World Famous
The EGL grading system evaluates diamonds based on the 4Cs – carat weight, color, clarity, and cut – as well as additional criteria such as fluorescence and the presence of treatments or enhancements. EGL’s grading scale is similar to that of other grading organizations, with grades ranging from Excellent to Poor for cut, and from Flawless to Included for clarity.
One area where EGL differs from other grading organizations is in its grading standards. EGL has been criticized for having more lenient grading standards than other organizations such as the Gemological Institute of America (GIA). Some critics have argued that EGL’s grading standards can be inconsistent and that diamonds graded by EGL may not be of the same quality as those graded by other organizations.
But Mostly For Smaller Diamonds
Despite these criticisms, EGL remains a popular choice for diamond grading, particularly among buyers who are looking for lower-priced diamonds. This is because diamonds graded by EGL may be priced lower than those graded by other organizations due to differences in grading standards.
It is important for buyers to be aware of the differences in grading standards between different organizations and to do their research before purchasing a diamond. Buyers should also ensure that they are purchasing a diamond with a grading report from a reputable organization, and should ask their jeweler or diamond dealer for more information about the grading standards used by the organization that graded the diamond.
The History of EGL
The European Gemological Laboratory (EGL) was founded in 1974 in Antwerp, Belgium, by Guy Margel and his father. The Margel family had been involved in the diamond industry for many years, and they recognized a need for a diamond grading laboratory that could provide independent and reliable certification of diamond quality.
At the time, there were only a handful of diamond grading laboratories in the world, and most of them were based in the United States. The Margels saw an opportunity to create a European-based laboratory that could serve the needs of diamond dealers and consumers in Europe and around the world.
The EGL quickly gained a reputation for expertise and integrity, and it soon became one of the leading diamond grading laboratories in the world. In the early years, the laboratory focused primarily on diamond grading and certification, but it eventually expanded its services to include colored gemstone grading, jewelry appraisal, and other related services.
Over the years, the EGL opened additional laboratories in cities such as Paris, London, and Tel Aviv, and it also established partnerships with other gemological laboratories around the world. The organization also developed a number of proprietary grading systems, including the EGL International Diamond Grading System, which is still used today.
Despite its success, the EGL has faced some controversy over the years. Some critics have accused the organization of having more lenient grading standards than other laboratories, and there have been cases of EGL-graded diamonds being sold as higher-quality diamonds by unscrupulous dealers. However, the organization has also been praised for its contributions to the diamond industry and its efforts to promote transparency and accuracy in diamond grading and certification.
Today, the EGL continues to operate as one of the leading diamond grading laboratories in the world, with a focus on providing accurate and reliable grading and certification services to the diamond and jewelry industry.