American Gem Society

History and Founder

• AGS was created by Robert M. Shipley.
• Shipley realized the lack of expertise in gems and jewelry among American jewelers.
• Shipley completed the Great Britain National Association of Goldsmiths gemological correspondence course in Europe.
• Shipley founded his own preliminary course in gemology in Los Angeles in 1930.
• Shipley worked to promote the need for gemological education and train certified jewelers.

Accomplishments

• Invented the industry's first scientifically reviewed, objective, and repeatable Cut Grade method.
• Created the Ideal Cut Grade for Round Brilliant shaped diamonds (AGS Ideal or Triple Zero Cut).
• Offered diamond grading reports with a Cut Grade for Princess, Emerald, Oval, and other fancy diamond shapes.
• Achieved significant accomplishments within the field of gemology and jewelry.
• Played a key role in the foundation of the Gemological Institute of America (GIA).

Laboratory Services

• AGS Laboratories offers diamond grading services based on the Four Cs: Color, Clarity, Cut, and Carat Weight.
• Provides diamond grading reports to verify the quality of purchased diamonds.
• Offers laser inscription services to inscribe diamonds with serial numbers, company logos, or other text.
• Laser inscription is performed on the girdle and does not affect diamond quality.
• AGS Laboratories serves the jewelry industry with its laboratory services.

References and Additional Information

• Shipley Shaped GIA Mission on Personal Experience, Commitment to Improvement.
• About AGS Laboratories.
• American Gem Society.
• AGS Laboratories FAQs.
• Laser Inscription Services.
• AGS Laboratories is a significant part of the AGS operation.
• Laser inscription service provides a unique way to personalize diamonds.
• AGS Laboratories' diamond grading reports are trusted in the industry.
• AGS Laboratories contributes to the verification and quality assurance of diamonds.
• AGS Laboratories' services benefit both jewelers and consumers.

American Gem Society Data Sources