GradingJan 24, 2023
GIA Launches AGS Diamond Light Performance Supplement ReportGradingMar 23, 2023
GCAL Introduces 8X Cut Grade for Proprietary Cuts
Patented and specialty cuts now can receive an 8X Proprietary Certificate, which can be customized to include a company’s brand and logo.
Introduced for round brilliant diamonds in 2021 before expanding to oval- and princess-cut diamonds, GCAL’s 8X cut grade is now available for patented and specialty cuts, like the shield-cut diamond seen here.
New York—The Gem Certification and Assurance Lab is continuing the rollout of 8X, the new diamond cut grade it introduced in 2021.
Earlier this month, the New York-based laboratory announced the launch of 8X Proprietary Certificates for patented and specialty cuts. GCAL can customize the certificates to include a company’s brand and logo.
JannPaul Diamonds, a diamond retailer in Singapore known for its innovative cuts, is the first to issue the new certificates, GCAL said. Founded by CEO Paul Hung in 2010, JannPaul holds 10 proprietary diamond patents, including the “White Series Collection.”
“JannPaul is world renowned for their exacting standards and exceptional patented diamond cuts. It’s an honor they’ve selected GCAL as their grading laboratory,” GCAL Chief Operating Officer Angelo Palmieri said.
The company has “an amazing ability to design and execute innovative diamond cuts that deserve to be recognized through a multitude of metrics that help consumers appreciate their outstanding precision,” he added.
Related stories will be right here …
Earlier this month, the New York-based laboratory announced the launch of 8X Proprietary Certificates for patented and specialty cuts. GCAL can customize the certificates to include a company’s brand and logo.
JannPaul Diamonds, a diamond retailer in Singapore known for its innovative cuts, is the first to issue the new certificates, GCAL said. Founded by CEO Paul Hung in 2010, JannPaul holds 10 proprietary diamond patents, including the “White Series Collection.”
“JannPaul is world renowned for their exacting standards and exceptional patented diamond cuts. It’s an honor they’ve selected GCAL as their grading laboratory,” GCAL Chief Operating Officer Angelo Palmieri said.
The company has “an amazing ability to design and execute innovative diamond cuts that deserve to be recognized through a multitude of metrics that help consumers appreciate their outstanding precision,” he added.
GCAL introduced 8X as the “Ultimate Diamond Cut Grade,” and first issued 8X certificates to round brilliant-cut diamonds in 2021 before adding oval and princess cuts in 2022.
The cut grade encompasses eight aspects of evaluation, including both traditional cut analysis methods (polish, symmetry, and proportion analysis) and direct assessment of the actual light performance (including brilliance, fire, scintillation, and optical symmetry).
Palmieri said the addition of proprietary cuts to the 8X family was a logical next step, considering the growing number of consumers looking for something other than a traditional round brilliant.
“In 2020, and for the first time, the number of fancies coming through the GCAL lab surpassed rounds. And this trend is continuing. This is why we introduced the oval and princess 8X diamonds at JCK last year, and why 8X cushions and radiants are in the works,” he said. “Proprietary cuts are a logical addition to the 8X grading system.”
“Today, diamonds are being designed and precisely faceted in patterns and shapes we would have once thought unimaginable,” he continued.
“We have experienced a great deal of interest in 8X cut grading on proprietary-cut diamonds and the stones coming through our lab are nothing short of sensational.”
For more information about 8X cut grades for proprietary cuts, contact GCAL at 212-869-8985 or via email, awp@gcalusa.com.
Editors' Picks
Sponsored by
More on Grading
The Latest
IndependentsJun 05, 2026
Pennsylvania Jewelry Store To Close After 79 YearsJim Springer, owner of Dunkelberger’s Fine Jewelry, is heading into retirement.
SurveysJun 05, 2026
Consumers to Cut Back on Spending Amid Rising Prices, Survey Shows When conducting its May consumer confidence survey, The Conference Board asked extra questions about consumers’ budgeting strategies.
CollectionsJun 05, 2026
Rebel Jewelry’s Charm Symbolizes Perseverance for Pride MonthThe “Tunnel” charm, our Piece of the Week, celebrates Pride Month with its design inspired by hope and the light at the end of the tunnel.
Brought to you by
All Eyes on Gold Prices. Alternatives to Look For. And What to BEWARE of in VegasAs gold prices rise, today’s retailers are looking for alternatives at prices that will appeal to wider audiences.
SourcingJun 05, 2026
State of Diamonds: The Way Forward for Natural DiamondsThe jewelry industry is reassessing its positioning as Gen Z reshapes the retail landscape and lab grown continues to gain market share.
Weekly QuizJun 05, 2026
This Week’s QuizTest your jewelry news knowledge by answering these questions.
AuctionsJun 04, 2026
Treasures from Maurice Tempelsman’s ‘Marvelous’ Life Head to AuctionUp for auction at Sotheby’s, the collection of Tempelsman’s personal effects includes a Cartier Tank watch Jackie O. gifted him.
CollectionsJun 04, 2026
Buddha Mama to Spend the Summer in AspenThe Miami-based fine jewelry brand will host its first summer residency in the Colorado mountain town from June 5 to Aug. 23.
Brought to you by
How Modern Training Is Becoming a Competitive Advantage for Jewelry RetailersWith the trade and customer trust in mind, GIA® developed NextGem™ – on-demand training designed specifically for retail.
MajorsJun 04, 2026
AGS Honors Late Peter Yantzer, Holds Time Capsule CeremonyThe organization also announced its international board of directors for the 2026-2027 term.
MajorsJun 04, 2026
Neiman Marcus’ Downtown Dallas Store to Close in SeptemberSaks Global confirmed the closure this week, spelling the end for a store that’s been part of downtown Dallas for more than 100 years.
ColumnistsJun 03, 2026
Peter Smith: When Top Talent Leaves and What It Says About YouSmith discusses how managers should handle a top performer's exit, warning that a poor response could have a lasting impact.
WatchesJun 03, 2026
The 1916 Company Taking Pre-Owned Rolexes on the Road, AgainThe retailer is bringing Rolex Certified Pre-Owned watches to five U.S. cities in 2026 for collectors to see, try on, and purchase.
IndependentsJun 03, 2026
Jessica Alba Is the New Face of Gabriel & Co.The actress and entrepreneur stars in the jeweler’s new campaign that celebrates life’s quiet moments.
TrendsJun 03, 2026
State of Design: Only the Innovative Will SurviveThe price of gold has risen, affecting the number of pieces designers make, the materials they use, and how they position themselves.
FinancialsJun 02, 2026
Signet Jewelers’ Q1 Sales Up 2% As It Focuses on ‘Core Four’ The jewelry retailer is zeroing in on Zales, Jared, Kay Jewelers, and Blue Nile as it looks to create unique brand identities for each.
SourcingJun 02, 2026
Leader Appointed for Botswana’s Diamonds for Development Fund Dr. Akinwumi Adesina, a development economist, will head the fund created to help Botswana diversify its economy.
WatchesJun 02, 2026
Watch Industry Veteran James Marks Joins Sotheby’sSotheby’s has appointed the former Phillips executive as its global head of private sales and retail in its watches division.
AuctionsJun 02, 2026
Sotheby’s to Auction 10-Carat Blue Diamond, 1960s Harry Winston Necklace A private collection of five Paraíba tourmalines also will be up for sale at Sotheby’s High Jewelry auction in New York, scheduled for June 16.
IndependentsJun 02, 2026
State of Retail: 6 Things Retailers Should Know About Consumers TodayFrom Gen Z’s view of luxury to “doom spending,” these are the six consumer trends to note this year.
Events & AwardsJun 01, 2026
Design Atelier Brands Have a Big Night at Emotional Couture Design AwardsThe show started by honoring Mildred Marcano, ended with a tearful Beth Anne Bonanno, and recognized a dozen-plus designers in between.
SourcingJun 01, 2026
RapNet Rebranding as Rapaport TradeThe revamped online diamond marketplace will feature pricing intelligence and data-driven tools for more efficient buying and selling.
SourcingJun 01, 2026
Gemfields’ Higher-Quality Emerald Auction Achieves $26.8MThe miner said demand for higher-quality emeralds is stable, but there is notable caution in the market.
CollectionsMay 29, 2026
Cultus Artem’s Necklace Is the Oasis in Las Vegas’ DesertThe “River of Heaven” necklace, our Piece of the Week debuting at Couture, combines 26 salt and pepper diamonds spaced by Tahitian pearls.
IndependentsMay 29, 2026
Meet the 2026 Retailer Hall of Fame InducteesThis year’s inductees include second-, third-, and fourth-generation jewelers.
Events & AwardsMay 28, 2026
JCK Announces Jesse Itzler as 2026 Keynote SpeakerThe author, speaker, and entrepreneur will give his presentation, “Spiritual Billionaire,” on Saturday morning.
Events & AwardsMay 28, 2026
JCK Rocks To Ride With NellyThree-time Grammy award-winning artist Nelly is set to perform at the annual event at Tao Beach on Sunday night.
MajorsMay 28, 2026
Signet Jewelers to Buy The Clear Cut Signet will integrate the online-only, natural diamond-focused jeweler into Blue Nile, which it wants to position as a higher-end retailer.
