago. The exact number may have changed by now.)

As far as accuracy goes, GIA now employs over 1,000 diamond graders around the world. I suspect that they are having more problems with consistency than we would really like to think about.

Wink