AGS Granted Three Patents on Cut Grading System

The American Gem Society was recently granted three patents from the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO), recognizing the AGS Performance-Based Cut Grading System.

The first patent recognizes computer ray tracing technology that helps to determine a gemstone’s light performance, which includes the AGS Performance Grading Software and Angular Spectrum Evaluation Tool (ASET).

The second relates to systems and methods that, according to the abstract, “can be used to determine the dispersion of a diamond relative to an observation point, which can then be used to provide a map or other indicator” of the gem’s fire potential.

Finally, the third patent recognizes systems and methods that illuminate a diamond with multi-angle, color-coded light rays in order to determine the location from which the gem gathers light.

The AGS explains that it began researching diamond cut in 2000, resulting in a new methodology that analyzes the light performance and proportions of a three-dimensional image of a faceted diamond, based on the factors of brightness, dispersion, leakage, contrast, durability, tilt, weight ratio, girdle thickness, cutlet size, polish and symmetry.

AGS assesses cut grades on round brilliant, princess, emerald an oval cuts, and additional fancy shapes are planned to be added in the future.