AGS launches diamond search engine

The American Gem Society (AGS) has launched ‘AGS Diamond Search’ - a diamond search engine specific to access diamonds from AGS suppliers and also those diamonds directly uploaded by AGS, immediately upon being graded and having got supplier permission. AGS retailers contact suppliers directly to initiate a purchase through this engine. "We're very pleased to be able to make this resource available as a member-benefit for AGS retailers and suppliers," said Ruth Batson, AGS Chief Executive Officer. “It makes sense to give our retail store buyers the most convenient means possible of finding AGS stones from AGS suppliers, essentially all in one place, and right there at our website."

AGS partnered with Verichannel for this venture. Diamonds can be searched using standard criteria of color, clarity, shape, etc. The new concept has received positive feedback as being ‘a big time-saver’ according to AGS retailer Tom Wright, of Wright's Jewelers, Lincoln, Nebraska. Charles Rosario, Senior Vice President of Lazare Kaplan International Inc., an AGS supplier said, "We have already uploaded hundreds of stones into the AGS Diamond Search".

The service has been integrated into the members-only section of the AGS website, and into the Verichannel platform for AGS members.

"At the AGS Lab, we provide a direct feed of freshly-graded diamonds to Verichannel's database, with authorization from suppliers," explained Peter Yantzer, Executive Director of Gemological Services for the AGS Lab. "These then instantly become part of the AGS Diamond Search system on the AGS website. It's the fastest way imaginable to get a stone to market."

Verichannel has created the concept applying the same technology as was used in its Daily Diamond Report service launched in January.