GradingOct 13, 2022
GIA to Begin Digital Report Migration With Diamond DossierGradingOct 21, 2022
Why AGS Is Closing Its Lab, Merging It With GIA
CEO Katherine Bodoh said the merger will allow AGS to focus on its “original vision” as a trade organization and grow Conclave.
AGS CEO Katherine Bodoh (left) and GIA President and CEO Susan Jacques at “AGS Day” at GIA headquarters in Carlsbad, California, on Oct. 4. The organizations announced this week that AGS Laboratories will become part of GIA in 2023.
Las Vegas—The American Gem Society announced this week that it will close AGS Laboratories at the end of the year and merge its operations with the Gemological Institute of America.
The AGS Labs research staff, intellectual property, technology, and Las Vegas facility will be integrated into GIA, which will utilize the facility as a center for research.
Financial terms of the deal were not disclosed.
AGS Labs will continue to provide services until the end of 2022; it said it will contact clients with details of the transition.
In addition, a “client checklist” as well as a list of frequently asked questions about the lab’s closure is available on the AGS website.
AGS and GIA said they will combine their gemological research efforts to develop new products and services to protect consumers and support the trade, like light performance research and a science-based fancy cut grade standard—an avenue of research that is a “very active pursuit” at the lab, it confirmed recently.
The collaboration will allow AGS to focus on its retailer programs and additional member education opportunities, building up its signature event, AGS Conclave, event and exploring new possibilities for members, CEO Katherine Bodoh told National Jeweler in an interview Thursday.
“As an organization, we’re constantly challenging ourselves about how we can exceed expectations for our members, how we can utilize the technology and tools available to us to do what we need to do,” she said.
“That journey led us back to our original vision as a trade organization while also asking how we can make the biggest impact and adjust that vision.”
Related stories will be right here …
The AGS Labs research staff, intellectual property, technology, and Las Vegas facility will be integrated into GIA, which will utilize the facility as a center for research.
Financial terms of the deal were not disclosed.
AGS Labs will continue to provide services until the end of 2022; it said it will contact clients with details of the transition.
In addition, a “client checklist” as well as a list of frequently asked questions about the lab’s closure is available on the AGS website.
AGS and GIA said they will combine their gemological research efforts to develop new products and services to protect consumers and support the trade, like light performance research and a science-based fancy cut grade standard—an avenue of research that is a “very active pursuit” at the lab, it confirmed recently.
The collaboration will allow AGS to focus on its retailer programs and additional member education opportunities, building up its signature event, AGS Conclave, event and exploring new possibilities for members, CEO Katherine Bodoh told National Jeweler in an interview Thursday.
“As an organization, we’re constantly challenging ourselves about how we can exceed expectations for our members, how we can utilize the technology and tools available to us to do what we need to do,” she said.
“That journey led us back to our original vision as a trade organization while also asking how we can make the biggest impact and adjust that vision.”
Robert M. and Beatrice Shipley founded both GIA and AGS in the 1930s. AGS launched AGS Labs in 1996.
With their shared missions for the trade and consumers, the two organizations have collaborated in the past.
“The wonderful thing about being founded with the same vision is that we’re both asking, how can we make the biggest and best impact for the industry, and it makes it easy to say what does that look like, how do we do something bigger than both of us?” Bodoh said.
AGS headquarters will remain where it is in Las Vegas, near the facility where GIA and the combined research teams will be located.
With the collaboration, GIA will create an endowment to support AGS and its membership through education and credentials.
GIA also will make the new AGS Ideal Report, which grades light performance, available as a digital-only supplement to its own diamond reports for round brilliant and fancy shape diamonds.
This will combine the AGS Ideal Report with the four Cs grading from GIA.
AGS’s popular cut grading system—which grades cut on a scale from 0 to 10, with 0 being “Ideal” and 10 being “Poor”—will remain with it.
GIA said clients will be able to request the supplemental reports starting in January for an additional $25.
More details about the “AGS Ideal Report Brought to You By GIA” will be available soon, it said.
“By harnessing each other’s strengths to move forward boldly, consumers will be better protected, and we will ensure the longevity of the Shipleys’ vision,” GIA President and CEO Susan Jacques said in a statement from the lab.
“I would like to thank the AGS International Board of Directors and the GIA Board of Governors for supporting this new phase in the close relationship between our two organizations.”
More on Grading
The Latest
MajorsSep 22, 2026
Foundrae’s Lawsuit Against Pandora Can Continue, Court RulesA federal judge denied Pandora’s motion to dismiss Foundrae’s claim for copyright infringement of its medallions.
IndependentsSep 22, 2026
Constance Polamalu Named to '40 Under 40' ListThe Baltimore Business Journal recognized the entrepreneur for her leadership in business and the jewelry industry.
ColumnistsSep 22, 2026
Peter Smith: Our Struggle With Emotional SellingPeople aren’t thinking rationally when they are buying luxury products, and we shouldn’t be selling them that way, Peter Smith writes.
Brought to you by
Meet Gemology’s Next Generation Microscope: GIA® Gemolite® NXT Professional EditionExperience gemstones with greater precision and comfort than ever before.
Events & AwardsSep 22, 2026
NYCJAOS Returns for Autumn EditionThe four-day show is slated for Nov. 19-22 at the Metropolitan Pavilion in New York City’s Chelsea neighborhood.
Weekly QuizSep 17, 2026
This Week’s QuizTest your jewelry news knowledge by answering these questions.
AuctionsSep 21, 2026
Ultra-Rare Cartier Cheich Watch Sells for $3.4M Offered at Sotheby’s Hong Kong, the one-of-a-kind white gold watch now holds the title of most valuable Cartier wristwatch sold at auction.
MajorsSep 21, 2026
Longtime Industry Executive Pamela Bernstein-Gulla to RetireBernstein-Gulla has been working in the jewelry industry for 40 years, most recently as chief engagement officer for Hill & Co.
Brought to you by
Your Piece Could Be the One Editors Talk AboutSubmit your pieces for a chance to win in this year's competition.
IndependentsSep 21, 2026
Bhindi Jewelers Moves Into New, Larger California StoreThe relocated Glendale store, now at The Americana at Brand, was designed to be a contemporary “timepiece haven” inspired by luxury resorts.
AuctionsSep 18, 2026
7.52-Carat Unheated Paraíba Tourmaline Sells for $1.3M at Sotheby’s The top lot of the auction house’s Hong Kong jewelry sale was an Art Deco Mauboussin necklace with ruby beads, which sold for $2 million.
Policies & IssuesSep 18, 2026
Tariffs, Retail Crime Top of Mind at JA’s Annual Fly-In Retailers and manufacturers headed to the Capitol this week to discuss tariff exemptions for diamonds and gemstones, among other issues.
CollectionsSep 18, 2026
Nanis Transforms Its ‘Boule’ Into a Mirror Our Piece of the Week is a pair of drop earrings from the “Sway” collection featuring Nanis’ first use of mirror-polished gold.
AuctionsSep 18, 2026
Noonans To Auction Medieval Gold Seal Ring Recovered By 2 FriendsTwo metal detectorists discovered the ring, which may have belonged to English noblewoman Matilda of Lancaster, in Suffolk.
Policies & IssuesSep 17, 2026
Tariffs on India Could Increase as Russian Sanctions Bill Heads to Trump’s DeskThe bill has a provision that allows the president to raise tariffs on countries that import Russian oil and gas to as much as 100 percent.
Events & AwardsSep 17, 2026
This Is the Winner of the 2026 Robert M. Shipley AwardThe American Gem Society presented the annual award to a former president of its board.
CollectionsSep 17, 2026
Cynthia Erivo, Zoë Chicco’s Jewelry Collab Is an Ode to TransformationThe “Chrysalis” capsule centers butterfly motifs representing growth, transformation, and the unfolding of who you are.
Events & AwardsSep 17, 2026
Louisiana Retailer Kevin Patton Wins Lifetime Achievement AwardJewelers of Louisiana presented Patton, the third-generation president of Pattons Fine Jewelry, with the award at its annual convention.
PodcastsSep 16, 2026
Episode 9: Remembering Cindy EdelsteinTwo special guests join the podcast to commemorate the 10th anniversary of the designer advocate, mentor, and author’s untimely passing.
CollectionsSep 16, 2026
Jessica McCormack, L’Objet Collab on Homewares CollectionMcCormack brings sea-inspired motifs from her “Beaches” collection to L’Objet’s tableware, vanity pieces, and first-ever cutlery set.
CrimeSep 16, 2026
JSA Issues Warning to NJ Jewelers After Rash of Smash and GrabsNine New Jersey jewelers have been victims of smash-and-grab robberies this year, prompting JSA to circulate a list of recommendations.
IndependentsSep 16, 2026
Bromberg & Co. Names New PresidentMarlin “Brian” Hood, who has been with the store for 20 years, will succeed Ricky Bromberg, who died earlier this month.
MajorsSep 16, 2026
Midas Chain Releases ‘House of Midas’ Bridal CatalogThe new bridal catalog features the latest jewelry collections and designs from timeless classics to modern silhouettes.
EditorsSep 15, 2026
2026 Emmys Jewelry: An Either/Or Proposition Stars wore either a necklace or earrings at 78th Primetime Emmy Awards but rarely both, Natalie Francisco notes.
ColumnistsSep 15, 2026
The Levels Your Website Must Clear Before AI Recommends YouJennifer Shaheen compares this new era of AI-powered SEO to a video game: your website must clear one level before advancing to the next.
IndependentsSep 15, 2026
Armadani Launches Retail Support Program for Holiday SeasonThe program highlights “Made in Italy” fine jewelry with digital merchandising, sales education, and local marketing support.
EditorsSep 15, 2026
Q&A: Signet Jewelers’ Joan Hilson on Diamond Demand, the HolidaysHilson, Signet’s chief operating and financial officer, discussed Q2, resurgent natural diamond demand, and why Blue Nile is a standout.
ColumnistsSep 14, 2026
Sherry Smith: Stop Waiting for December to Save Your ChristmasThe stores that have a great December are the ones that made good decisions in August, September, and October, Sherry Smith writes.
