AGS introduces Diamond Quality Certificate
April 27, 2007
Denver—The
American Gem Society (AGS) officially introduced the new Diamond Quality Certificate (DQC), which guarantees the quality of a diamond, at its annual membership breakfast held this morning at the AGS Conclave.
The document—available only to AGS members—is designed to guarantee diamond authenticity and to cement the relationship between jewelers and their customers. AGS jewelers who use the document certify the authenticity and quality of the diamond; that the diamond has been graded by the American Gem Society Laboratories; that they have the knowledge to validate the information within the certificate; their commitment to build a lasting relationship with the customer; and that they're dedicated to setting, maintaining and promoting the highest standards of ethical conduct and professional behavior in the jewelry industry and community. AGS titleholders must sign off on the certificate in the presence of customers.
"Here is the best, most accurate certificate that the consumer can have," said Bill Underwood of Underwood Fine Jewelers in Fayetteville, Ark.
He said the document will help AGS jewelers to further differentiate themselves from competition.
The DQC will only be issued for diamonds that have an AGS Lab cut grade of 3 or better; a color grade of 3 (J) or better; a clarity grade of 6 (SI2) or better; and a carat weight of 0.18 or higher. It cannot be issued for diamonds sold over the Internet. The document is available to members for $59.
If a retail member does not maintain the integrity of the certificate, the firm will be subject to the American Gem Society Grievance and Review process, which can include expulsion from membership.
For more information on the new certificate, contact AGS Labs at (702) 233-6120.
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