Preferred Cert for OECs?

[MarionC]

I've researched but cannot find a "GIA VS AGS for OECs" thread.
Is there a preferred certification?

 

[Dancing Fire]

B/c most OECs will not grade GIA XXX nor AGS ideal 0 cut.

 

[MarionC]

B/c most OECs will not grade GIA XXX nor AGS ideal 0 cut.

Hi DF~

I have 2 OECs - one with an AGS cert and one with a GIA cert. I was just wondering which lab is more stringent with color and clarity, and which lab OEC collectors prefer.

thanks!

 

[Missy]

Jimmianne, I am not sure there is a standard on this and I do not know which lab OEC collectors prefer. My OEC is GIA graded and GIA called it what it is (an old European Brilliant) though I understand that doesn't always happen. I think generally speaking GIA is more stringent on color than AGS. I know others will disagree but in my experience AGS seems to be softer on color. IMO.

 

[Resonance.Of.Life]

Jimmianne, I am not sure there is a standard on this and I do not know which lab OEC collectors prefer. My OEC is GIA graded and GIA called it what it is (an old European Brilliant) though I understand that doesn't always happen. I think generally speaking GIA is more stringent on color than AGS. I know others will disagree but in my experience AGS seems to be softer on color. IMO.

This is my experience with GIA, it has such tight requirements to fit into the OEC or transitional category that my new diamond was certed as a MRB when it clearly is not. I prefer GIA for the color grading as well as they seem to be more stringent. I've had a few EGL certed stones and usually the color was off by 1 grade compared to the GIA cert that I got subsequently.

 

[ericad]

I recently switched to AGS for new certs because GIA's turnaround times are out of control. I've been very happy with them. I haven't dual certed any stones in order to compare GIA against AGS, but it would be interesting to see. AGS has been returning results pretty much in line with what I've expected, even for lower colors. I always found GIA to be a little inconsistent with grading cape colored diamonds.

The very last stone I sent to GIA came back with a lower color grade than I was expecting, after grading it myself against other certed cape stones (I expected O/P and it came back Q/R, I think, would have to go back through my emails to see), so I resubmitted and they changed the color grade to O/P. But this was during the time when they had gotten completely slammed and stopped offering rush service altogether, and stones were taking 8+ weeks to come out. My stone, I was told, was the very last to be completed under their same day service, at that time. So I chalk that up to human error - it happens.

I also like that AGS offers a wide range of cert types, which can include or exclude cut grade, a unit of measurement that is irrelevant with OEC's because it's based on RB proportions (only applies to the OEC's that grade as Round Brilliants, which is pretty common). They have several different tiers of reporting which is nice, to be able to choose how in depth you want them to go. And their reports are beautifully packaged too, in nice heavy leatherette bi-fold displays.

So I think I'll stick with AGS unless there's a compelling reason to go back to GIA. I'm a fan. But GIA is more widely known - AGS still gets me some blank looks with non Pricescopers.

 

[Dancing Fire]

B/c most OECs will not grade GIA XXX nor AGS ideal 0 cut.

Hi DF~

I have 2 OECs - one with an AGS cert and one with a GIA cert. I was just wondering which lab is more stringent with color and clarity, and which lab OEC collectors prefer.

thanks!

most PSers will say GIA is more stringent, but IMHO I think it is a hit or a miss with both labs. A high H color stone today could be a G color to another grader tomorrow.. the same with clarity.

 

[MarionC]

While wondering which lab had tighter parameters, I also noted that the OEC GIA report does not show crown angles, etc, but the OEC AGS report does.
That made me wonder if AGS reports are preferred because they contain more detail.

Thank you all for satisfying my curiosity.

 

[diamondseeker2006]

To me, the bottom line with OECs is choosing by looking at them. The grading report is most helpful in determining price based on weight, color, and clarity, so I could manage with EGL US, GIA, or AGS if I was in love with the stone. I'd just make adjustments based on what we know about how those three grade.

 

[MarionC]

To me, the bottom line with OECs is choosing by looking at them. The grading report is most helpful in determining price based on weight, color, and clarity, so I could manage with EGL US, GIA, or AGS if I was in love with the stone. I'd just make adjustments based on what we know about how those three grade.

DS, I'm glad you responded. I sent you a message about my OEC search in a thread you were on, but it probably got buried. It said that you have helped me with every major decision!
and I would love to have your blessing on this next purchase.
I have an OEC [AGS cert] on approval that I've decided not to keep. It is phenomenally beautiful, but did not move me on a gut level. I realized that personally a more rustic stone works better for my eye & heart. I have the second one coming this week that I am very excited about. That is the one with the GIA cert. I was disappointed that that the GIA cert doesn't have #s so I can fool with them & the OEC chart while I'm waiting, but you have clarified that the numbers don't really matter.

I guess one other reason I asked was because I have noticed that GIA OECs often seem more expensive, above and beyond the added cost of the cert as though a GIA cert adds something special - or that the vendors send stones they think are best to GIA. ?????

Just curious.

 

[Sphene]

To me, the bottom line with OECs is choosing by looking at them. The grading report is most helpful in determining price based on weight, color, and clarity, so I could manage with EGL US, GIA, or AGS if I was in love with the stone. I'd just make adjustments based on what we know about how those three grade.

Best piece of advice I have read so far on this site

 

[Missy]

Jimmianne, that is an interesting point you have observed. I wonder if that is true and to some degree I bet it is. That the OECs the vendors deem "good" get sent to GIA certainly over EGL and perhaps over AGS. Though based on what Erica wrote that is certainly vendor specific.

I agree that while AGS offers more info I wonder if that is necessary for an OEC because as DS wrote and I agree completely an old cut is one you really *need* to see in person. No question about it. So having the cert is all well and good but it is your eyes that matter when choosing OECs (and other old cuts).

Having said that I still prefer a GIA cert over an EGL no matter the stone. And for a modern cut it's a toss up b/w GIA and AGS for me. I like the extra info AGS provides but not the color question in my mind.

 

[MarionC]

Thanks, Missy. This discussion has gotten to the heart of what I was wondering.