This pioneering development addresses long-standing industry challenges, including limited availability and rising costs, by combining natural and lab-grown diamonds to provide a precise and accessible grading tool.
The AGA Board of Governors has unanimously approved the Hybrid Diamond Master Sets for use in their Certified Gemological Laboratory (CGL) program. Additionally, GCAL by Sarine has been authorised as an official grading laboratory for certifying these master sets. The AGA-CGL program upholds stringent standards for gemological laboratory equipment and professional training, ensuring that appraisers and jewellers maintain the highest industry standards. Laboratories seeking CGL status must meet specific equipment requirements, including the use of a diamond master colour grading set, and must have qualified gemologists overseeing operations.
A Collaborative Effort
The AGA has long been committed to strengthening public trust in the gem and jewellery sector. AGA President Teri Brossmer highlighted the significance of this project, stating, “AGA offers its members unparalleled opportunities to exchange valuable insights and forge meaningful industry connections. Building on our long-standing dedication to addressing challenges that impact public trust in the gem and jewellery sector, we are proud to play a role in bringing the Certified Hybrid Diamond Master Stones to market.”
AGA Board of Governors member and Project Coordinator, Alberto Scarani, emphasised the importance of industry collaboration in addressing this long-standing issue. “Being a member of the AGA provides the opportunity to share valuable industry connections, which play a crucial role in tackling real challenges faced by our members today. The Hybrid Master Stones project is a testament to the power of collaboration, where a decades-old issue was resolved through the collective goodwill of all contributors. We hope this initiative paves the way for future collaborations across the gemological and appraisal industries.”
A Commitment to Precision and Quality
Stuller, a leading supplier in the diamond trade, plays a key role in sourcing and selecting stones for these sets. Lab-grown diamonds are used for higher colour grades, while natural diamonds are used for lower ones. “For decades, Stuller has been a pivotal supplier in the diamond trade, committed to shaping the industry’s future. When AGA approached us, we were excited to collaborate. Using Stuller’s extensive global network and in-house screening and sorting operations—handling millions of natural and lab-grown diamonds annually—we identified the precise stones qualifying as colour master stones,” said Guy Borenstein, Stuller’s Director of Gemstone Procurement and Senior Gemologist. “Thanks to the fantastic collaboration with GCAL, a project that usually takes over a year and involves rejecting hundreds of stones was successfully completed in under two months.”
The selection process has been streamlined with Sarine’s AI colour grading technology. “Master stones must meet strict criteria—VG+ proportions, VS2+ clarity, faceted girdles, minimal fluorescence, and a pure yellow hue without tinges or modifiers—all while representing the highest of each respective colour grade,” explained Angelo Palmieri, President of GCAL by Sarine. “AI has made the process faster and more efficient, ultimately making master sets more accessible for gemologists and jewellers.”
Once Stuller completes the initial selection, each set undergoes rigorous grading, verification, and certification by GCAL by Sarine, combining AI-driven technology with expert human assessment to ensure the master stones meet the highest standards.
