DOCUMENTATION

Does the AGS Laboratories place a value on the documents they issue?
What is a Diamond Quality™ Document (DQD)?
What is a Diamond Quality™ Report (DQR)?
What is a Diamond Consultation™(DC)?
What is an appraisal?
Why would I need an appraisal?
Does the AGS Laboratories perform appraisals?

Does the AGS Laboratories place a value on the documents they issue?
No. The AGS Lab provides an unbiased, independent, expert, third party opinion. For appraisal information, please locate a jeweler at www.americangemsociety.org   Top

What is a Diamond Quality™ Document (DQD)?
The Diamond Quality™ Document (DQD) provides a complete grading analysis of Color, Clarity, Carat Weight, and most importantly, Cut. Included in the Cut Grade is information about Proportions, as well as, Polish and Symmetry. AGS nomenclature (classification) is used for Cut, Color, and Clarity. Top

What is a Diamond Quality™ Report (DQR)?
The DQR provides the same information as the DQD with the notable exception of a Cut Grade. The highest grade shown on a DQR for polish and symmetry is Excellent.Top

What is a Diamond Consultation™(DC)?
This AGS Laboratories report lists the Shape, Weight, Color, Clarity, and measurements of a diamond. Top

What is an appraisal?
An appraisal is the determination of an item's value based on careful examination and market research. It should provide the item's model price - the purchase price that can be expected from retail establishments commonly in the business of buying and selling similar items. The most common types of appraisals include the following: Estate: Usually performed to value the estate of a deceased person with regard to taxes due to the Internal Revenue Service and possibly the state. Retail Replacement: A retail replacement appraisal is required by an insurance company before it will schedule jewelry on an individual policy beyond a certain dollar amount. Donations: Normally done to account for income tax deductions. This kind of appraisal carries the same implications and liabilities as an estate tax appraisal. Liquidation: Most frequently required when there is a need to dispose of property in a limited period of time.Top

Why would I need an appraisal?
Reasons you might want your diamond appraised include:
1.Insurance Replacement - Ensures a replacement of equal value and quality.
2.Donation and Gift - For tax purposes based on IRS regulations
3.Estate Tax - Required when the fair market value of the estate exceeds $3,000.00.
4.Damage Report - Indicates the approximate weight loss and loss of value resulting from recutting a damaged stone.
5.Divorce Settlement
6.Collateral Appraisal - Performed for a party wishing to use the jewelry or gemstones for obtaining a loan or for a similar business purpose.
7.Casualty Loss - The Internal Revenue Service will allow an income tax deduction for lost and damaged uninsured items.
8.Distribution of Property - This is needed when a will is created.
9.Customs Evaluation - Customs officials sometimes may ask for proof that an item of jewelry was not purchased in a foreign country from which an individual has just returned.
10.Conservatorship (or Guardianship) - When a court requires a conservator, or guardian, to manage an estate.
11.Comparison - Helps to verify the asking price of a gem.
12.Hypothetical Estimate for Replacement - Helps determine values previously undocumented, or for values of poorly documented lost or stolen items.
13.Barter - Two or more parties exchanging one commodity for another. Top

Does the AGS Laboratories perform appraisals?
No. Contact a local AGS jeweler for details. Please visit American Gem Society to locate an appraiser.Top