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
FinancialsMar 20, 2026
Macy’s Turnaround Plans Shows Promise, Boosted by Bloomingdale’sPlus, why Saks Global’s bankruptcy may have given Bloomingdale’s an edge.
AuctionsMar 20, 2026
Sotheby's, De Beers Unveil ‘Jwaneng 28.88’ DiamondThe flawless, Type IIa stone is estimated to achieve up to $2.8 million at the auction house’s high jewelry sale in April.
TrendsMar 20, 2026
‘Frankenstein’ Costume Designer Is Bejeweled In Brooches for Oscars WinCostume designer Kate Hawley wore three archival Tiffany & Co. brooches, our Pieces of the Week, while accepting her first Oscar.
Brought to you by
Protect Your Customers and Your BusinessYou deserve to know what you are selling–to protect your customers as well as your business and your reputation.
FinancialsMar 19, 2026
Signet Jewelers to Close 100 Stores, Shutter James Allen BannerThe jewelry retailer announced changes to its store network and brand portfolio during its fourth-quarter earnings call.
Weekly QuizMar 19, 2026
This Week’s QuizTest your jewelry news knowledge by answering these questions.
SurveysMar 19, 2026
NRF Forecasts 4% Retail Sales Growth in 2026From a weaker labor market to inflation, NRF Chief Economist Mark Mathews gave insight on what retailers can expect this year.
AuctionsMar 19, 2026
26-Carat Diamond Tops $1M at AuctionThe historic stone, which sold at Elmwood’s in London, is the largest white diamond to be offered on the U.K. market in more than a decade.
Brought to you by
Is This You? Every Jeweler Has This Problem; We Have the Solution.Every jeweler faces the same challenge: helping customers protect what they love. Here’s the solution designed for today’s jewelry business.
Events & AwardsMar 19, 2026
JCK Rocks To Ride With NellyThree-time Grammy award-winning artist Nelly is set to perform at the annual event at Tao Beach in Las Vegas on May 31.
AuctionsMar 18, 2026
Collection of the ‘Severely Beautiful’ Lady Wardington Fetches $161KThe model and fashion editor’s gold evening bags were the top lots at the London sale, going for more than $25,000 each.
PodcastsMar 18, 2026
Episode 3: An Interview With Jewelry Designer Johnny NelsonFresh off winning the David Yurman Gem Awards Grant, Nelson discusses the ring that launched his career and his plans for the future.
SourcingMar 18, 2026
Lucara Recovers Nearly 37-Carat Blue DiamondThe “stunning” Type IIb stone was found via x-ray technology at its Karowe mine in Botswana.
MajorsMar 18, 2026
Stuller Releases New Edition of Jewelry Education Book“The Basics of Jewelry” has been updated to include modern topics and visuals.
Events & AwardsMar 17, 2026
The Best Moments From the 2026 Gem Awards Held just before the Oscars, the jewelry industry’s big awards show had its share of standout jewelry, gowns, and acceptance speeches.
SourcingMar 17, 2026
Cruzeiro Mine Debuts ‘Winter Tourmaline’The Brazilian mine’s new collection features cabochons in soft, muted shades like silver and lilac.
TrendsMar 17, 2026
Natalie Portman Is Tiffany & Co.’s New AmbassadorThe Academy Award-winning actress stars in Tiffany & Co.’s latest commercial, which debuted Sunday night during the Oscars.
MajorsMar 17, 2026
Kering Establishes Jewelry Division, Appoints CEOThe organizational change follows Kering’s promise of a transformation after declining sales in 2025.
EditorsMar 16, 2026
2026 Oscars Jewelry: One Necklace After AnotherNatalie Francisco rounds up the top Oscars jewels, including Rose Byrne’s Taffin necklace with a more than 20-carat yellow-brown diamond.
WatchesMar 16, 2026
TAG Heuer Has a New CEOBéatrice Goasglas has been with TAG Heuer since 2018. She is the first woman to head the 166-year-old, LVMH-owned watch brand.
IndependentsMar 16, 2026
Ben Bridge Debuts New Honolulu BoutiqueThe store features the first in-store build for the jeweler’s in-house “Bella Ponte” bridal brand.
AuctionsMar 16, 2026
Bonhams Paris To Offer Antique, Signed Jewels The live fine jewelry auction will take place later this week, showcasing antique pieces, rare gemstones, and signed jewels.
CollectionsMar 13, 2026
A Trio of Jewels from the 3 Gem Award Nominees for Jewelry DesignOur Pieces of the Week honor the 2026 nominees for the Gem Award for Jewelry Design, Silvia Furmanovich, Cece Fein-Hughes, and Catherine Sarr.
WatchesMar 13, 2026
Citizen, Vera Wang to Launch Watch CollectionThe 24-piece watch collection is set to debut in spring 2027.
SourcingMar 13, 2026
Andrea Pooler Joins Third-Generation Diamond Company as COO Pooler, who has more than 25 years’ experience in jewelry, is now chief operating officer of Modani Jewels, Soham Diamonds, and SNJ Creations.
MajorsMar 13, 2026
24 Karat Club of New York’s Banquet to Return to Waldorf AstoriaThe reopening of the Waldorf Astoria means a homecoming for the industry group’s annual event, which will take place Saturday.
CollectionsMar 12, 2026
Jessica McCormack Sends Gold, Gemstones Into ‘Orbit’McCormack looked to the 19th century’s “golden age” of astronomy when designing her new celestial-themed collection.
Events & AwardsMar 12, 2026
Johnny Nelson Wins David Yurman Gem Awards GrantNelson will be honored as the inaugural grant winner at the Gem Awards gala on Friday.
