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
CrimeJan 21, 2026
4 Men Charged in $1.7M California Smash-and-Grab Jewelry Store RobberyPlus, JSA’s Scott Guginsky discusses the need for jewelers to take more precautions as the gold price continues to climb.
IndependentsJan 21, 2026
Delaware Jeweler Felice Morris Dies at 91Morris’ most cherished role was being a mother and grandmother, her family said.
CollectionsJan 21, 2026
Bulgari Weaves New Collection of ‘Vimini’ Creations“Vimini” is the first chapter of the “Bulgari Eternal” collection that merges archival pieces with modern creations.
Brought to you by
How Jewelers Can Fight Back Against Cell JammersCriminals are using cell jammers to disable alarms, but new technology like JamAlert™ can stop them.
Events & AwardsJan 21, 2026
Jewelers Mutual’s ‘Conversations’ Retreat Returns to Discuss AIThe third edition will be held in Half Moon Bay, California, in April.
Weekly QuizJan 15, 2026
This Week’s QuizTest your jewelry news knowledge by answering these questions.
Events & AwardsJan 20, 2026
These Are the 5 Finalists for the David Yurman Gem Awards GrantThe grant is in its first year and was created to recognize an exceptional fine jewelry designer whose star is on the rise.
ColumnistsJan 20, 2026
First-Party Data Is the Most Valuable Asset Jewelers Have in 2026Data built on trust, not tracking, will be key to success going forward, as the era of “borrowed attention” ends, Emmanuel Raheb writes.
Brought to you by
Impacting Tomorrow TodayHow Jewelers of America’s 20 Under 40 are leading to ensure a brighter future for the jewelry industry.
MajorsJan 20, 2026
Borsheims Hires New Assistant Facilities ManagerHeath Yarges brings two decades of experience to the role.
EditorsJan 16, 2026
Remembering Pete Yantzer for His Contributions and His Kindness Pete’s boundless curiosity extended beyond diamond cut and he was always eager to share his knowledge with others, no matter the topic.
FinancialsJan 16, 2026
Richemont’s Jewelry Brands Shine in Q3Cartier, Van Cleef & Arpels, Buccellati, and Vhernier had another successful holiday season, Richemont reported this week.
TrendsJan 16, 2026
Diane Lane's Brooch Buzzes at the 2026 Golden GlobesOur Piece of the Week is Lagos’ “Bee” brooch that was seen on the red carpet for the first time on Sunday.
CrimeJan 15, 2026
D.C. Rapper ‘Taliban Glizzy’ Sentenced to 18+ Years for Jewelry Store RobberiesTrevor Jonathan Wright led a crew in a string of armed robberies targeting South Asian-owned jewelry stores on the East Coast.
Events & AwardsJan 15, 2026
Jewelers of Americas’ ‘20 Under 40’ Nominations Now OpenThe program recognizes rising professionals in the jewelry industry.
Events & AwardsJan 15, 2026
Registration for JCK Las Vegas 2026 Is Now OpenA new lifestyle section and a watch showcase have been added to this year’s event.
TrendsJan 15, 2026
Don’t Double-Dip With This Golden ChipAvocados From Mexico is celebrating those who love to double-dip in game day guacamole with a 14-karat yellow gold tortilla chip necklace.
SourcingJan 15, 2026
Nearly 42-Carat Blue Diamond Discovered in South AfricaPetra Diamonds unearthed the 41.82-carat, Type IIb blue diamond at the Cullinan Mine.
CollectionsJan 14, 2026
Marie Lichtenberg Lassos Leather for New BraceletsThe brand is trading its colorful fabric cords for Italian leather in its “Lasso” baby locket bracelets.
TechnologyJan 14, 2026
“My Next Question” Enters Its Podcast Era National Jeweler and Jewelers of America’s popular webinar series is evolving in 2026.
MajorsJan 14, 2026
Saks Files for Bankruptcy, Names New CEOThe department store chain owes millions to creditors like David Yurman, Roberto Coin, Kering, and LVMH.
CollectionsJan 14, 2026
Boucheron Names Colman Domingo as Brand AmbassadorThe award-winning actor’s visionary approach and creativity echo the spirit of Boucheron, the brand said.
IndependentsJan 14, 2026
Kansas Jeweler Wins 2025 ‘Wag’ AwardEdge Retail Academy honored Burnell’s Fine Jewelry in Wichita, Kansas, with its annual award for business excellence.
ColumnistsJan 13, 2026
2025 Was a ‘Price Up, Units Down’ Year, Here’s What That Signals for 2026 In a market defined by more selective consumers, Sherry Smith shares why execution will be independent jewelers’ key to growth this year.
IndependentsJan 13, 2026
Orr’s Jewelers Opens New Location in Pittsburgh’s Strip DistrictThe family-owned jeweler’s new space is in a former wholesale produce market.
CrimeJan 13, 2026
Alleged Getaway Driver Charged in Florida Jewelry Store RobberyIvel Sanchez Rivera, 52, has been arrested and charged in connection with the armed robbery of Tio Jewelers in Cape Coral, Florida.
SourcingJan 13, 2026
Rio Grande To Offer Calibrated Diamond MeleeThe supplier’s online program allows customers to search and buy calibrated natural and lab-grown diamond melee, including in fancy shapes.
Events & AwardsJan 13, 2026
NYC Jewelry, Antique, & Object Show Announces Winter EventThe new show will take place Jan. 23-25, 2026.
