Faking an AGS Report Number Inscription: Is This Possible?

[braveneo]

Thank you for reading in advance.

A few months ago I have purchased an A Cut Above (ACA) Collection Series diamond from Whiteflash (WF). After receiving the package, I took it to a local jeweler and had it set. Upon completion, I verified the AGS report number inscription to ensure that it was exactly the same as the AGS report and took it home.

Months have passed after the process and I have been bugged by the idea that the stone on my hand is not the original one day and night. I did some research on the web and read that fake GIA/AGS report number inscriptions are rare, which was the same as what WF told me. I also tried to compare the inclusions between the diamond and the report but there was no luck because the only inclusions are a few pinpoints locating at the bottom (below girdle) which made it next-to-impossible to check with a loupe.

Do you guys have similar experience to share? Is there any recommendation from you?

 

[mwilliamanderson]

Are you thinking the jeweler swapped the stone? If so how could the report number match the inscription? I’m a little confused, sorry.

 

[Roselina]

So you suggest that the jeweler might have taken the original stone and gave you another one which he put the inscription on to (so we would now have two stones with the same inscription)?

 

[Gussie]

I would guess that the chances of a jeweler having a different stone inscribed with your AGS number and then swapping it with yours are slim to none. There is a finite probability for almost everything but this is down there with snow in August in Houston.

 

[braveneo]

So you suggest that the jeweler might have taken the original stone and gave you another one which he put the inscription on to (so we would now have two stones with the same inscription)?

Exactly what I mean.

I would guess that the chances of a jeweler having a different stone inscribed with your AGS number and then swapping it with yours are slim to none. There is a finite probability for almost everything but this is down there with snow in August in Houston.

Yes I understand... Would you recommend me to go to a local appraiser to check?

 

[Gussie]

Exactly what I mean.


Yes I understand... Would you recommend me to go to a local appraiser to check?

Get a loupe and check it yourself. Or if you think an appraiser would ease your mind, then it would certainly be worth it.

Think about how hard it would be to pull off a scheme like this. The jeweler would have to have a stone with similar specs, laser inscribe it, and then set it in your ring. Did he have the stone long enough to do this? Is he a reputable jeweler? Something as agregious as this ruins a jeweler. Would he put his reputation on the line for a single stone, no matter how rare/valuable the stone is? Possible? Yes, but highly unlikely.

 

[Roselina]

I guess, that chances that this happened are very small. But then you just never know. If it really bothers you, I‘d take it to an independent expert and have him ensure it is your stone.

 

[Roselina]

Is it just a feeling you have or something specific that bothers you?

 

[yssie]

Is there some specific reason for worry? Or is this niggling general anxiety about a process that you weren’t personally observing?

Either way, this is definitely a snow in August sort of worry (great comparison!) - from perspectives of both jeweller motivation and available resources. As several other folks have observed - your jeweller would have had to have a near-identical stone to switch and a reason to ruin his reputation doing so. Remember that the lack of visible inclusions in the middle of the stone (which, in your case, matches your plot) lends confidence!

If you feel like your stone isn’t behaving the way it used to... Have you cleaned it thoroughly? Soak in hot water and dishwashing liquid and go at it with a toothbrush.

 

[braveneo]

Get a loupe and check it yourself. Or if you think an appraiser would ease your mind, then it would certainly be worth it.

Think about how hard it would be to pull off a scheme like this. The jeweler would have to have a stone with similar specs, laser inscribe it, and then set it in your ring. Did he have the stone long enough to do this? Is he a reputable jeweler? Something as agregious as this ruins a jeweler. Would he put his reputation on the line for a single stone, no matter how rare/valuable the stone is? Possible? Yes, but highly unlikely.

I guess, that chances that this happened are very small. But then you just never know. If it really bothers you, I‘d take it to an independent expert and have him ensure it is your stone.

Is there some specific reason for worry? Or is this niggling general anxiety about a process that you weren’t personally observing?

Either way, this is definitely a snow in August sort of worry (great comparison!) - from perspectives of both jeweller motivation and available resources. As several other folks have observed - your jeweller would have had to have a near-identical stone to switch and a reason to ruin his reputation doing so. Remember that the lack of visible inclusions in the middle of the stone (which, in your case, matches your plot) lends confidence!

If you feel like your stone isn’t behaving the way it used to... Have you cleaned it thoroughly? Soak in hot water and dishwashing liquid and go at it with a toothbrush.

I have heard about fake diamond inscription in China. Bad guys could really hand pick a very similar stone (very similar sizes, poorer but similar clarity, poorer but similar color and same Excellent cut which has a wide range. While these could be easily identified by labs, these subtle changes are almost indistinguishable from ordinary guys like us in the real world. This is one of the examples: https://www.nationaljeweler.com/dia...nding-lab-grown-diamond-with-fake-inscription

Am I worrying too much? Any opinion is welcome.

 

[yssie]

Every post in this thread has assured you that you’re worrying too much. Whiteflash is NOT going to fail to notice if one of their ACAs has been compromised in some way - they inspect each and every stone. So the only time yours could possibly have been changed is by your jeweller after you purchased it. And as we’ve all explained, odds of that are sub-zero. But by all means take it to a qualified independent appraiser and pay for an appraisal if you’re genuinely concerned. DO NOT take it to a jeweller for an opinion: They will pick up on your fear right away and might choose to fuel it hoping to sell you one of their own stones.

There’s a list under Resources in the top menu, or if you tell us your country/state/city (if larger) we can give you some recommendations.

 

[Roselina]

I have heard about fake diamond inscription in China. Bad guys could really hand pick a very similar stone (very similar sizes, poorer but similar clarity, poorer but similar color and same Excellent cut which has a wide range. While these could be easily identified by labs, these subtle changes are almost indistinguishable from ordinary guys like us in the real world. This is one of the examples: https://www.nationaljeweler.com/dia...nding-lab-grown-diamond-with-fake-inscription

Am I worrying too much? Any opinion is welcome.

So you got the idea because you read about this? And not because the stone looks different somehow? Stop worrying then. I‘m sure you can relax.

 

[kb1gra]

I have heard about fake diamond inscription in China. Bad guys could really hand pick a very similar stone (very similar sizes, poorer but similar clarity, poorer but similar color and same Excellent cut which has a wide range. While these could be easily identified by labs, these subtle changes are almost indistinguishable from ordinary guys like us in the real world. This is one of the examples: https://www.nationaljeweler.com/dia...nding-lab-grown-diamond-with-fake-inscription

Am I worrying too much? Any opinion is welcome.

The problem with assuming this happens often is that there is no reason to do it.

Identifying a nearly-identical stone that is somehow significantly cheaper than the initial one, purchasing it, inscribing it, and then putting it in your ring - there's just no reason.

The situation described in the article is not the same - in that case, they simply had to identify a report that closely matched the stone in question and use that number. In your case, they would have had to find a diamond identical to yours AND inscribe your number, which they didn't know until they got the stone.

What you're essentially doing here is saying that Whiteflash might be selling fakes - since that would be the time the stone would have been inaccurately identified, I don't see how what you are thinking happened is even possible - and well, that's a very fierce accusation to be making.

 

[Gussie]

I was under the impression that he meant the jeweler that set the stone. Can you clarify OP?

If OP is indeed speaking of WF, then I am sorry I even dignified this post with a response. They are stand up. Period.

 

[kb1gra]

I was under the impression that he meant the jeweler that set the stone. Can you clarify OP?

If OP is indeed speaking of WF, then I am sorry I even dignified this post with a response. They are stand up. Period.

S/he is saying the jeweler, but the article linked describes diamond impersonation at the time of manufacture. Since the jeweler in question would have to have known his/her report number and have a near- identical diamond on hand in order to execute this scam, it doesn't seem possible. Thus the only way for the stone to not be what it is purported to be would be for Whiteflash to have sold it that way...do you see what I'm saying?

 

[Polyhex]

Beyond the snow-in-August chances of pulling this off outlined in this thread, unless your diamond is worth 100k+ (worth not what you paid for it) I don't see enough financial gain for a scam this elaborate to be worth the risk. But it sounds like you have worries that are disturbing your peace of mind, so suggest having a geologist check it out for the reassurance.

 

[molinePDG]

This is a catch 22 situation.

Your stone would have to be worth museum-level value to make committing a crime worthwhile, both risk wise and financially speaking.

And, if your stone were worth museum-level value, there'd be nothing comparable to swap it with.

If it's truly concerning to you, spend the relatively minimal sum to have an appraiser take a look at it, as it will be worth it for the piece of mind. However, once again, 99.999999% unlikely.

 

[braveneo]

The problem with assuming this happens often is that there is no reason to do it.

Identifying a nearly-identical stone that is somehow significantly cheaper than the initial one, purchasing it, inscribing it, and then putting it in your ring - there's just no reason.

The situation described in the article is not the same - in that case, they simply had to identify a report that closely matched the stone in question and use that number. In your case, they would have had to find a diamond identical to yours AND inscribe your number, which they didn't know until they got the stone.

What you're essentially doing here is saying that Whiteflash might be selling fakes - since that would be the time the stone would have been inaccurately identified, I don't see how what you are thinking happened is even possible - and well, that's a very fierce accusation to be making.

I was under the impression that he meant the jeweler that set the stone. Can you clarify OP?

If OP is indeed speaking of WF, then I am sorry I even dignified this post with a response. They are stand up. Period.

S/he is saying the jeweler, but the article linked describes diamond impersonation at the time of manufacture. Since the jeweler in question would have to have known his/her report number and have a near- identical diamond on hand in order to execute this scam, it doesn't seem possible. Thus the only way for the stone to not be what it is purported to be would be for Whiteflash to have sold it that way...do you see what I'm saying?

Beyond the snow-in-August chances of pulling this off outlined in this thread, unless your diamond is worth 100k+ (worth not what you paid for it) I don't see enough financial gain for a scam this elaborate to be worth the risk. But it sounds like you have worries that are disturbing your peace of mind, so suggest having a geologist check it out for the reassurance.

This is a catch 22 situation.

Your stone would have to be worth museum-level value to make committing a crime worthwhile, both risk wise and financially speaking.

And, if your stone were worth museum-level value, there'd be nothing comparable to swap it with.

If it's truly concerning to you, spend the relatively minimal sum to have an appraiser take a look at it, as it will be worth it for the piece of mind. However, once again, 99.999999% unlikely.

Thanks all of you for your valuable opinion. To clarify, I am pointing at the jeweler, not Whiteflash. Whiteflash is absolutely reliable and trustworthy in my opinion.

I am a complete newbie to the world of diamond so it may sound silly to ask such a stupid question. Thanks you guys for answering.

 

[flyingpig]

Post a really good face up photo of the diamond and one from the side.
We cannot verify whether it is really ACA or not. But we can tell whether or not it is a generic diamond with proportions that are clearly out of the ideal ranges.

 

[AprilBaby]

Are you in a China? I assume the story is about jewelers in China? If you are in the US it’s highly unlikely.