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.
More on Grading
The Latest
MajorsFeb 04, 2026
Marco Bicego Names New Global Marketing DirectorThe Italian jewelry company appointed Matteo Cuelli to the newly created role.
ColumnistsFeb 04, 2026
January Jewelry Sales: More Dollars Spent, Fewer Units Sold Sherry Smith unpacks independent retailers’ January performance and gives tips for navigating the slow-growth year ahead.
MajorsFeb 04, 2026
What Designers Should Know About Saks Global’s BankruptcyFrom how to get an invoice paid to getting merchandise returned, JVC’s Sara Yood answers some complex questions.
Brought to you by
The MJSA Mentor & Apprenticeship Program: Attracting & Training the Next Generation of Bench JewelersLaunched in 2023, the program will help the passing of knowledge between generations and alleviate the shortage of bench jewelers.
TrendsFeb 04, 2026
Amanda’s Style File: February Birthstone BlissAmethyst, the birthstone for February, is a gemstone to watch this year with its rich purple hue and affordable price point.
Weekly QuizJan 29, 2026
This Week’s QuizTest your jewelry news knowledge by answering these questions.
MajorsFeb 04, 2026
Frederick Goldman Updates Leadership TeamThe manufacturer said the changes are designed to improve speed, reliability, innovation, and service.
Policies & IssuesFeb 03, 2026
Tariff Relief on Horizon for India as Trump, Modi Make DealPresident Trump said he has reached a trade deal with India, which, when made official, will bring relief to the country’s diamond industry.
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.
CollectionsFeb 03, 2026
Jade Trau Releases New Charms, Introduces RondellesThe designer’s latest collection takes inspiration from her classic designs, reimagining the motifs in new forms.
WatchesFeb 03, 2026
Casio America Calls Jersey City HomeThe watchmaker moved its U.S. headquarters to a space it said fosters creativity and forward-thinking solutions in Jersey City, New Jersey.
SourcingFeb 03, 2026
Nivoda Reveals Upgraded Gemstone MarketplaceThe company also announced a new partnership with GemGuide and the pending launch of an education-focused membership program.
CrimeFeb 02, 2026
Ylang 23’s Dallas Store BurglarizedThe Texas jeweler said its team is “incredibly resilient” and thanked its community for showing support.
EditorsFeb 02, 2026
Stars Choose Chokers, Elongated Earrings at 2026 GrammysFrom cool-toned metal to ring stacks, Associate Editor Natalie Francisco highlights the jewelry trends she spotted at the Grammy Awards.
CollectionsFeb 02, 2026
2026 Winter Olympic Medal Design Symbolizes UnityThe medals feature a split-texture design highlighting the fact that the 2026 Olympics are taking place in two different cities.
SurveysJan 30, 2026
These Are the Top Brands of 2026, Says YouGovFrom tech platforms to candy companies, here’s how some of the highest-ranking brands earned their spot on the list.
CollectionsJan 30, 2026
Follow the Beat With Etiq’s ‘Khol’ RingThe “Khol” ring, our Piece of the Week, transforms the traditional Indian Khol drum into playful jewelry through hand-carved lapis.
MajorsJan 30, 2026
Arch Crown’s 2026 ‘Tag & Label’ Catalog Is HereThe catalog includes more than 100 styles of stock, pre-printed, and custom tags and labels, as well as bar code technology products.
CollectionsJan 29, 2026
Ghirardelli’s ‘Chocolocket’ Returns for Valentine’s DayThe chocolatier is bringing back its chocolate-inspired locket, offering sets of two to celebrate “perfect pairs.”
AuctionsJan 29, 2026
These Were Bonhams’ Top 10 Jewelry Lots in 2025The top lot of the year was a 1930s Cartier tiara owned by Nancy, Viscountess Astor, which sold for $1.2 million in London last summer.
SourcingJan 29, 2026
Stuller Website to Mark AGTA-Sourced GemstonesAny gemstones on Stuller.com that were sourced by an AGTA vendor member will now bear the association’s logo.
WatchesJan 29, 2026
Audemars Piguet Opens AP House in AtlantaThe Swiss watchmaker has brought its latest immersive boutique to Atlanta, a city it described as “an epicenter of music and storytelling.”
SourcingJan 28, 2026
Ethical Gem Fair to Debut Designer Showcase in TucsonThe new addition will feature finished jewelry created using “consciously sourced” gemstones.
ColumnistsJan 28, 2026
Peter Smith: Setting the Next Generation Up for SuccessIn his new column, Smith advises playing to your successor's strengths and resisting the urge to become a backseat driver.
SurveysJan 28, 2026
Consumer Confidence Falls Below Pandemic Lows in JanuaryThe index fell to its lowest level since May 2014 amid concerns about the present and the future.
IndependentsJan 28, 2026
Foundrae Heads to Aspen for Latest Store OpeningThe new store in Aspen, Colorado, takes inspiration from a stately library for its intimate yet elevated interior design.
FinancialsJan 28, 2026
Tiffany & Co., Bulgari Sales Resilient as LVMH’s 2025 Sales SlipThe brands’ high jewelry collections performed especially well last year despite a challenging environment.
CollectionsJan 27, 2026
De Beers London, GemFair Debut New Collection Highlighting Artisanal DiamondsThe collection marks the first time GemFair’s artisanal diamonds will be brought directly to consumers.
