GIA vs AGS - Cut quality and finding a Canadian Diamond

[mdems]

Hi all, was hoping someone could clarify a quick question for me. First a little background though

Background: Girlfriend has mentioned that she wants a Canadian diamond (round) on numerous occasions. She does not want a huge diamond either, so given a set budget I have decided that I want to buy a better quality diamond, hence a focus on an outstanding cut but smaller diamond.

My initial research seems to indicate that an AGS Ideal will perform optically better than a GIA. I am basing this off several websites and the fact that AGS ideal is a higher standard of exactness than the GIA excellent.

Questions
1. Is there anyway to buy a GIA excellent cut online and still ensure that I get the best cut/optical performance possible?
2. One online retailer stated to me via email that there are very few Canadian stones that are AGS certified, is this in fact that case? If it is true I may not be able to afford the price premium...
3. Is there a retailer (other than Blue Nile) that actually carries Canadian stones? All retailers I have contacted with my request have either straight up ignored my request for Canadian diamonds, or simply pointed to stones that have a maple leaf etched into them with no reference to being able to supply the appropriate certification.

I apologize in advance if a similiar question has been posted in the past, but I could not find one.

Thanks!

 

[webdiva]

Stick with a reputable retailer that can provide you with idealscope images and a great return policy. I know Good Old Gold carries canadian diamonds and ID Jewelry has access to them, as well.

 

[0-0-0]

My initial research seems to indicate that an AGS Ideal will perform optically better than a GIA. I am basing this off several websites and the fact that AGS ideal is a higher standard of exactness than the GIA excellent.

Questions
1. Is there anyway to buy a GIA excellent cut online and still ensure that I get the best cut/optical performance possible?

Stick with vendors who can provide ASET/IS and perhaps H&A images if you are looking for the best cut. While limiting your search to AGS 0 (especially stones with the CG ASET on the report) may give you a higher chance of finding better cut stones, it's not necessarily better cut than a GIA EX. There is a lot of overlap between AGS 0 and GIA EX (a GIA EX can be an AGS 0), but there are also AGS 0 stones that would not make GIA EX (GIA has tighter tolerances for painting).

 

[Regular Guy]

There's 14 at Brilliant Earth that are both AGS and Canadian, as you can select for both.

For the first of those I looked at, it came with a Platinum report, which you want to regard as good news.


Ira Z.