Diamond Grading Laboratory - AGS Laboratories

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Commitment, Teamwork, Leadership and Dedication — words the Research and Development team at AGS Laboratories adhere to in their work ethic. The mission of AGS Laboratories R&D team is to enhance and support the development of integrated diamond grading technologies for the betterment of the industry and the consumer. Our efforts are focused on broad efforts of scientific research, technology and advanced development. The bottom line result of our R&D efforts is better products for our customers. First and foremost at AGS Laboratories we consider our customer and the consumer.

Research and Technology Illuminate the Cut Grade — The AGS Cut Grading System is the result of years of research, testing, and retesting by a team of gemologists, optical physicists, and mathematicians. It is an evolved system that analyzes the light performance of a faceted diamond. AGS Laboratories offers the first-ever cut grade for princess shaped diamonds, and new shapes are coming on-line soon. The science supporting the system reflects our advancement over the years from a proportion-based to a performance-based cut grade system.

In our cut grade system, all facets of a diamond are measured in three dimensions rather than two dimensions. The measurements are used by a ray tracing computer program to trace light rays traveling through a diamond. The program shows the quantity and quality of the light being returned to the viewer. In addition to proportion, symmetry, and polish, we also consider brightness, dispersion, leakage, contrast and spread in assigning the final cut grade.

Look for More Great Performances — at AGS Laboratories, we are committed to using the most advanced technology and science when assessing and grading cuts. Our goal is to provide consumers with a scientifically sound level of assurance when purchasing a diamond. Research and development is one way to assure that goal is met. Look to this site for announcements in the future of cut grades for more fancy shapes, and other research and product development.