New Cut-Grading System Refines Stringent Criteria for Ideal "0" Cut GradeLAS VEGAS, Nevada After five years of research and development, the AGS was able to present the industry with a highly advanced system that will make it possible to cut grade fancy shape diamonds. The AGS would like to express its most sincere thanks to those individuals who contributed their invaluable time and knowledge to the ultimate success of this project.
"Each of the individuals listed below have played an important and immeasurable role in bettering our industry through increased consumer confidence," stated Ruth Batson, AGS executive director and CEO. "Consumer confidence is crucial to the continued success and growth of our industry, and the results of the AGS cut grade research mark yet another significant milestone towards meeting that goal. " Cut Grade Task Force
Maarten de Witte, CG, Hearts On Fire
Marty Haske, GG, Adamas Gemological Laboratory
William D. Hoefer, Jr., GG, Hoefer’s Gemological Services
Charles Lacy, RJ, American Gem Society Laboratories Board of Managers Chair
Robert Lynn, CGA, Lynn’s Jewelry
Phil Minsky, ECGA
Gabi S. Tolkowsky™, RS, Gabi S. Tolkowsky & Sons BVBA
Craig Underwood, CGA, Task Force Chair, Underwood’s Jewelers Cut Grade Research Oversight Committee Members
Chris Bramlett, CGA, Gemological Sciences Committee Chair
Tom Gorman, CG, Keppie Kiger
Tom Tivol, CG, Tivol, Inc.
Bill Underwood, CGA, Committee Chair and President of Underwood's Jewelers Special note must be made to the contributions of Richard von Sternberg. The American Gem Society first learned of performance-based diamond analysis and three-dimensional symmetry (optical symmetry) while visiting EightStar in June of 1996. At the AGS Conclave in 1998 Sternberg introduced the membership at large the concept of diamond performance pointing to the future of diamond grading. AGS purchased the PerformanceScope from Sternberg, which showed the significance of knowing where light comes from that enters a diamond. Experiments done with the PerformanceScope helped indicate the importance of tracing the path of light through a diamond and its implications for diamond cut quality analysis. # # #
The American Gem Society, founded in 1934 by Robert M. Shipley, is a trade association dedicated to proven ethics, knowledge and consumer protection within the jewelry industry. All members are held to high ethical standards in the industry and are re-certified annually to maintain their AGS titles. For more information regarding the American Gem Society please call 702.255.6500, or visit the AGS website at www.ags.org NOTE TO EDITOR: PHOTOGRAPHS AVAILABLE.
The American Gem Society
8881 W. Sahara Ave.
Las Vegas, NV 89117
www.ags.org |
