GIA vs AGS?

[Kal-El in SLO]

what are pros and cons of each of these grading reports? I read in the diamond tutorial that AGS has a better cut grade system for rounds, which is important for me because that''s what I''m shopping for. Why is AGS''s cut grade system better than GIA''s?

What other differences are there? Does one grading report pull a higher dollar amount?

Sorry for all the questions lately. I''m really getting serious about buying my girlfriend''s engagement ring and i have A LOT of questions. I''m an engineer, so forgive me if I get hung up with all the details.

 

[stone-cold11]

Depends on which kind of AGS report.

For the AGS Pt/Diamond Quality Document type report, the cut grade is based on a 3D light simulation of the actual proportion of the stone. The AGS Gold/Diamond Quality report and GIA report is based on 2D average proportion numbers, as long as the average numbers falls into the parameters of the grade it will get the grade.

 

[kenny]

GIA allow steep deeps into their top cut category so the industry make more money from the rough but consumers are less likely to get a well cut diamond.
AGS has a smaller top-cut bullseye so consumers are more likely to get a good cut by choosing a diamond with AGS's top cut grade.

That's why I see GIA as pro industry and AGS as pro consumer.

Given a choice, all else being equal I'd support AGS by buying diamonds graded by them and let the retailer know it.

 

[Lorelei]

Date: 12/11/2009 9:16:30 PM
Author: kenny
GIA allow steep deeps into their top cut category so the industry make more money from the rough but consumers are less likely to get a well cut diamond.
AGS has a smaller top-cut bullseye so consumers are more likely to get a good cut by choosing a diamond with AGS''s top cut grade.

That''s why I see GIA as pro industry and AGS as pro consumer.

Given a choice, all else being equal I''d support AGS by buying diamonds graded by them and let the retailer know it.

Ditto, the important thing is to evaluate each diamond on its own desirable physical and visual properties so images such as Idealscope are essential to have as well as the numbers.