On Wednesday, September 23, Mr. Patrick B. Stout presented to the chapter the AGS Cut Grade System with its supporting technology. Mr. Stout is a recognized authority on diamond grading and related professional education of those in the jewelry trade. He began his career in the retail sector and spent nearly 25 years in various sales and management positions with firms including Ben Bridge Jewelers and Tiffany & Co.

Such practical experience was also augmented through formalized gemological education and credentials as Mr. Stout attained the status of a Graduate Gemologist (GIA), a Certified Gemologist (AGS) and a Certified Gemologist Appraiser (AGS). Having been a member of the American Gem Society since 1988, Mr. Stout then joined the staff of the organization in 2005 and currently serves as Education Services Manager. In this role, he both consults with jewelers, presenting AGS training and educational materials to enhance staff professionalism, and represents the AGS and its Advanced Instruments Division at trade shows and industry events, providing information regarding the AGS Diamond Cut Grade System and associated instrumentation.

Mr. Stout’s presentation profiled the AGS Cut Grade System and its supporting technology through a power point lecture. With respect to the nature of the system, he explained its theory and operation as a performance-based analysis that measures a stones actual light manipulation efficiency in three dimensions.

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Concerning technology, the focus was on the Angular Spectrum Evaluation Tools (ASET) that enables industry members such as jewelers and appraisers to see and demonstrate visually, in diagnostic colors of red, blue and green, how efficiently a diamond is using light.

Those that couldn’t attend this very informative presentation can visit the AGS website www.agsaid.com and click on the appropriate link to learn more about the instruments and ASET theory.

As an added attraction Bobby Mann displayed the chapters 25 Year History that he had compiled into 20 loose leaf volumes for all in attendance to see who were not able to attend the 25 Year Celebration Party on September 12^th.

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Also available at the meeting were a few souvenir Mugs from the party as well as a booklet on the chapter’s 25-year history.

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The 25 Year History will be on display with the awards won through the years at our Party/Auction on Sunday December 6^th.

Meeting Summary & Photos by Bobby Mann