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
CollectionsAug 28, 2026
Dolly Parton Would Have Loved This Butterfly Necklace This Buddha Mama butterfly is our Piece of the Week honoring the legend, who embraced the beautiful insect as her symbol.
SourcingAug 28, 2026
Gareth Penny to Give Opening Speech at CIBJO Centenary CongressThe former De Beers CEO, and perhaps its next owner, will be a featured speaker at the event, slated for Sept. 4-7 in Italy.
IndependentsAug 28, 2026
Day’s Jewelers Honored With 3 Workplace AwardsThe employee-owned jeweler was named a “Best Place to Work” in Maine, New Hampshire, and for women.
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.
CollectionsAug 27, 2026
Pandora Expands ‘Talisman’ Collection as Lawsuit Continues The second iteration of the jewelry collection was inspired by the zodiac and the four elements: earth, water, air and fire.
Weekly QuizAug 27, 2026
This Week’s QuizTest your jewelry news knowledge by answering these questions.
SourcingAug 27, 2026
OFAC Renews License Allowing Import of ‘Grandfathered’ Russian Diamonds General License 104B supersedes General License 104A, which was set to expire on Sept. 1.
CrimeAug 27, 2026
Customs Seizes Nearly 900 Pieces of Counterfeit JewelryThe package, intercepted in Indianapolis, contained fake Cartier, Tiffany & Co., and Van Cleef and Arpels jewelry.
Brought to you by
Why More Jewelry Retailers Are Hosting Turnkey Estate Buying EventsRetailers are seeking new ways to attract customers, increase traffic, and create revenue – Estate buying events are a popular solution.
IndependentsAug 27, 2026
Jessica McCormack to Open First West Coast StoreThe new location in Costa Mesa, California, marks the brand’s second store in the United States and fourth standalone location worldwide.
FinancialsAug 27, 2026
Movado’s Q2 Sales Up As Younger Consumers Take Interest in WatchesThe fashion watch category was once threatened by the Apple Watch, but consumers are now opting for new wearables, said Movado’s CEO.
SurveysAug 26, 2026
5 Jewelry Insights From The RealReal’s Resale ReportThe report delves into trending styles, the most popular jewelry brands by city, and why Belle Époque jewelry could be the next big thing.
Lab-GrownAug 26, 2026
AGTA Now Requiring Members to Call Lab-Grown Gems ‘Synthetic’The association added the requirement to its revised "Code of Ethics" and released the 17th edition of its “Gemstone Information Manual.”
SurveysAug 26, 2026
Consumer Confidence Dips in August Amid Anticipatory Anxieties Respondents were concerned about the future of the labor market and their income as well as the rising prices of gas and groceries.
TrendsAug 26, 2026
Boucheron’s New Campaign Celebrates Its ‘Question Mark’ NecklacesThe campaign highlights the asymmetrical high jewelry necklace style that the jeweler first created in 1879.
Events & AwardsAug 26, 2026
Harry Winston Exhibition to Open in ShanghaiIt will explore the life of “The King of Diamonds” and showcase more than 165 creations from the brand.
CrimeAug 25, 2026
Florida Woman Scammed Out of $1.5M in Jewelry, Precious MetalsTwo suspects have been arrested in connection with the complex phone scam.
ColumnistsAug 25, 2026
Proof Before Purchase: The Gen Z Way to BuyIn her first column for National Jeweler, Jennifer Shaheen asks jewelers if they know how to connect with the next generation of consumers.
Events & AwardsAug 25, 2026
SSEF Opens 2026 Applications for Gemology Education ScholarshipsThe annual awards cover tuition for an on-site educational course at the Swiss lab, as well as flights and lodging.
TrendsAug 25, 2026
Brent Neale Celebrates Blackberry Farm’s Anniversary With JewelryThe jeweler partnered with the Tennessee resort to honor its 50th anniversary with limited-edition blackberry pendants and earrings.
EditorsAug 24, 2026
Q&A: Reeds Jewelers VP Genna Zimmer on 80 Years in BusinessThe third-generation jeweler shared how the North Carolina retailer is celebrating this milestone and the love story that started it all.
Events & AwardsAug 24, 2026
Rio Grande, MetalWerx Host Argentium Silver WorkshopThe class, led by renowned metalsmith Cynthia Eid, highlighted Argentium silver as an alternative to gold amid high prices.
Events & AwardsAug 24, 2026
JIS Miami Opens Fall 2026 RegistrationThe show is slated for Oct. 16-19 at the Miami Beach Convention Center.
CollectionsAug 24, 2026
Francesca Villa Honors Napoleon, His Empresses In New CapsuleThe “Empresses” capsule uses 19th-century medals depicting Napoleon, Joséphine, and Marie-Louise across five one-of-a-kind pieces.
SurveysAug 21, 2026
These Are 2026’s Hottest Retailers, Says NRFThe retailers at the top of the list offer affordable products and fun, discovery-fueled experiences.
WatchesAug 21, 2026
Bremont Names Former Vacheron Constantin Exec CMODaniel Bing was formerly the marketing director for the Americas at Vacheron Constantin.
CollectionsAug 21, 2026
Bijules, Kamyen Serve Up ‘Topspin’ Tennis Bracelet Ahead of US OpenIn our Piece of the Week, the designers reimagine the tennis bracelet with green enamel wrapped around a strand of “Desert Diamonds.”
PodcastsAug 20, 2026
Episode 8: Diamond Industry Update With David Bonaparte & Ronnie VanderLindenThe industry veterans join the podcast to discuss diamond marketing, the FTC Jewelry Guides, and lobbying for lower tariffs.
