1. What does AGS Laboratories do?

AGS Laboratories is the world’s leading diamond grading laboratory for diamond Cut grade including Ideal Cut, the premier laboratory to offer a diamond Cut grade for fancy shapes (Princess, Emerald, and Oval), and the leading diamond grading laboratory created to protect the consumer. Our diamond grading reports offer an easy-to-read grading scale that provides a simple basis for comparison to other diamond grading reports.

AGS Laboratories offers diamond-grading services to members of the jewelry industry only; Our diamond grading reports provide an expert opinion from an unbiased, independent third-party diamond laboratory for the consumer. We only grade loose diamonds. Any shape diamond can receive a diamond grading report, but we can only assign a diamond cut grade for Round Brilliants, Princess cuts, Emerald cuts, and Oval cuts, we do not grade fancy color diamonds.

2. What kind of gemstones does AGS Laboratories Grade?

We grade unmounted diamonds only. AGS Laboratories is a trade only diamond laboratory, and can only accept diamonds from jewelers and manufacturers. If you would like to have your diamond receive an AGS Laboratories diamond grading report, we recommend you find an American Gem Society jeweler in your area.

3. Can any jeweler sell a diamond with an AGS Laboratories diamond grading report or

    does it have to be a jeweler who is an AGS member?

Any jewelry store can sell AGS Laboratories diamond grading reports, however, only an American Gem Society member can sell the Diamond Quality® Certificate.

4. How can I verify an AGS Laboratories diamond grading report?

You can visit our AGS Lab Report Verification. Report Verification page. This enables you to check that the information on your diamond grading report matches the information stored in the AGS Lab report database. To check the diamond grading report, please enter your AGS report # and the exact carat weight from your diamond grading report.

5. What is the experience level of the AGS Laboratories diamond graders?

Each diamond grader is required to pass the Gemological Institute of America (GIA) Diamond and Diamond Grading Courses. In the AGS Laboratories, several Certified Gemologists oversee the work of each diamond grader.

6. How many diamond graders examine each diamond to determine Cut, Color, and Clarity?

A minimum of two (2) diamond graders analyzes each diamond factor.

7. Does AGS Laboratories disclose if a diamond has been treated?

AGS Laboratories screens every diamond for potential treatments such as High Pressure High Temperature (HPHT), fracture filling, and laser drilling. AGS Laboratories will grade a HPHT treated diamond if the fact of its treatment is disclosed upon receipt. AGS Laboratories does not grade fracture filled diamonds. However, AGS Laboratories does grade diamonds that have been laser drilled. All treatments are disclosed in the 'Comments' section of an AGS Laboratories diamond grading report.

8. How should I clean my diamond?

You should take your diamond to be cleaned and inspected by a professional jeweler at least once a year. If you are cleaning your diamond at home there are cleaning agents you can purchase at your jewelers. You may also use a solution of warm water and a mild liquid soap. Apply the solution to the diamond gently using a cotton swab or soft bristle toothbrush.

9. How can I find an American Gem Society member in my area?

You can visit the American Gem Society’s website at AmericanGemSociety.org and click on Locate A Jeweler.