Natural Diamond Prices – November 2024
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At the close of 2022, the gemological landscape experienced a significant shift when the Gemological Institute of America (GIA) acquired the technology and intellectual property of the American Gem Society Laboratories (AGSL). This pivotal move led to the GIA introducing the AGS Ideal reports for qualifying diamonds. This development has important implications for the diamond grading industry, particularly concerning cut grading.
While unexpected, this acquisition aligns with the longstanding connection between the GIA and the AGS. Since its inception in the 1930s, the GIA has maintained a close affiliation with the AGS, fostering collaboration over decades. The acquisition marks a strategic expansion of the GIA’s capabilities in cut grading, which could redefine industry standards and enhance the GIA’s already established reputation.
The American Gem Society was founded in 1934 by Robert M. Shipley, who founded the GIA a few years earlier in 1931. However, it wasn’t until 1996 that the AGS established its laboratory.
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The Launch of the AGS Ideal Reports
Following the acquisition, the GIA quickly began offering a digital AGS Ideal addendum report for diamonds submitted for comprehensive grading. To qualify, a diamond must meet the AGS light performance criteria, achieving an Ideal grade (AGS 0). Stones with grades lower than this do not qualify for the new report.
A significant development is that the AGS Ideal report extends beyond round brilliant cuts to include some fancy shapes, an area where the GIA had previously not provided an overall cut grade. This may signal future enhancements as the GIA navigates this critical missing aspect of diamond evaluation.
Image Source: Grown Diamond Corporation
Optional AGS Ideal Report for Qualifying Diamonds
When clients submit a diamond to the GIA for grading, they have the option to add an AGS Ideal report if the diamond qualifies as the AGS 0, or “Ideal.” For a nominal additional fee of $25 (2024), clients can receive this AGS Ideal report digitally, alongside the standard GIA grading report. This add-on provides enhanced insight into the diamond’s cut quality, making it a valuable choice for those seeking the highest light performance standards.
A Historical Perspective on the AGS Ideal Report
Founded in 1996, AGS Laboratories led in-depth analysis of diamond cut quality in the early 2000s, establishing its Ideal report as a benchmark in 2005. Achieving this grade was initially difficult for most diamonds, limiting AGSL’s reach to a niche market of predominantly AGS member wholesalers and retailers. The GIA started its research in 1997 but did not launch its round-cut grading system until 2006.
AGSL continued to refine its research and introduced a light performance-based grading system in 2005. This system, assessing over 30,000 light rays interacting with the diamond’s facets, set a new standard. It was adaptable for various shapes and facet patterns, allowing grading for new cuts.
The GIA’s acquisition shows their plan to use AGSL’s advanced method, starting with the AGS Ideal reports for fancy shapes. The GIA kept AGSL’s original criteria, allowing certain cuts like oval, emerald, princess, and select cushion cuts to qualify for the AGS Ideal grade if they meet the standards.
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The Significance of the New GIA Ideal Grade
By incorporating the AGS Ideal reports into their offerings, the GIA addresses a notable limitation in its current cut grading system for round diamonds. The ‘Excellent’ grade encompasses a wide range of cut quality, often leaving consumers without clear distinctions among top-performing stones. The AGS Ideal report, available as an addendum, highlights diamonds that stand out within the ‘Excellent’ category, refining the selection process for those seeking superior light performance.
Image Source: Blue Nile
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The Role of ASET Light Maps
The GIA has integrated ASET (Angular Spectrum Evaluation Tool) maps into the AGS Ideal reports, a nod to the importance of this tool within the AGSL system. ASET maps provide a visual representation of how a diamond manages light, offering insights into facet precision and overall craftsmanship. Although perfect symmetry isn’t a requirement for the AGS Ideal grade, the ASET map’s detailed analysis can be valuable for discerning buyers aiming for optimal quality.
Image Source: Whiteflash
A Milestone in Diamond Grading
The GIA’s adoption of the AGSL light performance system not only represents a strategic step towards more advanced cut quality analysis but also serves as a testament to AGSL’s groundbreaking work. By incorporating AGSL’s methodologies without modification, the GIA affirms the credibility and value of AGSL’s contributions, cementing the legacy of AGS’s researchers and their commitment to excellence in cut grading.
The global rollout of the AGS Ideal reports by the GIA reinforces the importance of cut quality in diamond evaluation and positions the GIA at the forefront of diamond grading advancements.
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At the time this article was written, it appears there is no report check or search function for the GIA-graded diamonds with the AGS reports.
