EGL Cert.

[me1234]

I''ve read numerous times on this site that EGL can often be lax in their grading. When I tell a jeweler this, they sometime either disagree or say that I can get a GIA cert. stone, but it will have a slight premium on it. Are these valid points?

 

[aljdewey]

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On 8/4/2003 9:55:52 AM me1234 wrote:
I've read numerous times on this site that EGL can often be lax in their grading. When I tell a jeweler this, they sometime either disagree or say that I can get a GIA cert. stone, but it will have a slight premium on it. Are these valid points?
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Yes, they are valid points. Some appraisers have noted that they find EGL grading inconsistent; others have commented that they have found a bulk of EGL certs to be right on the money in grading. Knowing that there is some window of possibility for an EGL stone to be leniently graded, I personally would prioritize an independent appraisal prior to purchase if I was considering an EGL stone. This way, if the stone is one of those more leniently graded, you can negotiate a more appropriate price.

Being that GIA and AGS are the standards and are noted for their rigid grading, it's true that their stones are likely to carry a slight premium. In my opinion, that premium is worth piece of mind. I'd, of course, still get an independent appraisal, but I wouldn't expect a significant variance on the results to factor into the negotiating process.