Is a AGS report an appraisal?

No. A AGS report grades and identifies a stone — color, clarity, cut, weight, and any treatments — but it does not state a dollar value. For an insurance or resale figure you still need a separate appraisal that prices the stone against the current market.

American Gem Society Laboratories covers diamond cut grading, diamond grading. Each report documents the stone's measured properties so two parties can describe the same item in the same language.

How do I check a AGS report is real?

Enter the report number into AGS's official online verification at https://www.agslab.com/ and confirm every detail matches the printed certificate. Check that any laser inscription on the diamond's girdle matches the report number, and be wary of photocopied or altered documents.

* Gemological lab

American Gem Society Laboratories: reports, scope, and how to verify a certificate

Pioneered the 0-10 cut grade scale for diamonds. Acquired by GIA in 2022, with lab operations continuing.

Published May 30, 2026

Quick facts

Full name: American Gem Society Laboratories
Headquarters: Las Vegas, Nevada
Country: United States
Founded: 1934
Status: Active
Scope: diamond cut grading, diamond grading

What they're known for

Pioneered the 0-10 cut grade scale for diamonds. Acquired by GIA in 2022, with lab operations continuing.

Report types

AGS Diamond Quality Document
AGS Diamond Quality Certificate

Each of these describes and grades a stone — its measured properties, quality, and any detected treatments. Note that a grading report is not an appraisal: most labs document what the stone is, not what it is worth in dollars.

How to verify a report

To confirm a AGS report is genuine, check the report number against AGS's official online verification and make sure every detail on the printed document matches the database record. If the stone carries a laser inscription on its girdle, confirm it reads the same report number under magnification. Be wary of photocopied, scanned, or altered certificates — always trust the lab's own lookup over a piece of paper.

Sources

Wikidata Q4742989

* Frequently asked

FAQ

Q. Is a AGS report an appraisal?: A. No. A AGS report grades and identifies a stone — color, clarity, cut, weight, and any treatments — but it does not state a dollar value. For an insurance or resale figure you still need a separate appraisal that prices the stone against the current market.
Q. What does AGS grade?: A. American Gem Society Laboratories covers diamond cut grading, diamond grading. Each report documents the stone's measured properties so two parties can describe the same item in the same language.
Q. How do I check a AGS report is real?: A. Enter the report number into AGS's official online verification at https://www.agslab.com/ and confirm every detail matches the printed certificate. Check that any laser inscription on the diamond's girdle matches the report number, and be wary of photocopied or altered documents.

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