Diamond Grading

Grading a diamond is a very complex and difficult procedure, which requires a great deal of knowledge and years of experience.

The most important thing for you to know about “Diamond Grading” is that there is more than one grading system.

The most confusing thing about “Diamond Grading” is that many of the different grading systems use the same grading charts and much of the same nomenclature when they grade a diamond. However, their grades do not have the same standards or meanings!

In other words, they may look alike and they may sound alike but they do not mean the same thing.

A color grade of “H” in one system does not mean the same as a color grade of “H” in another system.

A clarity grade of “VS-2” in one system does not mean the same as a clarity grade of “VS-2” in another system.

“Ideal Cut” in one system does not mean the same as “Ideal Cut” in another system. 

Confusing - Misleading

YES!!!

That is why in May of 1996 when the “Federal Trade Commission” rewrote the “Guidelines For The Jewelry Industry” they added paragraph / section 23.1, which basically states:

If a Jeweler assigns a grade to a product such as a diamond that jeweler must state what “Grading System” they are using!

Click On

http://www.ftc.gov/bcp/guides/jewel-gd.htm

Then

Click on 

23.1 Deception (general)

For a Grading System to be of any value to you, that System must be accepted, understood and used by the majority of Professionals. The only System that meets these criteria is G.I.A. No other system even comes close.

“G.I.A.”

G.I.A. are the initials of the Gemological Institute of America. It is a non-profit organization that operates a school, which teaches individuals to identify and grade precious stones. They also operate labs that do identification and grading of precious stones. They do not buy and sell diamonds.

G.I.A. was founded in 1931 by Robert M. Shipley who is often referred to as the “Father of Gemology in America”. It was founded with the purpose of providing professional training for Jewelers and other gem enthusiasts. The majority of trained Jewelers and Gemologists in America have received some of their education from G.I.A. As a result of this, G.I.A. has become the Industry Standard. No other Grading System is as widely accepted in the United States.

G.I.A. Is The Industry Standard!!!

G.I.A. Color Grade

G.I.A. Clarity Grade

Be Careful!!! There are many Grading Systems that look like G.I.A. but they have different and generally lower Standards.

I have always wondered why most of those Grading Laboratories use grading charts that look like G.I.A.’s Grading Charts. Could they be trying to confuse you?

If it does not say G.I.A. or is not cross-referenced to G.I.A. In Writing, Then it is not G.I.A.!

Note: There are four “C”s that determine a diamond’s value; Carat Weight, Color, Clarity and Cut.

There is one major problem with using the “G.I.A. Grading System”. The “G.I.A. Grading System” does not grade “Cut”.

They only give you information about the cut of the diamond. Since you are not an expert in diamond cutting this information has very little value to you the consumer. 

By the way, Cut is not only the shape of the stone but also its proportions, polish and symmetry. See “Cut” for more details.

Without a “Cut Grade” you have only 75% of the information necessary to make an intelligent purchase. “Cut” can easily make a 40% difference in price but more importantly an 80% difference in beauty!

Through the works of many Diamond Cutters, Gemologists, Industry Professionals, Marcel Tolkowsky and the teachings of the G.I.A.; the A.G.S. has established a grading system for “Cut”. That system has become the industry standard for “Cut”.

“A.G.S.”

A.G.S. are the initials of the American Gem Society which is a not-for-profit Trade Association of Fine Jewelers, Manufacturers and Suppliers who are dedicated to consumer protection, ethical business standards and the development of the highest gemological skills and knowledge.

The same person who founded G.I.A., Robert M. Shipley, the “Father of Gemology in America” founded the American Gem Society, A.G.S. 

A.G.S. is the “Industry Standard” for a “Cut Grade”!

A.G.S. Cut Grade

If you use the “G.I.A. Grading System” for the “Color” and “Clarity” Grades and use the “A.G.S. Grading System” for “Cut”, you will have an accurate way to compare one diamond’s value to another diamond’s value.

G.I.A. Color Grade

G.I.A. Clarity Grade

A.G.S. Cut Grade

Equals
The
Truth!!!


Identifying
The
Grading System
Is The
Secret
To Buying
A
Diamond!!!

Once a diamond has been mounted into a piece of jewelry, it can no longer be graded.

So do not be fooled by the jeweler who pulls out his loupe and guesses at the quality of the diamond.

It takes time and many pieces of equipment to grade a diamond. A jeweler can not grade a diamond with a loupe while you wait.

Appraisals are generally just educated guesses and should not be used to compare diamonds or prices.

Certificates

If you are looking at round shaped diamonds the best and only certificate I can recommend is an A.G.S. Diamond Quality Document.

An A.G.S. DQD has attached to the document a cross reference chart that directly and in writing cross references the A.G.S. Grading System to the G.I.A. Grading System for “Color” & “Clarity”.

It also gives you a “Cut” Grade so you have all the information to shop for a diamond.

You might also notice that A.G.S. System uses a Grading Chart with a scale from 0 through 10. It does not look at all like G.I.A.’s Grading Charts! They are not trying to mislead you. 

If you are looking at fancy shaped diamonds (All shapes other than round). I will again strongly recommend an A.G.S. Certificate and also a G.I.A. Certificate.

See “Certified Diamonds” for details.