E.G.L v/s GIA v/s A.G.S… which one to go in for??

When one buys a diamond, apart from it being expensive, there is a certain emotional value attached to it. No wonder whenever you as a customer buy the diamond, you expect nothing but the best, and a good value for your money.

To help you authenticate the loose diamond you are buying, a variety of diamond certificates are available, providing you a detailed analysis of the diamond. The big dilemma that arises is that which certificate is the apt choice for your diamond with the availability of an array of certification institutions like G.I.A., A.G.S., I.G.I, H.R.D, E.G.L., etc.  However, the main conflict arises between G.I.A certified diamonds, E.G.L certified diamonds and A.G.S certified diamonds.  GIA (Gemological Institution of America)), EGL (European Gemological Laboratory) and AGS (American Gem Society) are the three main institutions that provide certifications for loose diamonds.

The main advantage of the GIA is that they also certify fancy loose diamonds. GIA has come out with a grading report of loose diamonds that is close to 70,000 human observations.

One limitation of AGS is that they grade only round brilliant diamonds. The AGS began grading fancy diamonds in 2005 and is thus catching up with the GIA, though many reckon that the AGS is on the top spot. AGS came out with a revised report in 2005 based on ray tracing technology.

Though the EGL uses state of the art technology, it is found by many to be lenient with color as well as clarity of loose diamonds, which according to many is a disadvantage of this certification.

It is observed that any loose diamond, first appraised by EGL, is later re-appraised by the GIA, it quotes a roughly 5% hike in the price. So many retailers go for such certification even after having their diamond certified by the EGL, the price hike covering up the charges for shipping and certification.

Though the GIA certified loose diamonds and the AGS certified loose diamonds hike up the price of a diamond, loose diamonds with EGL certification are equally credible and hold equal authenticity.

*Disclaimer: The views expressed here are solely of the author.

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