GIA vs AGS/Sarin certification?

[Mustang Baz]

A newbie to the forum folks so bear with me! I have spent a lot of time online looking to purchase a loose emerald cut stone, and am very keen to ensure when I purchase that I get the additional information normally contained within a Sarin report. I am getting slightly confused however and would appreciate some guidance;

- do the new, post Jan 1, 2006, GIA reports/dossiers contain the critical crown/pavillion angle, depth and height information?

- if they do not, can anyone recommend an online retailer who can issue certification reports with this information (assuming AGS reports?) as Blue Nile and several others appear not to issue certifications with this information.

Am I getting overly concerned about crown/pavillion information? I want to ensure I am as well prepared as possible, but do not want to over-worry!

Any help enormously appreciated!

 

[Regular Guy]

Date: 4/29/2007 6:20:35 PM
Author:Mustang Baz

- do the new, post Jan 1, 2006, GIA reports/dossiers contain the critical crown/pavillion angle, depth and height information?

Basically...yes...

Date: 4/29/2007 6:20:35 PM
Author:Mustang Baz
Am I getting overly concerned about crown/pavillion information? I want to ensure I am as well prepared as possible, but do not want to over-worry!

No...you''re on the right track...AGS always has had this...more recent GIA has (not as tighly calibrated as AGS, but probably close enough.

- With current AGS0, you can virtually ignore crown & pavilion angles
- with older AG0 certs, unclassified for cut, or newer GIA certs, with C&P angles noted (target excellent description for cut, but some marked for VG cut are OK, too) this will help you a lot.

 

[Mustang Baz]

Many thanks Ira. Apologies, but not sure what AGSO stands for?

I am looking for an Emerald stone, very good cut (minimum), F colour, VVS1 or VVS2, L/W ratio of between 1.30 and 1.40, and around a Carat. Cut is the critical focus, so does a VG cut still represent a good quality stone if stated so on a GIA certificate? This is for an engagement ring so I only have one chance to get it right!

Appreciate the guidance and thanks again.

 

[RockDoc]

For emerald cuts GIA does NOT grade the cut. Only AGS and appraisers with the PGS software can do this within a recognized standard.

AGS has recently started providing cut grades for emerald cuts. For those of us with the PGS software, the updated software is due any day now. At that point we can do emerald cut, and square emerald cut ( sometimes offered for sale as Asschers).

With a good Sarin Scan, the PGS software can estimate the cut grade based on the AGS Lab Standards.

If you see a GIA report for an emerald cut with a cut grade be suspicious of it. GIA does grade polish and symmetry on their reports but this is not cut grade based on proportion or light performance.

Rockdoc

 

[Regular Guy]

Date: 4/29/2007 6:50:32 PM
Author: Mustang Baz
Many thanks Ira. Apologies, but not sure what AGSO stands for?

Sorry, I was assuming you were looking for a round.

Until AGS certs showing 0 for these cuts come around...consider using the "search by cut" utility (above under prices), for the couple options there, including this one...

 

[Garry H (Cut Nut)]

Date: 4/29/2007 6:50:32 PM
Author: Mustang Baz
Many thanks Ira. Apologies, but not sure what AGSO stands for?

I am looking for an Emerald stone, very good cut (minimum), F colour, VVS1 or VVS2, L/W ratio of between 1.30 and 1.40, and around a Carat. Cut is the critical focus, so does a VG cut still represent a good quality stone if stated so on a GIA certificate? This is for an engagement ring so I only have one chance to get it right!

Appreciate the guidance and thanks again.

Mustang what will you do with the crown and pavilion data if you can get it?

I am considered by some people to be knowledgable about diamond cut, (and mad by many) but I have no method to use this information to decide if a diamond is good or bad.

 

[Mustang Baz]

Thanks Gary. I think I am most focused on getting the best quality certification I can obtain - and the more I read, the more I feel that this would likely be "expanded" new GIA reports, AGS/Sarin documents, with crown/pavillion information.

I am somewhat of an amateur on this, so have approached the more mainstream online retailers (Blue Nile, Whiteflash), of which only the former has really seemed desirous to assist me on this. Ultimately, this is for an engagement ring, so I am not looking for resale potential! Had not previously been aware of the lack of "cut" designation for Emerald shapes, as many of the web sites allow you to select "Ideal"/Very good etc for Emerald stones?

Apologies again for my queries - but trying not to get tied up in knots here!

 

[diagem]

Date: 4/30/2007 5:31:54 AM
Author: Mustang Baz
Thanks Gary. I think I am most focused on getting the best quality certification I can obtain - and the more I read, the more I feel that this would likely be ''expanded'' new GIA reports, AGS/Sarin documents, with crown/pavillion information.

I am somewhat of an amateur on this, so have approached the more mainstream online retailers (Blue Nile, Whiteflash), of which only the former has really seemed desirous to assist me on this. Ultimately, this is for an engagement ring, so I am not looking for resale potential! Had not previously been aware of the lack of ''cut'' designation for Emerald shapes, as many of the web sites allow you to select ''Ideal''/Very good etc for Emerald stones?

Apologies again for my queries - but trying not to get tied up in knots here!

You are purchasing a Diamond for an E Ring..., correct?
Try to concentrate on the beauty of the Diamond instead of a piece of paper!

Like you said..., "not for resale potential"...

 

[Mustang Baz]

Correct for e-ring. And yes, paper meaningless if the stone looks awful!

Only challenge is that I am buying online from a long way away so I can only go on details and hopefully a picture online. Not the best, but not much choice.

 

[diagem]

Date: 4/30/2007 6:27:40 AM
Author: Mustang Baz
Correct for e-ring. And yes, paper meaningless if the stone looks awful!

Only challenge is that I am buying online from a long way away so I can only go on details and hopefully a picture online. Not the best, but not much choice.

A picture will help!!!
And choosing the right on-line vendor will do to!!!

If you spent some time reading on PS..., you will find comfort/trust with some vendors names here on PS!!!
I read they are trustworthy and professional!!!

good luck,