Is AGS a reputable company like GIA?

[asscherdiamond]

Can someone tell me if AGS is as reputable as GIA? Someone told me that AGS premium certified is better than GIA. Is this true? I''ve always looked for GIA certified, but now I''m considering AGS.

 

[Upside Down Man]

One is not necessarily "better" than the other. Both GIA and AGS are considered very reputable in the field and conservative with their grading standards. GIA is older and therefore has a more widely known name, but AGS is a very reputable lab. There's no reason to discriminate against one in favor of the other, as both are considered the top grading labs.

 

[jaz464]

Both labs are considered very accurate and respectable. Some do consider AGS to be "better" than GIA. I would not consider a diamond without a grading by one of these labs and I do feel quite safe with either one.

 

[mrssalvo]

AGS has slightly different parameters for grading than GIA. I specifically sought out a stone graded by AGS and wanted a stone than had the highest AGS ranking of 000. However, if a GIA stone would have had the same specs and numbers I would have purchased it. it was just easier to limit my searches to AGS000 becasue that''s what I wanted. Use the search function on this site and type in AGS or GIA, there are tons of threads and discussions comparing the two labs.

 

[Regular Guy]

This thread in the FAQs section can probably add perspective.

 

[oldminer]

GIA Lab and AGSL are pretty much the gold standards of diamond grading. They differ ever so slightly in lab practice and interpretation of the subjective "rules" that they both subscribe to. Unless you happen to find a typo on one of their reports, or a very unusual situation of accidental misgrading, these labs are among the best available for credible work.

Lab grading is a human endeavor. It is not a perfect science. A very good job is being done at many labs around the world that have little known reputations. How is a consumer to judge a fine lab from a weak one? That''s always been a problem. It is why Brand Name plays a major role in which lab gets used. Lots of small practicioners can do excellent work, but without Brand recognition, they remain secondary or tertiary players.