GIA or AGS: Which is the better cert???

[valdo650]

Just wondering from some of the posts I''ve seen referring to EGL and IGL certs. I know those certs aren''t as good as GIA or AGS, but which of these two are better?

 

[oldminer]

One is not "better" than the other. Both provide paperwork rendered by human graders. Both labs spend a great deal of time sticking to their respective "standards". These standards are founded on subjective criteria so there is no right or wrong to them in absolute terms. The market for AGSL graded diamonds tends to be more pricey on certain stones indicating AGSL is a little less lenient in certain areas. this does not make AGSL better. It is the free market's reaction to their perception of grading style. The world recognizes the very reasonable and consistent accuracy of GIA-GTL reports. No one knowledgeable is complaining about one lab and approving the other. They both provide paperwork that is generally respected and not often criticized.

You are buying a DIAMOND. The paperwork from these two labs is good enough not to cause anyone in the diamond business to worry much. You should take confidence in their reasonable accuracy. Besides, you can always have other opinions from experts on the diamond you really believe you'll purchase to give you the last word in assurance. Don't lose sight of a diamond as a romantic gift of something special. Once the money is spent you have a piece transparent carbon transformed by man into a nearly miraculous sparkly product. It represents something special in our society that you are sharing with someone you love. That's really what this is all about. We often forget this as we scientifically micro-examine what we do here.

 

[Rhino]

Good response Dave. We just sent a diamond to AGS upon the request of a client for a diamond that was graded by GIA as an Ex/Ex 1.76ct F VS1. AGS graded the same stone as an E VS2 "0". Value remains the same ... slight variance of opinion regarding clarity & color. I have been hearing reports from certain suppliers that they feel AGS is being a little too strict regarding clariting grading but slightly more liberal on the polish/symmetry grading.

In brief though I agree with you. A report from either lab is one from a *conservative* lab and generally can be relied upon.

 

[strmrdr]

----------------
On 7/31/2004 11:52:02 AM Rhino wrote:

Good response Dave. We just sent a diamond to AGS upon the request of a client for a diamond that was graded by GIA as an Ex/Ex 1.76ct F VS1. AGS graded the same stone as an E VS2 '0'. Value remains the same ... slight variance of opinion regarding clarity & color. I have been hearing reports from certain suppliers that they feel AGS is being a little too strict regarding clariting grading but slightly more liberal on the polish/symmetry grading.


In brief though I agree with you. A report from either lab is one from a *conservative* lab and generally can be relied upon.


----------------

What color did your diamond color machine say it was?
What would you have graded the clarity as?

 

[Rhino]

I should have the stone back this upcoming week strmrdr. I'll let you know once it comes back.

 

[strmrdr]

----------------
On 7/31/2004 12:03:30 PM Rhino wrote:

I should have the stone back this upcoming week strmrdr. I'll let you know once it comes back.----------------

kewl thanks