GIA Offers AGS Certification Diamond | AGS Light Performance Report
When customers buy diamonds, they are often concerned about authenticity. Is the diamond quality good? Are they buying a proper diamond that can be trusted? These are common and valid questions.
That is why, no matter the type of diamonds—mined or lab grown diamonds—it is critical to buy a gemstone with a diamond certificate.
What Is a Diamond Certificate?
A diamond certificate is a report that includes diamond grading details.
It provides an assessment of all aspects of the diamond, including:
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The 4Cs (cut, clarity, color, and carat)
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Brightness
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Performance
Organizations such as GIA and IGI offer diamond certificates.
There is another organization, AGS, that offers diamond reports and related services. Recently, GIA and AGS merged to offer products and services related to diamonds. Apart from the GIA diamond certificate, the organization now also offers the AGS certificate.
What Are GIA and AGS?
Gemological Institute of America (GIA)
The Gemological Institute of America (GIA) is a non-profit organization focused on research and education about diamonds and gemstone jewelry.
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GIA does not sell mined or lab grown diamonds
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GIA does not represent diamond sellers
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GIA is an independent organization
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GIA sets grading standards, conducts research, and grades diamonds
American Gem Society (AGS)
The American Gem Society (AGS) is an association of retail jewelers, suppliers, and other industry members. It was founded in 1934.
GIA and AGS Merger
Both labs, GIA and AGS, merged in 2022.
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AGS closed its laboratory
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AGS merged with GIA
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The merger combined the efforts of both labs
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The goal was to develop new services and products to support the diamond industry
The AGS Ideal Report is now available from GIA as a digital supplement to GIA diamond reports for D to Z mined and lab created diamonds.
The GIA-AGS Light Performance Report
GIA now offers the AGS Ideal Report as a digital supplement to GIA diamond grading reports. The GIA certificate is also available for lab created diamonds.
What the Report Measures
The report uses the AGS Light Performance system, which measures how effectively a diamond handles light.
How the System Works
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Uses a 3D scan of the diamond
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Virtual rays of light are traced
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Light is analyzed through the facets
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Measures brightness and performance
Diamond Types Covered
Available for D to Z color mined and lab grown diamonds, the system applies to:
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Round brilliant cut diamonds
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Oval cut diamonds
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Emerald cut diamonds
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Princess cut diamonds
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Fancy round brilliant cut diamonds
Why Do You Need a Diamond Grading Report?
A diamond grading report helps protect your investment.
Whether you buy mined diamonds or lab created diamonds, a diamond is a significant purchase. Like buying a house or a vehicle, proper documentation is essential.
Key Benefits of a Diamond Report
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Determines the value of the diamond
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Provides a detailed quality assessment
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Helps compare diamonds accurately
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Acts as proof of authenticity
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Ensures transparency
What Information Does the Report Include?
The diamond report provides a full assessment of the 4Cs:
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Cut
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Clarity
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Color
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Carat
It also includes:
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Inclusions
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Fluorescence
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Performance
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Proportions
Every diamond is unique. The GIA diamond certification documents all characteristics that make a diamond distinct.
Why GIA Diamond Certification Matters
Diamonds with GIA certificates are widely recognized and carry greater credibility.
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GIA reports are more sought after
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Most recognized diamond brands rely on GIA
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GIA certification increases buyer confidence
Final Thoughts
GIA and AGS were both founded by the same people in the 1930s and shared a common mission of research, education, and standard grading.
In 2022, both organizations joined hands to strengthen their offerings, products, and services in the diamond industry. Today, GIA provides the AGS diamond performance report for mined and lab grown diamonds, making it easier for customers to buy diamonds with confidence.
