AGS LABORATORIES PRODUCT REFERENCE GUIDE REFERENCE GUIDE 33621 7.0.qxp: ... brand logo. • We’re willing and able to work with diamond manufacturers to help them improve

AGS LABORATORIES

PRODUCTREFERENCE GUIDE

33621 7.0.qxp:Layout 1 5/20/10 8:50 AM Page 1

TABLE OF CONTENTS

Introduction...........................................................3

Diamond Quality® Document.................................4-5

Platinum Diamond Quality® Document....................6-7

Performance Diamond Quality® Report...................8-9

Gold Diamond Quality® Report ...........................10-11

Diamond Quality® Analysis (DQA) ...........................12

Diamond ConsultationTM (DC).................................. ..13

Proprietary Cut Platinum Report............................. .14

Service Policy.......................................................15

Services.................................................. Back Cover

Contact Information.................................. Back Cover


3

A G S L A B O R A T O R I E STM

Sett ing the Highest Standard for Diamond Grading®

A G S L A B . C O M • 7 0 2 . 2 3 3 . 6 1 2 0

ADVANCEDSCIENCE

NEW SIMPLICITY

The AGS Lab pioneered the Ideal cut grade for the round brilliant, often

referred to as the “AGS Ideal” or the “Triple Zero” cut grade, based

on the proportions of the diamond. A few years ago we introduced a scientific

cut-grading system that uses optical physics and three-dimensional ray-tracing

software to evaluate the performance of light in a diamond.

We’ve kept the AGS flagship grading

report, the Diamond Quality® Document,

which provides a performance cut grade

based on this technology. Light performance

detail is also available on our new Platinum document.

We’ve adapted the science of light performance in our new

Gold reports, which present grading results based on a proportion system.

As always, we continue to maintain the highest standards of diamond

grading and customer service, including fast grading turnaround and customized

reporting solutions.

Better diamonds deserve better grading reports.

AGS Laboratories gives you more choices than ever.


4

The AGS Diamond Quality® Document (DQD) has been a

keystone in the documentation offered by the AGS Lab for

many years, providing our clients and consumers with the most detailed

information available on a diamond.

The DQD is one of the most popular documents offered, showing cut

(if available), color, clarity and carat weight, the diamond profile showing

measurements, a custom plot with

the actual facet arrangement, and

inscription details.

The DQD is the industry’s

only document that offers a

3-dimensional performance-based

cut grade for the Round Brilliant,

Square Princess, Emerald and Oval

shaped diamonds.

As one of the AGS primary documents, the DQD has undergone

changes over the years, to now include the Platinum option, but it still

provides the “Ideal” term for cut grade, polish and symmetry.

The AGS Diamond Quality® Document — the first name in Ideal Cut.

THE DQD

• The Cut Grade Pioneer document

• 3-dimensional performance-based cut grade

• Landscape format in a presentation folder

DIAMOND QUALITY®

DOCUMENT (DQD)


• DIAMOND QUALITY® DOCUMENT •

Reports from AGS Laboratories best support the mission of integrityand consumer protection of the American Gem Society.

AGS’s flagship document continues to provide the

most detailed information for your diamond.


6

The difference in diamonds is all about light — how it behaves in

the stone and how much is returned to the eye: this is determined

by how well a diamond is cut.

AGS Laboratories uses a unique scientifically-vetted cut-grading

system, based on optical physics and AGS proprietary ray-tracing software.

It’s the ultimate test for evaluating the performance of light in a diamond,

which is the

cornerstone

of the DQD

and our new

Platinum DQD.

We took all the detail of the

DQD and enhanced it to provide the

Platinum DQD in a portrait format,

which offers a computer-generated

Light Performance map for each stone. The science makes it objective. The

presentation makes it impressive. The true power of the Platinum DQD is

the assurance it offers to you and your customers.

The Platinum Diamond Quality® Document: the option is now yours.

THE PLATINUM SERIES

The Light Performance Diamond Quality Document — Platinum

• Three-dimensional cut grade analysisin a performance-based numerical report

• Patented Light Performance map is unique for each stone

• Offers a unique way to differentiate your diamonds and your store

PLATINUM:OUR LIGHT

PERFORMANCE REPORTS GETAN ‘A’

IN SCIENCE


• PLATINUM DIAMOND QUALITY® DOCUMENT •


The Light Performance Map is uniquefor each diamond.

Polish and Symmetry numeric gradesare on the frontof the document.

A light performance numeric grade.


8

The AGS Diamond Quality® Report (DQR) offers a complete

grading analysis of the diamond, including the profile with

measurements, and a custom plot.

Showing a maximum grade of AGS 1 (Excellent), the DQR provides

an option for diamonds which have less than Ideal grades on cut, polish

or symmetry.

The DQR can also be used for

those diamond shapes for which a

performance-based cut grade has not

yet been developed.

The AGS DQR: because not

everything is Ideal.

THE DQR

• Portrait format in a presentation folder

• Three-dimensional cut grade analysis in a performance-based report

• An economical option available with or without the cut grade

DIAMOND QUALITY®

REPORT (DQR):AN OPTION FOR

STONES THAT ARENOT IDEAL


• PERFORMANCE DIAMOND QUALITY® REPORT •


Available withor without a cutgrade.

AGS Excellent isthe highestgrade possibleto be assigned.


10

GOLD:LIGHT

PERFORMANCESCIENCE

MADE EASIER

AGS’ scientifically vetted cut-grading system has received rave

reviews for accuracy and consistency. However, many in the

trade continue to use proportion-based grading for evaluating cut. The AGS

Lab challenge was: could we develop a way to accommodate this preference?

The result is the AGS Lab Gold Diamond Quality® Report. By

adapting the cut-grade technology from a three-dimensional system to a

two-dimensional system, we’re able

to present our light performance

evaluation in a proportion-based

report.

The Gold DQR is presented in

a plastic sleeve with a front pocket.

The pocket contains a card with the

diamond’s basic information, making it

easy for you and your staff to find the

right diamond.

This new simplicity is the beauty of the Gold Report.

The Diamond Quality Report — Gold

• A scientific cut grade in a familiar proportion-based format

• Offers greater simplicity – easy to train staff and explain to customers

• Presented in a plastic sleeve with a front pocket with the diamond’s information, making it easy for you and your staff to find the right diamond

THE GOLD SERIES



• GOLD DIAMOND QUALITY® REPORT •

Cut grades for the round brilliantare described inwords (Ideal, Excellent, VeryGood, Good, Fair and Poor).

Uses standard industry terminology for Color (D – Z) and Clarity (flawless –included).


12

The AGS Diamond Quality® Analysis (DQA) is a pocket size

document for stones weighing up to 0.99 carats. The DQA offers

a complete grading analysis, without a plot, and includes inscription of the

AGS number.

This is the ideal document when you need a smaller format cut grade

document for diamonds weighing less than one carat.

DIAMOND QUALITY®

ANALYSIS (DQA):A SMALLER FORMATFOR EASIER TRAVEL


13

The AGS Diamond ConsultationTM (DC) is a product for diamonds

weighing 4.99 carats or less. This document provides shape, clarity,

color, and plot information about the diamond.

The DC provides a concise “snapshot” of the diamond and an easy to

read spine for quick filing and identification.

The fold-over credit card size document provides the essentials.

DIAMONDCONSULTATION

TM

(DC):WHEN YOU NEED THE

BASICS IN A SMALLPACKAGE

Includes the diamond’splot and all the essentialinformation.


14

THEPROPRIETARY CUT

REPORT

Consumers appreciate the value of brands they know and trust. This

concept is embraced by manufacturers and retailers as well.

For manufacturers who’ve developed unique and patented cut designs, we

offer the opportunity to provide a specialized proprietary version of the AGS

Platinum DQD, featuring their own logo on the face of the document.

It’s all about brand-building — and it’s available exclusively from

AGS Laboratories.

Manufacturer’sBrand Name Here Custom Logo

printed on the document.

Cut patent number is included in the commentssection.


15

AGS LABORATORIES SERVICE POLICY

As part of our ongoing commitment to customer service, the AGS

Laboratories works daily with our clients to assist in determining

the best product for their individual needs.

Our grading process is simple and straightforward. Upon arrival at the

Lab, diamonds are received, logged, tested and measured. All diamonds are

anonymous when in the grading process. Clients receive the full grading

results within 5 business days. Rechecks and/or girdle inscriptions can then be

requested. Unique logos can be developed for inscription on the girdle as well.

Within specific guidelines, clients can then select whichever document best fits

their business needs.

The Laboratory is open Monday through Friday from 8:00am to 3:45pm

Pacific time. The Laboratory recommends the use of Brinks, Federal Express

or the United States Post Office services for shipments to the Laboratory. The

Lab primarily uses Brinks, FedEx, USPS Express Mail, or Registered Mail

for return shipments.

For information about becoming an AGS Laboratories client, please

visit our web site or call a Client Service Representative.

CLIENT SERVICE CONTACT INFORMATION:

Email: [email protected]

Phone: + 1 702 233-6120, and press 2 Fax: + 1 702 233-6125

WHEN SHIPPING LOOSE DIAMONDS TO THE LABORATORY, A PACKINGLIST IS REQUIRED PROVIDING THE FOLLOWING INFORMATION:

• Firm Name

• Diamond Weight

• Any Special Instructions

• Contact Information

• Diamond Shape

• AGSL Customer ID

• Diamond Value


A G S L A B O R A T O R I E STM

Sett ing the Highest Standard for Diamond Grading®

A m e r i c a n G e m S o c i e t y L a b o r a t o r i e s , L L C8 9 1 7 W e s t S a h a r a A v e n u e , L a s V e g a s , N V 8 9 1 1 7 U S A

P h o n e : + 1 7 0 2 2 3 3 - 6 1 2 0 • F a x : + 1 7 0 2 2 3 3 - 6 1 2 5E m a i l : s u p p o r t @ a g s l a b . c o m

w w w . a g s l a b . c o m w w w . f a c e b o o k . c o m / a g s l a b s w w w . t w i t t e r . c o m / a g s l a b s

C A N A D A H O N G K O N G I N D I A I S R A E L U S A

The AGS Laboratory is not the largest diamond grading laboratory in the world, but

we’re big on service. Our legendary commitment to fast turnaround (5 business days)

is a promise we relentlessly keep.

Our ability to create customized products for specialized cuts demonstrates the kind of

flexibility that’s hard to find anywhere else. For example:

• We offer the Proprietary Grading Report that can be personalized with the

manufacturer’s logo — a powerful way to support a branded diamond.

• We’re the only lab to provide cut grading reports for fancy shapes, including emerald,

princess and oval — all based on our scientifically-vetted performance grading system.

• We offer complete laser inscription services to identify your diamond or to add your

brand logo.

• We’re willing and able to work with diamond manufacturers to help them improve

methods to achieve the AGS Ideal cut. It’s all part of a service attitude.

For more information, visit our web site at www.agslab.com.

SERVICE


Documents

AGS LABORATORIES PRODUCT REFERENCE GUIDE REFERENCE GUIDE 33621 7.0.qxp: ... brand logo. • We’re willing and able to work with diamond manufacturers to help them improve