AGS Laboratories has designed an educational guide just for you. "High-Performance Diamonds 101: Understanding the AGS Cut Grade" is the Lab's latest educational offering.

"This guide is designed to help the retail sales associate have a better understanding of the AGS Performance-based Cut Grading System, which in turn can not only help them sell more diamonds, but they can also better aid the consumer in making a more informed buying decision," says Peter Yantzer, Executive Director of AGS Laboratories. "The beauty of the guide is that though we produced it with the sales associate in mind, it works for any member of the trade who needs an informational tool on the Cut Grade."

The new guide has several features, all designed to educate the jewelry industry on the science and methodology behind the AGS Performance-based Cut Grading System. Among the guide's features: an explanation of the categories of Light Performance, Proportions Factors and Finish, a glossary explaining the language of the Performance grade, and a centerfold detailing the components of the Diamond QualityTM Document.

AGS launched their Performance-based Cut Grading System in 2005, and since then, AGS Laboratories has been implementing the Cut Grade in their Diamond Quality™ Documents. In the Performance-based Cut Grading System, all facets of a diamond are measured in three dimensions rather than two. The measurements are input into a computer program that traces light rays traveling through a diamond. The ray-tracing program shows the quantity and quality of the light being returned to the viewer. In addition to proportion, polish, and symmetry, AGS Laboratories also considers brightness, dispersion, leakage, contrast, and weight ratio in assigning the final cut grade.

To request a copy of the guide, please email This e-mail address is being protected from spam bots, you need JavaScript enabled to view it For more information regarding AGS Laboratories products and services, please call 702.233.6120 or visit the website at www.agslab.com. For more information on AGS, contact 702.255.6500 or visit www.ags.org.