Industry Leaders Introduce Certified Hybrid Diamond Master Sets—A Game-Changer for Color Grading
For the first time, gemologists and jewelers will have access to an innovative solution for diamond color grading. Developed in collaboration with the Accredited Gemologists Association (AGA), Stuller, and GCAL by Sarine, Certified Hybrid Diamond Master Sets provide a reliable, cost-effective alternative to traditional natural master sets—addressing long-standing industry challenges of limited availability and rising costs. By combining natural and lab-grown diamonds, these sets offer a precise and accessible tool for grading.
The AGA Board of Governors recently unanimously approved the new Hybrid Diamond Master sets for use in their Certified Gemological Laboratory (CGL) program and authorized GCAL by Sarine as an approved grading laboratory for certifying these master sets. The AGA-CGL program sets standards for equipment and professional training for the gemological laboratories of appraisers and jewelers. To earn CGL status, they must meet specific equipment requirements, including the use of a diamond master color grading set, and ensure that qualified gemologists oversee operations.
A Collaborative Effort
The AGA has long been committed to strengthening public trust in the gem and jewelry sector. “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 jewelry sector, we are proud to play a role in bringing the Certified Hybrid Diamond Master Stones to market,” said Teri Brossmer, AGA President.
This project stands as a testament to the power of industry collaboration. ” Being a member of the AGA provides the opportunity to share valuable industry connections, which play a crucial role in addressing real challenges faced by our members nowadays. The most effective testimony of these synergies is the Hybrid Master Stones project, where a long-standing issue, unresolved for decades, was tackled thanks to the collective goodwill of all contributors. We are hopeful that this project will pave the way for others, fostering further collaborations with all the other gemological and appraisal organizations,” noted Alberto Scarani, AGA Board of Governors and Project Coordinator.
A Commitment to Precision and Quality
Stuller, a prime supplier in the diamond trade, plays a vital role in sourcing and selecting stones for these sets, using lab-grown diamonds for higher color grades and natural diamonds for lower ones. “For decades, Stuller has played a crucial role as a key supplier in the diamond trade, and as such, we are committed to shaping the future of the diamond industry in various ways. Thus, when AGA contacted us, we were excited to collaborate. We leveraged Stuller’s extensive global network and specialized in-house screening and sorting operations, which handle millions of natural and lab-grown diamonds annually, to pinpoint the precise stones that qualify as color master stones,” said Guy Borenstein, Stuller’s Director of Gemstone Procurement and Senior Gemologist. “Thanks to the fantastic collaboration with GCAL, a project that typically requires at least a year and involves hundreds of rejected stones was successfully finished in under two months.”
The initial selection process has been streamlined using Sarine’s AI color 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 color 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 jewelers.”
After Stuller completes the initial selection, each set is graded, verified, and certified by GCAL by Sarine, combining AI-driven grading with expert human assessment to ensure the master stones meet the highest standards.
Announced at the recent AGA annual conference in Tucson, these master sets provide:
- Greater Accessibility – Traditionally scarce and expensive, these sets now offer an affordable, high-quality option for professionals.
- Unmatched Precision – AI technology and expert grading ensure consistent, accurate color grading.
- Increased Trust – Endorsed by the AGA, these sets give gemologists and jewelers a reliable grading tool.
Donald A. Palmieri, Founding Partner of GCAL by Sarine, emphasized the significance of the project: “In all my years of appraising and certifying diamonds, no tool has been more critical to my gemological work than my diamond color master set. GCAL is proud to provide certification for the master sets in joint cooperation with Stuller and AGA.”
These sets will soon be available for purchase by the trade directly from Stuller.
For more information on acquiring a Certified Hybrid Diamond Master Set, please visit the Accredited Gemologists Association website.
