GIA vs. EGL certs

[wilsonlulu]

Would like to get opinions about GIA vs. EGL certifacitons on diamonds. In searching for a diamond, I have found that EGL standards seem to be much lower than GIA. The retail prices are also much lower.

Are EGL diamonds worth the cost savings? Can anyone comment on the quality of EGL?

 

[chrono]

The answer is both yes and no. If the diamond checks out as accurate for both the clarity and colour on the EGL cert, you are fine. EGL tends to have a tendency to be more lenient on the colour, less so on clarity. If looking to sell/trade in the future, you'll probably get more for the GIA certed diamond.

 

[peridot83]

I believe as Chrono said that EGL just has looser standards, and is not as highly regarded as GIA or AGS. You'd have to accept that it may be independently appraised for one color grade less then what it says on the certificate. Also, their standards of "good" "very good" are mostly ignored on this board.

EGL stones represent a good value if you are willing to do the research, look at the numbers etc. It requires a lot more leg work and sorting. Because they don't have reliable labels for premium stones like AGS0s

 

[belle]

be sure to search for the gazillions of threads about this subject for more info too.

 

[Iceman]

Ok lets see if I can add my 2 cents from years of compairing them.


GIA over grades so their SI1 is really a VS2

EGLUSA is most of the time down the line so their SI1 is an SI1

EGL Antwerp and Isreal have a real problem with the color figure them to be off and the claritys are ok except their SI2 grades are low most of the time.

PGS those are sweet consistant and always on the money. I grab those over a GIA every time.

HDS have not seen enough of them to compair.


So you if you buy a GIA that is an SI1 and is pricy figure you paying for a VS2
Thats is why The EGL is lower you are paying for an SI1

Now then lets mix in that sometimes they are all wrong or the jeweler has a higher opionon of himself and disagrees.

GIA it seems to error on the high side you have no complaints and you get a good reputation.

But thats just me a GIA graduate speaking my thoughts.

If you dont know anything play it safe with GIA.


If your looking for the sleeper or the bargins go fishing for the others.

I dont want to write a book here but you get the drift. Dont get in a mind set were if its the same 4'cs on paper and one is higher then that one is graded correctly or is a better deal.

Most of the time the price reflects the correct grade. Plus you must add on a premium for GIA just because of the name

Wow. I wish I had more time and paper to write about this one

Anyway thats what I have learned and it has made a lot of happy customers.

Enjoy your adventure in educations my amazing friend.

 

[Lorelei]

Date: 5/17/2007 2:14:08 PM
Author: peridot83
I believe as Chrono said that EGL just has looser standards, and is not as highly regarded as GIA or AGS. You'd have to accept that it may be independently appraised for one color grade less then what it says on the certificate. Also, their standards of 'good' 'very good' are mostly ignored on this board.

EGL stones represent a good value if you are willing to do the research, look at the numbers etc. It requires a lot more leg work and sorting. Because they don't have reliable labels for premium stones like AGS0s

Actually Peri, it can be more than one colour grade and clarity also, it depends. Some branches of EGL are considered less accurate than others, USA generally considered to be the strongest EGL lab. Hope you don't mind me pointing this out

Good to see you Corey!

 

[Dee*Jay]

Date: 5/17/2007 5:16:11 PM
Author: Iceman

PGS those are sweet consistant and always on the money. I grab those over a GIA every time.

Is PGS Professional Gem Services on Wabash?

ETA: Or maybe you mean *A*GS?