Differrence between IGA, AGS, GIA, etc

[richipat]

Can someone lplease explain the differrences -- I am getting confused.

 

[Lorelei]

IGI - International Gemological Institute

GIA - Gemological Institute of America

AGS - American Gemological Society

EGL - European Gemological Laboratory

The middle two are said to be the most reliable on grading, AGS seems to be the most respected for their cut quality grading. IGI are used as grading reports for some mall sold diamonds etc. GIA and AGS normally will command higher prices for diamonds with their grading reports, IGI and EGL generally less.

 

[neatfreak]

Just to add on to what Lorelei said...

AGS and GIA are the best bets for someone with no experience buying diamonds. They are the most likely to be what you paid for (i.e., a G VS2 is really a G VS2). There are some great values occasionally to be had with IGI and EGL graded stones, but you need to know what you''re looking for. And sometimes, you will pay for a G VS2 with EGL or IGI and when you get it appraised it might actually turn out to be an H or I and an SI1. So if you had intentionally purchased an H SI1 you would have saved a lot of $, but instead you paid the price for a "G VS2" and got an "H SI1".

For the most security with your purchase, stick with AGS or GIA graded stones.