The Society headquarters is located is Las Vegas, Nevada but its members are spread throughout the United States and Canada. Each member of AGS has to have completed education at either GIA or the Gemological Association of Great Britain in order to be eligible for membership. Membership into the AGS is very selective. AGS focuses on consumer protection and education. Their grading report, referred to as the AGS Diamond Quality Document (DQD) offers a comprehensive report on the cut grade of round, brilliant cut diamonds. In addition, their report covers all four aspects of the grading process including cut, clarity, color and carat weight. Their ratings are given on a scale from 1 to 10. A diamond can also be rated a zero which is the highest grade. For instance, a perfectly colorless diamond would be rated a zero. Cut, clarity and color are ranked separately from carat weight. Therefore, a perfect diamond would be rated a triple zero. Each category is judged by at least two graders who are considered experts in their fields.
AGS Laboratories does more than just grade diamonds. They also are experts in laser inscription, a process which allows words or symbols to be placed on the girdle of a diamond.
