Diamond Cut and diamond cut grading reports. You've heard us talk a lot about them. Here are four more words we say a lot: commitment, teamwork, leadership and dedication. These words describe the AGS research and development team at AGS Laboratories. 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 both diamond manufacturers, retail jewelers, and ultimately the retail consumer.  It translates into the science behind our diamond cut grade and ithat quality is transfered to our diamond grading reports. Our research team is the industry leader in diamond cut grading research, and has done extensive work in the area of diamond cut grading research and development.

Cut Grade Documents
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 developed the first-ever diamond cut grade for Princess Cut diamonds. New shapes are being added on a regular basis. We now offer diamond Cut Grades on Round Brilliant, Princess, Oval and Emerald Cut diamonds. Additionally, we have just begun work on providing diamond cut grades on Proprietary Cut diamonds. The first of these is with the Jasani Group, who markets the Lovemark Diamond.

The science supporting the AGS Laboratories Diamond Cut Grade System reflects our commitment to develop systems that reflect the performance and quality of a diamond's cut on how they perform whether that is a two dimension proportion-based method or a three dimension based performance cut grade system.

In our Performance based diamond 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 diamond cut grade.

For manufacturers and retailers who are more comfortable with the two dimension proportion-based system, AGS Laboratories introduced a new Grading Report that employs the science and technology of the Light Performance technology to the two dimensional proportion-based method. While this method is based on the science developed with the Performance based system, it is not equal to the Performance-based method. This method should be considered in the context of the framework of good, better, best as better than other proportion based methods. The Performance method is the best. Because the technology and its application to the practical methodology of diamond cutting, we believe it will take years for the diamond manufacturing and retail communities to adopt this system.

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

The links below include important information regarding the AGS Cut Grade Research, including cutting chart guidelines. To view these documents, please view available files by clicking on the appropriate link below.

Main Files
Cutting Chart Guidelines for the Oval Cut
Cutting Chart Guidelines for the Standard Round Brilliant
Cutting Chart Guidelines for the Square Princess Cut
Cutting Chart Guidelines for the Emerald Cut

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