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Symmetry:
Symmetry refers to the precision with which the facets of a
diamond are aligned with each other and the consistency of facet shape and
size per given section. The symmetry rating reflected on a diamond
grading report is not an indication of the proportions of a diamond.
Most laboratory issued diamond grading reports rate
symmetry on a scale which might include ratings such as Poor, Fair, Good,
Very Good, and Excellent or Ideal. In general, determining factors
of each grade are as follows:
Excellent or Ideal: No mis-shapen or mis-aligned facets are visible
when the diamond is viewed under 10x magnification. High
magnification, such as 30x may be used to locate any mis-aligned or
mis-shapen facets. The brilliance of a diamond with Excellent
Symmetry will be noticeably superior to that of a diamond with a symmetry
rating of Good.
Very Good: Represents diamonds that contain one or two minor
symmetry characteristics that can be found under 10x magnification. Higher
magnification will again be used by the grader to locate these areas
easily. The degree of brilliance between a diamond graded as Very
Good in Symmetry and one graded as having Good Symmetry is still
noticeably different, however, it is practically impossible for the
average consumer to distinguish between Very Good and Excellent or Ideal
Symmetry without a lot of coaching.
Good: Numerous inconsistencies of facet alignment and shape are
visible under 10x magnification. As a bare minimum, we recommend
that a round brilliant cut diamond have a symmetry rating of Very Good or
better. However, it is important to note that most fancy shape
diamonds only have polish and symmetry ratings of good... It drives us
nuts, but you learn to accept it after awhile if you ever want to find an
acceptable fancy shape diamond...
Fair: Numerous inconsistencies in facet shape and alignment.
Luster is below average and unimpressive.
Poor: A significant amount of the facets are mis-aligned and
mis-shapen Luster is minimal and the diamond lacks life.
The American Gem Society Laboratory (AGS) uses a numerical system
to represent the Symmetry Grade of the diamonds that they evaluate.
The numerical grades and associated degree of visibility of the Symmetry
Characteristics are as follows:
AGS-0 Ideal: Extremely difficult to locate under 10x magnification.
AGS-1 Excellent: Very difficult to locate under 10x magnification.
AGS-2 Very Good: Difficult to locate under 10x magnification.
AGS-3 Good: Relatively easy to see under 10x, not visible to the unaided
eye.
AGS-4 Good: Easy to see under 10x, extremely difficult to see with unaided
eye.
AGS-5 Fair: Very easy to see under 10x, very difficult to see with unaided
eye.
AGS-6 Fair: Obvious under 10x, difficult to see with the unaided eye.
AGS-7 Fair: Relatively easy to see without magnification.
AGS-8 Poor: Easy to see without magnification.
AGS-9 & AGS-10 Poor: Obvious to the unaided eye.
We recommend you purchase a diamond with a Symmetry Rating of either AGS
Ideal or GIA Excellent. At the very least, the Symmetry Rating of
the diamond you select should be Very Good. It goes without saying
that a diamond with a Symmetry Grade of AGS Ideal or GIA Excellent is
going to cost a little more than a diamond with comparable characteristics
and a Symmetry Rating of Very Good simply because it takes more time to
achieve. However, there is also a significant difference in
the brilliance of the diamond. We consider a true "Ideal
Cut" to be a diamond with AGS Ideal Cut Proportions and a Symmetry
Rating of Very Good, Excellent, or Ideal depending on which laboratory
issued the grade. Remember, there are three categories to consider
when determining a diamond's overall cut rating... Polish...
Proportions... and Symmetry...
It is important to realize that is highly unlikely that the average
consumer will be able to detect a difference between the Symmetry Grades
of Very Good, Excellent, and Ideal without assistance. However, most
of our enlightened customers have been able to easily detect a dramatic
difference in brilliance between diamonds rated as Good versus those rated
as Excellent in symmetry.
May we help you find the diamond of your dreams?
Send us an email diamonds@niceice.com
and tell us what you are looking for.
Or give us a call at 206.319.8152 or Toll Free 877.844.5443
Copyright © 1996 - 2007 Nice Ice, Inc.
AGS®
is a registered trademark of the American Gem Society (702) 255-6500
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(760) 603-4000