AGS CUT GRADE EXPLAINED

SUMMARY:

-AGS (American Gem Society) is one of the preeminent laboratories in the world.

-The AGS determines the diamond cut grade by using a numerical scale of 0 to 10, where 0 is the highest quality and 10 is the lowest. The cut grade is based on three factors: light performance, proportion factors, and finish. Light performance refers to how well a diamond reflects and disperses light.

-Proportion factors include aspects such as table size, depth, girdle thickness, and culet size.

-Finish includes polish and symmetry of the diamond. AGS uses a 3-dimensional scan of the diamond and proprietary software to evaluate these factors and assign a cut grade.

-The most desirable cut grade is 0 or ideal cut, which means that the diamond has optimal proportions and angles for maximum brilliance and fire.

-When choosing an AGS diamond, be sure to buy from a high-quality diamond vendor, like Blue Nile or James Allen.

**In late November 2022 GIA and AGS announced the integration of the AGS Laboratory and technology into the GIA family. The laboratories decided to team up and combine their unique technologies and tools to help develop better products and services to help protect the public.

WHAT IS THE AGS IDEAL® REPORT BY GIA?

This report will be available for natural and lab-grown diamonds in both rounds and fancies. A GIA grading report provides information on the diamond’s 4Cs, whereas the AGS Ideal Report by GIA provides a light performance grade by analyzing its ability to find light. Within this report you will find the following performance analysis:

• ASET IMAGE (Angular Spectrum Evaluation Tool)
• LIGHT PERFORMANCE SCORE
• BRIGHTNESS
• FIRE
• CONTRAST

Although a diamond might earn the top designation from the GIA or AGS, just having a certificate read "Excellent", doesn’t always mean it is a beautiful diamond in person. Well over 60% of diamonds online have this designation, making the consumer believe they are truly getting an "excellent" product. Unfortunately, this is not the case. The grading report should constitute the beginning stage of the screening process, not the end. Some reports will read well, but are of poor quality, while others are stunning like this Round Brilliant from James Allen.

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