I’m planning to buy a ring that has been certified by American International Gemologists (AIG LABS). Unfortunately, I have no clue whether their jewelry certificates/gemological reports are trustworthy. Are they?
AndyBExplorer
American International Gemologists (AIG LABS) – are their certificates trustworthy?
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Dear AndyB,
As far as I know, there are several labs called American International Gemologists (A.I.G. Labs or AIG Labs). However, if you mean the one that is located at Newbury Park, California (e-mail: info@aiglabs.com), then the answer is no, they are not trustworthy.
Their retail replacement values are extremely inflated. They can easily be 10 or more times higher than the true market value. If their retail replacement value says the ring is worth $20000, you can be rather sure its true market value is $1000 to $2000.
They grade light green beryls as emeralds, notwithstanding the fact that GIA (one of the World’s leading authorities on gemstone identification) has previously identified it as green beryl (and they are aware of that!). Read more about this here: https://www.shopperlib.com/green-beryl-vs-emerald/
They grade diamonds 1 or 2 grades higher than their actual grade. For example, SI2 diamonds would be graded as VS1 or VS2, etc, etc, etc.
Thus, they serve businesses that want to rip you off.
Regards, Anna