What is the difference between the grading reports issued by the GIA and the AGS?
The GIA Diamond Grading Report and Diamond Dossier detail all the individual characteristics of the diamond commonly known as the Four Cs. The Diamond Grading Report includes a diagram of the diamond indicating the type, size and location of distinguishing marks that determine its clarity grade. The Diamond Dossier, which is issued for diamonds weighing under 1 carat, does not include a diagram, but does include a laser inscription registry, which notes the unique GIA report number that has been laser inscribed onto the diamond. The Diamond Quality Document, issued by the American Gem Society, while detailing the same variables that make up the Four Cs, uses a different grading system than the GIA and gives an additional grade with respect to quality of cut. This system uses a numerical scale from 0 to 10, 0 being the best and 10 the least desirable. The phrase “Ideal Cut” has been coined by the American Gem Society to describe a diamond that has earned a 0 grade in cut.
