Grading

GCAL Expands 8X Cut Grade to Fancy Diamond Shapes

GradingMay 05, 2022

GCAL Expands 8X Cut Grade to Fancy Diamond Shapes

It will introduce the 8X Oval and 8X Princess Diamond Cut Grade certificates at the upcoming JCK Las Vegas jewelry trade show.

20220505_GCAL-8X-Fancies.jpg
New York-based Gem Certification & Assurance Lab has introduced a new diamond cut grade standard for fancy shapes, called the 8X Ultimate Diamond Cut Grade.
New York—A year after launching 8X, a new cut grade standard for round brilliant diamonds, the Gem Certification & Assurance Lab has expanded it to fancy shapes. 
 
The lab introduced the 8X Ultimate Diamond Cut Grade in April 2021 to reflect advancements in diamond cutting technology and techniques and the resulting cuts from the top diamond manufacturers. 
 
The cut grade takes eight factors into account. (GIA, for comparison, bases its cut grade on seven factors.)
 
The lab said it received many requests for the development of 8X for fancy shapes after its introduction. 
 
So, it created the new 8X Fancy Shape Diamond Cut Grade, notable since fancy shape diamonds are typically graded for polish and symmetry only. 

The new cut grade from GCAL considers eight critical factors: polish, external symmetry, proportions, optical brilliance, fire, scintillation, optical symmetry, and shape aesthetics.
 
Similar to the 8X evaluation of round brilliants, polish, external symmetry, and proportions focus on physical precision of the diamond’s surface, facet shapes, and angles. Optical brilliance, fire, and scintillation analyze how a diamond handles light.
 
The final two grading factors, optical symmetry, and shape aesthetics, are about optical precision, or the craftsmanship of the crown and pavilion facets and how they work together.

Angelo Palmieri, GCAL COO and partner, said the lab has a “vast wealth of analytical images and data” from all the stones that have passed through it since it opened in 2000, including millions of photomicrographs, direct assessment images of optical brilliance, optical symmetry, scintillation, fire, and measurements.
 
 Related stories will be right here … 
 
This positioned them well to build correlation tables between proportions and performance, he said. For ovals, for example, they developed datamining software to analyze images and build custom applications to calculate bowtie and shoulder bulge.
 
“As a result, I believe a diamond certificate has been created that honors the exceptional craftsmanship in fancy shape diamond cutting. And not merely with words, but with analytical and visual analysis that backs up those claims,” Palmieri said. 
 
“This is the proof retailers need to demonstrate a diamond’s brilliance, fire, scintillation, and beauty, and it’s the visual, scientific, and accurate proof consumers have been looking for to make a more informed decision.”

The cut grade can be used for both natural diamonds and lab-grown diamonds. 
 
The corresponding reports are priced the same as those for the 8X Ultimate Diamond Cut Grade and look similar to those created for the round brilliants. 
 
GCAL will introduce the 8X Oval and 8X Princess Diamond Cut Grade certificates at the upcoming JCK Las Vegas jewelry trade show. 
 
Additional 8X fancies will be introduced later this year, GCAL said, confirming that cushions will be up next. 
 
For more information, visit GCALUSA.com.
Brecken Branstratoris the senior editor, gemstones at National Jeweler, covering sourcing, pricing and other developments in the colored stone sector.

The Latest

 Hurricane Helene
Policies & IssuesOct 03, 2024
RJO, CERF+ Join Those Offering Hurricane Helene Relief to Affected Jewelers

Plus, how to apply for emergency funds and donate to recovery efforts.

Forevermark store Mumbai India
SourcingOct 03, 2024
How India Became the World’s Second-Largest Market for Diamond Jewelry

A strong economy, a growing middle class with an affinity for brands, and rapid expansion of organized retail have fueled the market’s rise.

Stock image of police cars with lights on
CrimeOct 03, 2024
Man Who Shared Spoils of $2.7M Smash-and-Grab on Social Media Pleads Guilty to Robbery Charge

Ladell Tharpe, 39, took part in a 2022 jewelry store robbery and then posted pictures of cash on Instagram with the text “Robbery Gang.”

Article-Top-Image.jpg
Brought to you by
Enhance Your Expertise with IGI’s In-Person Courses in NYC

This fall, sharpen your skills in jewelry grading, quality control and diamond assessment.

Sheryl Jones
MajorsOct 03, 2024
JA Appoints New Board Director

The trade organization welcomed Sheryl Jones to its board of directors for a three-year term.

Weekly QuizOct 03, 2024
This Week’s Quiz
Test your jewelry news knowledge by answering these questions.
Take the Quiz
Pandora chief marketing officer Berta de Pablos-Barbier
MajorsOct 03, 2024
Pandora Names 3rd CMO in Past 5 Years

New Chief Marketing Officer Berta de Pablos-Barbier has worked for LVMH’s champagne brands and Kering-owned Boucheron.

Assael earrings
TrendsOct 03, 2024
Amanda’s Style File: October’s Arrival

Transition to fall with this month’s birthstones of opal and tourmaline.

1872x1052-Brought-to-you-By-Article-Image-Top (1).png
Brought to you by
Why You Can't Miss JA New York This Fall

Don't miss this one-stop-shop in October, curated with buyers’ needs in mind.

Dame Shirley Bassey’s
AuctionsOct 03, 2024
Dame Shirley Bassey’s Diamonds Are Ready for Their Encore

Sotheby’s will auction jewelry belonging to the “Diamonds Are Forever” singer Oct. 10 in Paris.

New Lightbox campaign with Emma Breschi
Lab-GrownOct 02, 2024
Lightbox Continues as a Brand, While Supplies Last?

The De Beers-owned lab-grown diamond company is rebranding and creating new collections, though its long-term future remains unclear.

Jane Goodall Brilliant Earth Campaign
CollectionsOct 02, 2024
Brilliant Earth Debuts Jane Goodall Collection

The collection is part of the retailer’s new “Rethink Everything You Know About Diamonds” campaign.

Tom Brady and his diamond-set Audemars Piguet Royal Oak watch
AuctionsOct 02, 2024
The GOAT’s Stash: Watches Owned by Tom Brady Going Up for Auction

The sale includes the custom-made, diamond-set Audemars Piguet watch the QB wore for Netflix’s “The Roast of Tom Brady.”

Armenian Jewellers Association logo
Events & AwardsOct 02, 2024
AJA’s Design Competition Now Accepting Entries

The Armenian Jewellers Association is hosting its design competition for the second year, with winners showcasing at GemGenève in May 2025.

Retiring Signet Jewelers CEO Gina Drosos
MajorsOct 01, 2024
Signet Jewelers CEO Gina Drosos to Retire

The jewelry retailer has named her successor and also will expand the role of Chief Financial Officer Joan Hilson.

Woman wearing many rings
MajorsOct 01, 2024
Kay Jewelers to Revamp Brand

The Signet Jewelers-owned banner has a new campaign and plans for store redesigns.

JV Insardi Solar Campaign
CollectionsOct 01, 2024
JV Insardi Inspires Curiosity in New Collection

Creative Director Jen Insardi brings a new take on classic gold bead designs to her “Solar” collection.

Glenn Douglass Oklahoma Jewelers Association
IndependentsOct 01, 2024
Oklahoma Jewelers Association Grants Lifetime Achievement Award

The recipient, Glenn Douglass, also was inducted into the OJA Hall of Fame.

Stuller 2024 Milestone Anniversary Banquet
MajorsOct 01, 2024
Stuller Celebrates Long-Serving Employees

The manufacturer recognized several team members at its 2024 Milestone Anniversary Banquet.

Oscar Heyman emerald ring
AuctionsSep 30, 2024
Oscar Heyman Jewels, Paraíba Pieces Shine at Bonhams Auction

The single-owner collection sale, which took place in New York last week, achieved $4.8 million, with almost every lot finding a buyer.

Yvonne Leon Noeud Ring
TrendsSep 30, 2024
Amanda’s Style File: Dainty Delights

While statement pieces always shine, it’s time for everyday staples to be the star of the show.

Jewelers of America Fly-In
Policies & IssuesSep 30, 2024
JA Fly-In to DC Focuses on Russian Diamonds, Retail Crime

Jewelers of America leadership and members recently headed to D.C. to share the industry’s top concerns with lawmakers.

Graphic with headshots for My Next Question 2024 holiday season
Recorded WebinarsSep 27, 2024
Watch: Prepare to Shine This Holiday Season

Three members of JA's 2024 "20 Under 40" class join Amanda Gizzi and Lauren McLemore to share their tips for seasonal retail success.

Lalaounis Archaeological Revival Necklace
CollectionsSep 27, 2024
Piece of the Week: Lalaounis’ Necklace is an Archaeological Revival

The necklace, inspired by ancient artifacts, celebrates strength, endurance, and the natural world.

Woman wearing Rocksbox jewelry
MajorsSep 27, 2024
Signet-Owned E-Tailer Rocksbox to Launch on Amazon

Rocksbox is the first banner owned by Signet to sell its jewelry through the retail giant.

Black and white image of Bulova clock
EditorsSep 26, 2024
This New Bulova Documentary Is Perfect for History Buffs Like Me

“America Telling Time: 150 Years of Bulova” dives into the watchmaker’s storied past, from its ad campaigns to the first women’s wristwatch.

Marco Bicego Masai Campaign
CollectionsSep 26, 2024
Marco Bicego Adds Stackable Designs to Masai Collection

The new additions include flat coil rings, bracelets, and necklaces designed to layer elegantly.

Kendra Scott lab grown diamond earrings
MajorsSep 26, 2024
Kendra Scott Eyes Network, Product Expansion Following New Investment

65 Equity Partners has made a “significant” minority investment in the company, though founder Kendra Scott retains a majority stake.

×

This site uses cookies to give you the best online experience. By continuing to use & browse this site, we assume you agree to our Privacy Policy