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Posted By: Gilbert Maines

In my estimation, where the problem with this scheme lies is in believing that third party graders cast the definitive vote. When in actuality, they provide one piece of data valuable in the overall assesment of the item under evaluation.

For example a top color but seriously flawed diamond will be downgraded because of the flaw. And have a significant reduction in price associated with this professional's assessment. In actuality, the flaw could be a perfect ruby entrapped in the diamond. To some, there can be no better a birthstone ring gift than such an ruby. Certainly worth quite a premium (to one's wife). But the actual diamond's grade is low eventhough the overall piece's attributes are more desireable than a perfect diamond to some.

That is, a third party employs its assessment criteria. The purchaser should include this analysis in his overall determination of the desirability of the subject. In our hobby, this is not being done yet.