EGL vs GIA

[dale]

Is there a reason why diamonds ceritified by EGL are cheaper than those certified by GIA? Should I not consider EGL diamonds?

Thanks!
Dale

 

[aljdewey]

Date: 7/7/2006 4:48:40 PM
Author:dale
Is there a reason why diamonds ceritified by EGL are cheaper than those certified by GIA? Should I not consider EGL diamonds?

Thanks!
Dale

Yes.....because EGL grading reports are typically considered "softer" (not as stringent) as GIA paper. A stone graded H by GIA may be graded G or F by EGL. Since those factors affect price, it''s important to know what a fair price is.

I don''t think that means one shouldn''t consider EGL diamonds; rather, I think it means that you should have a good independent appraiser at the ready to evaluate an EGL purchase to ensure that you''re getting a fair price for the stone.

 

[^]

See: http://grading.pricescope.com/ for more info on a real world study.

I compared a WF ES (AGS) to an EGL and GIA stone a few days ago. The color grading in these particular stones seemed to be accurate in my novice assessment. The cut, however, was quite different. The GIA and WF stones were in a different league. The difference between the GIA and WF was more subtle, to a casual observer probably no different. I have started to train my eyes so I could see a slight difference. Who knows the measurements on this particular GIA stone, so it doesn't necessarily have anything to do with GIA grading.

I think the theory is that when a cutter knows their stone will get a very good grade, they'll send to AGS or GIA. When they know it might not, they send it to a "lesser" lab. You may be able to find good buys w/ EGL certs but I think it would take more work.

^

 

[diagem]

Lab reports are no guarantee''s and they are based on opinions...
Yes, EGL might be soft on their gradings...., but GIA is very strict on their grades!!!

Which is better???? I am not to sure.....

I am comenting on Color/Clarity only...

"commenting on color/clarity grades only..."

 

[dale]

Thanks for the info..

What seems to be more prevalent for Asscher cuts, matted or polished finished? I thought I preferred Polished, but the matted caught my eye. Any suggestions?

Thanks!
Dale

 

[aljdewey]

Date: 7/7/2006 5:23:56 PM
Author: DiaGem

Yes, EGL might be soft on their gradings...., but GIA is very strict on their grades!!!

Which is better???? I am not to sure.....

Well, for my money, I am (sure)....I''d rather they be strict and learn that I got MORE than what I expected instead of less.

 

[Kaleigh]

Date: 7/7/2006 6:49:36 PM
Author: aljdewey

Date: 7/7/2006 5:23:56 PM
Author: DiaGem

Yes, EGL might be soft on their gradings...., but GIA is very strict on their grades!!!

Which is better???? I am not to sure.....

Well, for my money, I am (sure)....I''d rather they be strict and learn that I got MORE than what I expected instead of less.

Amen!!!

 

[Garry H (Cut Nut)]

Date: 7/7/2006 5:03:52 PM
Author: ^
See: http://grading.pricescope.com/ for more info on a real world study.

I compared a WF ES (AGS) to an EGL and GIA stone a few days ago. The color grading in these particular stones seemed to be accurate in my novice assessment. The cut, however, was quite different. The GIA and WF stones were in a different league. The difference between the GIA and WF was more subtle, to a casual observer probably no different. I have started to train my eyes so I could see a slight difference. Who knows the measurements on this particular GIA stone, so it doesn''t necessarily have anything to do with GIA grading.

I think the theory is that when a cutter knows their stone will get a very good grade, they''ll send to AGS or GIA. When they know it might not, they send it to a ''lesser'' lab. You may be able to find good buys w/ EGL certs but I think it would take more work.

^

Thanks > (I cant make an up arrow???). It would be a good idea for more people to read that survey and understand how many myths they are promoting with rather careless comments.
Note that none of the 16 stones got the same grade for both color and clarity by all 3 labs.
And on balance EGL USA was stricter than GIA on clarity on those stones.

 

[^]

Shift and the number 6 on a US keyboard. Not sure about how you do it down under. Maybe it looks like a 9 from where you are?

You can also copy and paste. ^ is pronounced "caret" (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Caret). Was supposed to be a cute joke, but I don''t think anybody gets it.

I was surprised to hear about the color grading results. I don''t think this is enough to constitute a representative sample, but it''s an interesting anecdote.

^

 

[Regular Guy]

^ (Caret),

Now that you''ve explained yourself, I like it.

Garry, where you say...

Date: 7/7/2006 8:28:30 PM
Author: Garry H (Cut Nut)

^

It would be a good idea for more people to read that survey and understand how many myths they are promoting with rather careless comments.
Note that none of the 16 stones got the same grade for both color and clarity by all 3 labs.
And on balance EGL USA was stricter than GIA on clarity on those stones.

I''m not sure how this is a distinction whose function is valuable to make. Knowing that EGL USA distinguishes itself may not be an easily usable piece of information. Whether or not it''s brotherhood with EGL Europe is worth noting or not, the results from the larger assembly of EGL vary negatively from EGL USA, and doing a routine comparison with the Prices charts here, one has no idea which EGL you''re looking at. Of course, if you should learn that, for a particular diamond, the variant of EGL is USA, that could be applied differently.

 

[Garry H (Cut Nut)]

Date: 7/7/2006 11:21:47 PM
Author: Regular Guy
^ (Caret),

Now that you''ve explained yourself, I like it.

Garry, where you say...

Date: 7/7/2006 8:28:30 PM
Author: Garry H (Cut Nut)

^

It would be a good idea for more people to read that survey and understand how many myths they are promoting with rather careless comments.
Note that none of the 16 stones got the same grade for both color and clarity by all 3 labs.
And on balance EGL USA was stricter than GIA on clarity on those stones.

I''m not sure how this is a distinction whose function is valuable to make. Knowing that EGL USA distinguishes itself may not be an easily usable piece of information. Whether or not it''s brotherhood with EGL Europe is worth noting or not, the results from the larger assembly of EGL vary negatively from EGL USA, and doing a routine comparison with the Prices charts here, one has no idea which EGL you''re looking at. Of course, if you should learn that, for a particular diamond, the variant of EGL is USA, that could be applied differently.

Ira if someone wants to explore the savings option they can always narrow down a few stones and ask the vendor - it is not that hard - and as the survey we did shows - there are some savings to be had - but of course this is not the main ant trail and requires more effort.

 

[Dancing Fire]

Date: 7/7/2006 8:28:30 PM
Author: Garry H (Cut Nut)

Thanks > (I cant make an up arrow???). It would be a good idea for more people to read that survey and understand how many myths they are promoting with rather careless comments.
Note that none of the 16 stones got the same grade for both color and clarity by all 3 labs.
And on balance EGL USA was stricter than GIA on clarity on those stones.

Garry

if that is true in the long run....wouldn''t it be smart to send EGL USA stones to GIA and get the extra premium,if the stones comes back a grade higher? i don''t about diamonds but, i had great success getting up-grades on rare US coins in the pass.

 

[Garry H (Cut Nut)]

hey DF - maybe there is a better way to earn a dollar?