The Accredited Gemologists Association (AGA) has partnered with Stuller and Sarine in the launch of a new hybrid diamond master set that combines natural and lab-grown diamonds to improve color-grading accuracy.
Gem labs and jewelers use master sets as a benchmark for grading a diamond’s color. Since color grading significantly impacts a diamond’s overall value, they play a crucial role in determining its final cost.
Announced at the AGA’s annual conference in Tucson, Arizona, in February, the Certified Hybrid Diamond Master Sets are the result of a collaboration with Stuller and the Gem Certification & Assurance Lab (GCAL) by Sarine. The AGA board of governors approved them for use in the Certified Gemological Laboratory (CGL) — the AGA’s lab in Carlsbad, California — and designated GCAL by Sarine locations, the international gemological education and research group said Monday.
The hybrid sets address established industry challenges, including limited availability and rising costs of traditional all-natural master stones. Stuller, a major diamond supplier, will source the stones using lab-grown diamonds for higher-color grades and natural diamonds for lower grades.
“Master stones must meet strict criteria — VG-plus proportions, VS2-plus clarity, faceted girdles, minimal fluorescence, and a pure yellow hue without tinges or modifiers — all while representing the highest of each respective color grade,” explained president of GCAL by Sarine Angelo Palmieri. “Artificial intelligence (AI) has made the process faster and more efficient, ultimately making master sets more accessible for gemologists and jewelers.”
Sarine’s AI technology simplifies the selection process, ensuring consistency in color grading, AGA noted. GCAL by Sarine verifies and certifies each set, combining AI-driven analysis with human expertise.
The new sets will make diamond color grading more accessible and reliable for gemologists and jewelers, AGA officials said. The Certified Hybrid Diamond Master Sets will soon be available for purchase directly from Stuller.
Image: A woman looking at a diamond through a loupe. (Shutterstock)
