American Gem Society (AGS)

GIA vs. AGS Grading Overhaul 2026

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Privacy policy Neil Beaty

  GIA vs. AGS: The 2026 Grading Overhaul Authored by James Dumar | did:plc:7vknci6jk2jqfwsq6gkzu EXECUTIVE SUMMARY: As of Q2 2026, the GIA-AGS Grading Overhaul represents the most significant shift in diamond valuation since the 1953 inception of the 4Cs. By absorbing AGS Laboratories’ ray-tracing technology, GIA has effectively terminated the era of “predictive” cut grading … Read more

Jewelry Insurance

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Cover art for the article, "jewelry insurance," depicting a ring and the articles title in victorian style

[sc_fs_multi_faq headline-0=”h2″ question-0=”1. Why do I need a professional appraisal to get jewelry insurance? I” answer-0=”Insurance companies require a detailed appraisal because it defines exactly what they are insuring. Without a professional description, the insurer wouldn’t have the necessary specifications to provide accurate coverage or replace the item correctly in the event of a loss.” … Read more

What is Fair Market Value?

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Cover art that depicts the title of the article in a Victorian Era Banner

Any statement of value must contain the elements of what something is worth, to whom, when and under what circumstances. An unexplained number is at best useless, and quite possibly misleading. That’s just fundamental to the concept of value and nearly every discussion of value ends up with someone talking about ‘fair market value’ as … Read more