EGL vs GIA
The difference between EGL vs GIA is that GIA grading standards are stricter than EGL USA and the same diamond will typically receive one color and clarity grade higher from EGL USA than from the GIA. EGL USA certificates include an opinion on replacement value of each stone whereas GIA does not.
It is most important to recognize there are EGL laboratories located in several different countries around the globe. At Ascot we recognize only EGL USA certificates.
These are three major US diamond laboratories:
- GIA = Gemological Institute of America
- EGL USA = European Gemological Laboratory [USA]
- AGS = American Gem Society
oval cut diamond EGL USA certified. H color. VS2 clarity
GIA grading standards are stricter than EGL US or AGS and the same diamond will usually receive one color grade and possibly one clarity grade higher from EGL US and the AGS than from the GIA.
Clearly, EGL US and AGS certified diamonds should be priced lower than GIA equivalent certificates [same weight, grades and brilliance].
It is important to know that Diamond Laboratories certify all diamonds submitted for grading and any certificate [including GIA] does not guarantee the brilliance, desirability or correct value of any diamond.
Determining brilliance, cut and correct value for any diamond requires experience, market knowledge in addition to gemological training. There can be a striking difference in the correct value of 2 diamonds with identical certificate grades.
Color Grades:
Color is defined by all 3 laboratories in 3 broad categories:
Colorless = D, E, F
Near colorless = G, H, I, J
Distinct color = K to Z
A good faith difference of opinion exists between diamond laboratories as to where on the color spectrum each specific color grade belongs. As a result, the identical diamond submitted to the GIA, AGS or EGL US will rarely get the same color grade.
Certificate color grades describe the amount of color present in a diamond. While the most common color tint in a diamond is yellow, many diamonds have a core color that may be light brown, blue, green, gray, pink etc.
The GIA typically downgrades diamonds not strictly on a ‘yellow spectrum’ by one or more color grade, whereas EGL US and AGS often consider the absence of yellow a positive characteristic and provides a higher color grade for the best examples of these diamonds.
Clarity grades:
Clarity grades are based on the quantity, size and position of inclusions under 10 x magnification. GIA clarity grades may be one clarity grade stricter than EGL US or AGS, however in our experience it is not unusual for all 3 laboratories to provide identical clarity grades.
Diamonds are the most intriguing and brilliant of all gemstones. Buy your diamond from a diamond company with an impeccable reputation, willing to educate each client and provide a selection of carefully screened stones to choose from.
We invite you to visit an Ascot showroom in Atlanta, Dallas, Washington DC, Charlotte or NYC where clients enjoy a priceless education in a dignified atmosphere and compare diamonds from the most meticulously selected diamond inventory in the world.