GradingJan 05, 2023
GIA’s Migration to All-Digital Reports Has Begun GradingJan 13, 2023
Sarine To Acquire Majority Stake in GCAL
The acquisition allows GCAL to expand overseas while giving Sarine a “recognized and respected” channel for offering eGrading in the U.S.
Sarine Technologies Ltd. has signed a memorandum of understanding to acquire a majority stake in New York-based grading lab GCAL, which will transition to using Sarine’s automated, cloud-based and artificial intelligence-driven eGrading technology.
New York—Israel-based Sarine Technologies Ltd. is set to acquire a majority stake in the Gem Certification and Assurance Lab, the laboratory Don and Pamela Palmieri opened more than 20 years ago.
Sarine announced the pending acquisition early Thursday, stating it had signed a non-binding memorandum of understanding (MOU) to purchase GCAL in an all-cash deal that’s subject to customary due diligence.
The financial terms of the deal are not being disclosed. A closing date and the name for the combined entity will be announced once due diligence is completed, Sarine said.
The acquisition will give New York-based GCAL, a single-lab operation, opportunity to expand overseas by using Sarine’s automated, artificial intelligence-driven eGrading while giving Sarine ownership over a grading laboratory with a known and respected name.
“We are thrilled by this opportunity to join forces with and acquire a major position in GCAL,” Sarine CEO David Block, who was traveling Thursday and unavailable for an interview, said in a press release.
“I am confident that GCAL, leveraging Sarine’s technologies, will now be able to increase its market presence, to the benefit of the industry in general and to U.S. consumers in particular, without degrading from their industry-unique principles of guaranteed quality and consistency. No less importantly, Sarine will gain access to the Palmieris’ decades-long experience in managing a gem lab with the highest standards possible and will gain a recognized and respected channel through which to offer the expansive key U.S. retail industry its grading technologies, to the benefit of retailers and consumers alike.”
Angelo Palmieri, GCAL’s chief operations officer, said in an interview Thursday that in the last decade or so, the industry has seen major labs rapidly open multiple locations overseas, only to have the quality and consistency of their grading deteriorate.
GCAL views using Sarine eGrading as the way to expand overseas without sacrificing quality or its Zero Tolerance 4Cs Consumer Guarantee, the lab’s cash-back policy for consumers that guarantees the accuracy of the cut, color, clarity and carat weight on GCAL certificates.
“We would have not sold the company if we had to abandon the guarantee,” GCAL President Don Palmieri said.
Angelo said Sarine’s AI machine grading offers consistent and accurate grading if the machines are programmed correctly, and GCAL is “highly confident” they are.
Don added, “There’s no question that when it comes to diamond technology, [Sarine] is the leader in the world. We like to believe we [at GCAL] are the most accurate and consistent, though probably the smallest, of the internationally recognized labs.
“By taking our integrity and the quality of the work we do and connecting it with AI, it’s a grand-slam homerun.”
Related stories will be right here …
Sarine announced the pending acquisition early Thursday, stating it had signed a non-binding memorandum of understanding (MOU) to purchase GCAL in an all-cash deal that’s subject to customary due diligence.
The financial terms of the deal are not being disclosed. A closing date and the name for the combined entity will be announced once due diligence is completed, Sarine said.
The acquisition will give New York-based GCAL, a single-lab operation, opportunity to expand overseas by using Sarine’s automated, artificial intelligence-driven eGrading while giving Sarine ownership over a grading laboratory with a known and respected name.
“We are thrilled by this opportunity to join forces with and acquire a major position in GCAL,” Sarine CEO David Block, who was traveling Thursday and unavailable for an interview, said in a press release.
“I am confident that GCAL, leveraging Sarine’s technologies, will now be able to increase its market presence, to the benefit of the industry in general and to U.S. consumers in particular, without degrading from their industry-unique principles of guaranteed quality and consistency. No less importantly, Sarine will gain access to the Palmieris’ decades-long experience in managing a gem lab with the highest standards possible and will gain a recognized and respected channel through which to offer the expansive key U.S. retail industry its grading technologies, to the benefit of retailers and consumers alike.”
Angelo Palmieri, GCAL’s chief operations officer, said in an interview Thursday that in the last decade or so, the industry has seen major labs rapidly open multiple locations overseas, only to have the quality and consistency of their grading deteriorate.
GCAL views using Sarine eGrading as the way to expand overseas without sacrificing quality or its Zero Tolerance 4Cs Consumer Guarantee, the lab’s cash-back policy for consumers that guarantees the accuracy of the cut, color, clarity and carat weight on GCAL certificates.
“We would have not sold the company if we had to abandon the guarantee,” GCAL President Don Palmieri said.
Angelo said Sarine’s AI machine grading offers consistent and accurate grading if the machines are programmed correctly, and GCAL is “highly confident” they are.
Don added, “There’s no question that when it comes to diamond technology, [Sarine] is the leader in the world. We like to believe we [at GCAL] are the most accurate and consistent, though probably the smallest, of the internationally recognized labs.
“By taking our integrity and the quality of the work we do and connecting it with AI, it’s a grand-slam homerun.”
GCAL leadership will remain in place following the proposed acquisition, and Don and Angelo said GCAL will be retaining all of its staff and likely adding more.
It will also stay in its current location, on the 27th floor at 580 Fifth Ave.
Both Don and Angelo said it is too early to say where and when GCAL might be opening labs overseas.
While GCAL will be transitioning to AI-based grading, Don said gemologists are still going to be examining the diamonds submitted to the lab for grading.
He also said GCAL will not stop offering any of its services—like its new cut grade standard 8X—because of the acquisition but, instead, will be adding more, such as Sarine’s Journey reports, which trace diamonds from mine to market.
Don and Pamela Palmieri opened GCAL in 2001.
They sold the lab to Collectors Universe (which also owned American Gemological Laboratories, or AGL, at one point) in 2006 but bought it back in 2009.
Angelo joined GCAL in 2005. He became an equal partner in the business after they repurchased the lab from Collectors Universe.
Sarine is based in Hod HaSharon, Israel, and is publicly traded on the Singapore Exchange Mainboard.
Editors' Picks
Sponsored by
More on Grading
The Latest
SourcingOct 02, 2026
De Beers, National Geographic Society Renew Okavango Eternal Partnership The partnership, a pledge to protect Africa’s Okavango River Basin, has been extended for an additional five years.
MajorsOct 02, 2026
Pandora Opens New $150M Manufacturing Facility in VietnamThe new facility, its first outside of Thailand, will boost its manufacturing capacity by 50 percent.
TrendsOct 02, 2026
Hearts On Fire Celebrates 30th Anniversary With Heart PendantThe special-edition “Dream” pendant, our Piece of the Week, was created to mark Hearts On Fire’s 30-year milestone with 30 diamonds.
Brought to you by
Meet Gemology’s Next Generation Microscope: GIA® Gemolite® NXT Professional EditionExperience gemstones with greater precision and comfort than ever before.
CrimeOct 01, 2026
Police Looking for 4 Suspects in $600K Smash-and-Grab RobberyDubai Jewelers in Springfield, Virginia, was once again the target of an armed robbery.
Weekly QuizOct 01, 2026
This Week’s QuizTest your jewelry news knowledge by answering these questions.
SurveysOct 01, 2026
Rolex Ranks Among Most Recommended Brands in US, Survey Says YouGov’s 2026 U.S. Most Recommended Brands report’s out, and a fast-fashion giant is sitting at No. 1 while Rolex is just shy of the top 5.
SourcingOct 01, 2026
Columbia Gem House Opens ‘Cutting Toward Change’ FundraiserProceeds from its jewelry raffle will benefit an organization working in India to combat silicosis, a lung disease affecting stone cutters.
Brought to you by
Your Piece Could Be the One Editors Talk AboutSubmit your pieces for a chance to win in this year's competition.
TrendsOct 01, 2026
Carolina Hurricanes’ Championship Ring Reveals Hidden Hockey Puck PendantThe rings, crafted by Jason of Beverly Hills, celebrate the hockey team’s Stanley Cup win with design elements that honor its traditions.
TrendsOct 01, 2026
Amanda’s Style File: October’s Color Range This roundup of birthstone jewelry for October features vibrant tourmalines and opals with personality.
SourcingSep 30, 2026
Botswana’s President, De Beers CEO Say Diamond Demand Is RecoveringPresident Duma Boko spoke at back-to-back events in the city last week, touting Botswana’s stability and the diamond “bounceback.”
CollectionsSep 30, 2026
Oscar Heyman’s Holiday Book Is ‘A Living Archive’ The catalog showcases 112 new, one-of-a-kind pieces amid highlights from the jeweler’s historic archive.
SourcingSep 30, 2026
Gemfields Posts $98.5M Loss, Writes Down Value of Ruby MineIts Montepuez Ruby Mining operation in Mozambique, which is not yielding enough high-quality rubies, has taken a $125 million hit.
SurveysSep 30, 2026
Consumer Confidence Falls to 12-Year Low in SeptemberThose surveyed were worried about the present and the future, with write-in responses mentioning high oil and gas prices.
Events & AwardsSep 30, 2026
Jewelers of America, JA New York to Host Networking EventThe event will take place on the evening of Oct. 26 in New York City.
IndependentsSep 29, 2026
Christy Bromberg, Longtime Gift Buyer for Underwood Jewelers, Dies at 68She is remembered for her joie de vivre, upbeat personality, genuine interest in other people, and love of the Alabama Crimson Tide.
AuctionsSep 29, 2026
Dionne Warwick’s Jewelry Goes Up for AuctionOnline bidding is open now for Julien’s sale of items owned by the “Walk On By” singer, whose final album comes out this fall.
Events & AwardsSep 29, 2026
Matt Stuller to Receive 2027 Gem Award for Lifetime AchievementThe founder and executive chairman of Stuller Inc. is being honored for his impact on the jewelry industry at the 25th annual Gem Awards.
ColumnistsSep 29, 2026
Your Holiday Marketing Has a Bridal Blind SpotDecember is the most popular month to propose, and jewelers need to keep that in mind when planning their holiday marketing.
AuctionsSep 29, 2026
If You Love Cats, This Jewelry Auction Is for YouCat ladies of the jewelry world, unite. Sandy Lerner’s collection of cat jewelry and other objects is going up for auction Wednesday.
CollectionsSep 28, 2026
De Beers London Drops Water-Inspired High Jewelry Collection“Vibrations” features several firsts for De Beers’ high jewelry, including the use of chalcedony and diamonds sourced from artisanal miners.
CollectionsSep 28, 2026
Jessica McCormack Turns to Classic Motif for New CollectionThe “Bows” collection features three interpretations of the bow motif designed with Georgian and Victorian influences.
Events & AwardsSep 28, 2026
Guy Borenstein, Troy Underwood Among the Professionals Honored at AGS Conclave 2026The American Gem Society recognized industry members, one Guild, and a law enforcement official for their contributions to jewelry.
FinancialsSep 28, 2026
Instappraise, Jewelers Mutual Look to Simplify Jewelry InsuranceThrough a new system integration, customers can now receive instant personal jewelry insurance quotes at the time of appraisal.
WatchesSep 25, 2026
Smaller Rolex Watches Showing Strength on Secondary Market, Data ShowsFive of the 10 fastest-appreciating Rolex models on Bob’s Watches were Datejust 31 or Lady Datejust watches.
MajorsSep 25, 2026
Sherwood Family Buys Back Daniel’s Jewelers from Private EquityThe Sherwood family and AJS Creations CEO Tejas Shah purchased the jewelry chain back from Palladium Equity Partners.
Lab-GrownSep 25, 2026
Brilliant Earth Collabs with Elizabeth Taylor Estate on Jewelry Collection“The Elizabeth Taylor Collection” uses lab-grown diamonds and gemstones in contemporary designs inspired by the icon.
