GradingJun 23, 2022
AIGS Launches Grading Report for ‘Santa Maria’ AquamarineGradingAug 18, 2022
VDB, Lab Grown Source Add 8X to Cut Grade Search Filter
8X is now the top cut grade on both platforms, above Ideal.
The 8X Ultimate Diamond Cut Grade is now the top cut grade users can search on both Virtual Diamond Boutique and Lab Grown Source. Pictured above is the search filter on VDB.
New York—Virtual Diamond Boutique and Lab Grown Source have added 8X, the new cut grade from the Gem Certification and Assurance Lab, to their websites.
Introduced by GCAL in April 2021, the 8X Ultimate Diamond Cut Grade takes into account eight factors.
Stones must receive a grade of “excellent” across all eight to be deemed 8X. The factors are: polish, external symmetry, proportions, optical brilliance, fire, scintillation, optical symmetry, and Hearts & Arrows.
On both VDB and Lab Grown Source, 8X is now listed as the top cut grade, above Ideal.
GCAL Chief Operating Officer Angelo Palmieri said the cut grade’s listing on these two platforms is an important step in the growth and acceptance of 8X, with the new search filters adding “instant credibility” to the cut grade’s growing status.
Tanya Nisguretsky, VDB president and co-founder, said: “We are honored to work with GCAL to add the 8X cut grade to our diamond search filter, making it easy and efficient for buyers and their customers who are seeking 8X to find it.”
The launch of the 8X filter on VDB and Lab Grown Source, a platform dedicated entirely to lab-grown diamonds, follows 8X’s expansion to fancy shapes.
Originally introduced for round brilliants only, GCAL expanded the cut grade to oval- and princess-cut diamonds in May and said additional 8X fancies are coming later this year.
Related stories will be right here …
Introduced by GCAL in April 2021, the 8X Ultimate Diamond Cut Grade takes into account eight factors.
Stones must receive a grade of “excellent” across all eight to be deemed 8X. The factors are: polish, external symmetry, proportions, optical brilliance, fire, scintillation, optical symmetry, and Hearts & Arrows.
On both VDB and Lab Grown Source, 8X is now listed as the top cut grade, above Ideal.
GCAL Chief Operating Officer Angelo Palmieri said the cut grade’s listing on these two platforms is an important step in the growth and acceptance of 8X, with the new search filters adding “instant credibility” to the cut grade’s growing status.
Tanya Nisguretsky, VDB president and co-founder, said: “We are honored to work with GCAL to add the 8X cut grade to our diamond search filter, making it easy and efficient for buyers and their customers who are seeking 8X to find it.”
The launch of the 8X filter on VDB and Lab Grown Source, a platform dedicated entirely to lab-grown diamonds, follows 8X’s expansion to fancy shapes.
Originally introduced for round brilliants only, GCAL expanded the cut grade to oval- and princess-cut diamonds in May and said additional 8X fancies are coming later this year.
More on Grading
The Latest
ColumnistsSep 05, 2025
Peter Smith: A Lasting Lesson From Maurice Tempelsman Smith recalls a bit of wisdom the industry leader, who died last week, shared at a diamond conference years ago.
CollectionsSep 05, 2025
Piece of the Week: Jamie Turner’s ‘Victoria’ Necklace The “Victoria” necklace features a labradorite hugged by diamond accents in 18-karat yellow gold.
Policies & IssuesSep 05, 2025
Trump Takes Tariffs Case to the Supreme Court Two lower courts have moved to block the import taxes, which will remain in place as the legal battle continues.
Brought to you by
Rallying Call for the Jewelry Industry on Tariffs and Other Key IssuesJewelers of America is leading the charge to protect the industry amidst rising economic threats.
WatchesSep 05, 2025
Patrick Mahomes Is the New Hublot Brand AmbassadorThe Kansas City Chiefs quarterback shares Hublot’s dedication to pursuing greatness, the Swiss watchmaker said.
Weekly QuizSep 04, 2025
This Week’s QuizTest your jewelry news knowledge by answering these questions.
SourcingSep 04, 2025
Lucara Unveils Unusual 37-Carat Pink DiamondThe Type IIa stone, recovered from Botswana’s Karowe diamond mine last month, features unique coloration.
Brought to you by
Taking the Moment Head On: How Rio Grande Champions the Present & Future of Fine JewelryAs a leading global jewelry supplier, Rio Grande is rapidly expanding and developing new solutions to meet the needs of jewelers worldwide.
Events & AwardsSep 04, 2025
27 Can’t-Miss Converge Sessions, Events From sunrise yoga to tariffs talks, these are some events to check out at the upcoming inaugural event.
WatchesSep 04, 2025
Breitling Takes Its NFL Game to the Next Level Breitling is now the NFL’s official timepiece partner, a move that puts the brand in front of the millions of Americans who watch football.
Events & AwardsSep 04, 2025
The NYC Jewelry, Antique, & Object Show Returns in NovemberNYCJAOS is set for Nov. 21-23 in New York City’s Chelsea neighborhood.
SourcingSep 03, 2025
Gemfields Confirms Completion of Fabergé SaleU.S.-based investment company SMG Capital LLC is the new owner of the luxury brand.
MajorsSep 03, 2025
These Are the Nearly 300 Claire’s Stores Set to CloseA new court filing details the locations of the stores that will close, as well as the 830 that will remain open.
MajorsSep 03, 2025
Stuller Releases 2 New Catalogs The new catalogs are “Tools, Equipment, & Metals” and “Findings & Metals.”
TrendsSep 03, 2025
Amanda’s Style File: A Perfect BirthstoneSapphire’s variety of colors make it the perfect birthstone for September.
FinancialsSep 02, 2025
Lab-Grown Diamonds, Lower-Priced Fashion Jewelry Drive Signet Jewelers’ Q2 SalesThe retailer has raised its guidance after seeing total sales increase 3 percent in the second quarter, beating expectations.
MajorsSep 02, 2025
Birks CEO Jean-Christophe Bédos Steps DownNiccolò Rossi di Montelera, executive chairman of the board, was appointed as interim CEO.
MajorsSep 02, 2025
Harry Winston Opens Its Largest Flagship in JapanThe three-floor space also features the jeweler’s largest VIP salon in Japan and offers an exclusive diamond pendant.
CollectionsSep 02, 2025
Stephanie Gottlieb Debuts Silver Designs in ‘All Hours’ CollabThe collection is a collaboration between Stephanie Gottlieb Fine Jewelry and Oak and Luna, focusing on understated essentials.
AuctionsAug 29, 2025
Sotheby’s UAE Sale to Feature 32-Carat Fancy Vivid Orangy Pink DiamondThe highlight of a single-owner jewelry and watch collection, it’s estimated to fetch up to $7 million at auction this December.
FinancialsAug 29, 2025
Movado’s Q2 Sales Rebound Despite Tariff ImpactCEO Efraim Grinberg noted a resurgence in the fashion watch market.
CollectionsAug 29, 2025
Piece of the Week: Mark Davis’ ‘Bullseye’ Necklace The “Bullseye” necklace, with vintage bakelite and peridot, August’s birthstone, is the perfect transitional piece as summer turns to fall.
Supplier BulletinAug 28, 2025
Clientbook Is Helping Jewelers Turn Clienteling Challenges into Wins with Hands-On Training and CoachingSponsored by Clientbook
SourcingAug 28, 2025
Botswana Declares Public Health Emergency Amid Diamond Sales SlumpPresident Duma Boko addressed the country’s medical supply chain crisis in a recent televised address.
MajorsAug 28, 2025
Borsheims Names New Jewelry BuyerFormer Free People buyer Afton Robertson-Kanne recently joined the retailer.
IndependentsAug 28, 2025
Sissy’s Log Cabin Donates School Supplies to Memphis StudentsThe jeweler teamed up with two local organizations for its inaugural “Back to School and Bling” event.
EditorsAug 27, 2025
Taylor Swift’s Engagement Ring Is a Fairy Tale for Vintage Diamond CutsThe singer’s new bling, reportedly a natural old mine-cut diamond, is no paper ring.
