GradingApr 10, 2023
GIA Is Going Back to Paper ReportsGradingMay 11, 2023
Sarine Completes Acquisition of Majority Stake in GCAL
The new corporation, GCAL USA LLC, will be part of the Sarine Group and its grading reports will read “GCAL by Sarine.”
Sarine North America Inc. completed its acquisition of the Gem Certification & Assurance Lab on Tuesday. Sarine now holds a 70 percent stake in the New York-based grading lab, which will operate under the brand name “GCAL by Sarine.”
New York—Sarine North America Inc. has completed its proposed acquisition of the Gem Certification & Assurance Lab, paying $5.7 million for a 70 percent stake in the business, a regulatory filing shows.
The transaction, first announced in January, closed Tuesday.
The new corporation, GCAL USA LLC, will be part of the Sarine Group, though GCAL’s current team—including co-founders Don and Pamela Palmieri and their son Angelo Palmieri, the lab’s chief operating officer—will continue to lead and manage the New York-based lab for at least three years.
After three years, Sarine will have the option to take a 100 percent stake in the lab, per the filing.
All current GCAL employees will become employees of GCAL USA LLC.
Sarine had to let go a “small number” of people because of redundancies but hired for a couple additional positions, Sarine CEO David Block said.
“Overall, the total manpower of the two companies when merged should be more or less the same,” he said.
The company will operate under the brand name “GCAL by Sarine,” which will be the name that appears on grading reports and marketing materials.
The acquisition gives Sarine, which is based in Israel and has a larger presence in Europe and Asia, a foothold in the United States by pairing it with a grading lab that is established in the market.
Don and Pamela founded GCAL in 2001.
“I am thrilled by the opportunities created by this merger,” Block said in a press release. “First and foremost because we have found a partner that shares our values—quality, consistency, reliability, transparency, and customer centricity.
“Secondly, I truly believe the merger will provide the U.S. and other markets a much-needed solution to their pressing concerns for fast, accurate, consistent and efficient grading, along the optional provenance data, critical in these times of geopolitical unrest.”
Related stories will be right here …
The transaction, first announced in January, closed Tuesday.
The new corporation, GCAL USA LLC, will be part of the Sarine Group, though GCAL’s current team—including co-founders Don and Pamela Palmieri and their son Angelo Palmieri, the lab’s chief operating officer—will continue to lead and manage the New York-based lab for at least three years.
After three years, Sarine will have the option to take a 100 percent stake in the lab, per the filing.
All current GCAL employees will become employees of GCAL USA LLC.
Sarine had to let go a “small number” of people because of redundancies but hired for a couple additional positions, Sarine CEO David Block said.
“Overall, the total manpower of the two companies when merged should be more or less the same,” he said.
The company will operate under the brand name “GCAL by Sarine,” which will be the name that appears on grading reports and marketing materials.
The acquisition gives Sarine, which is based in Israel and has a larger presence in Europe and Asia, a foothold in the United States by pairing it with a grading lab that is established in the market.
Don and Pamela founded GCAL in 2001.
“I am thrilled by the opportunities created by this merger,” Block said in a press release. “First and foremost because we have found a partner that shares our values—quality, consistency, reliability, transparency, and customer centricity.
“Secondly, I truly believe the merger will provide the U.S. and other markets a much-needed solution to their pressing concerns for fast, accurate, consistent and efficient grading, along the optional provenance data, critical in these times of geopolitical unrest.”
For GCAL, the merger allows it to expand overseas using Sarine’s artificial intelligence-powered grading instruments without sacrificing quality, an imperative for the lab, GCAL has said.
GCAL still will offer all the same grading services, including its new 8X cut grade, as well as its “Zero Tolerance” 4Cs Consumer Guarantee, which offers consumers money back if the cut, color, clarity and carat weight on their diamond’s GCAL certificate is not accurate.
“We would not have sold the company if we had to abandon the guarantee,” Don said when news of the deal was made public earlier this year.
In the press release, he called the closing of the acquisition “an emotional moment.”
“This merger will support our crusade of many decades to insist on issuing highly reliable quality certificates, which protect our industry and, most importantly, the consumer,” he said.
“We are excited by this opportunity to join forces with Sarine, which has developed a technological solution that enables bringing our stringent quality guarantee to a broader market on an expansive scale.”
Editors' Picks
Sponsored by
More on Grading
The Latest
Events & AwardsApr 13, 2026
Couture Announces New Show in MiamiThe jewelry trade show is launching its first open-to-the-public event in Coconut Grove this November.
CrimeApr 13, 2026
JSA Offers Reward in Oregon Jewelry Store Armed RobberyJSA is seeking information about the gunpoint robbery of a Kay Jewelers location in Oregon’s Washington Square Mall.
WatchesApr 10, 2026
These Watches Have Increased in Value the Most Since 2018, Says Chrono24The top-performing watch models may be surprising, with Rolex and several popular pandemic-era picks notably absent from the top 20.
Brought to you by
Las Vegas Antique Jewelry & Watch Show: Showcasing the Most Collectible Merchandise from Across the GlobeGain access to the most exclusive and coveted antique pieces from trusted dealers during Las Vegas Jewelry Week.
CollectionsApr 10, 2026
Ophelia Eve’s Toggle Pendant Holds Your SecretsThe “Scroll” toggle pendant, our Piece of the Week, opens to reveal a hidden message, mantra, or love letter written on washi paper.
Weekly QuizApr 09, 2026
This Week’s QuizTest your jewelry news knowledge by answering these questions.
ColumnistsApr 09, 2026
Jewelry Demand Isn’t Stronger, Prices Are Just Higher Jewelers who misinterpret the state of the jewelry market risk employing the wrong retail strategy, cautions columnist Sherry Smith.
MajorsApr 09, 2026
Tiffany & Co. Promotes Nathalie Verdeille to SVP, Chief Artistic OfficerIn her newly expanded role, she will continue to oversee the jewelry category, as well as watches, home, and accessories.
Brought to you by
Protect Your Customers and Your BusinessYou deserve to know what you are selling–to protect your customers as well as your business and your reputation.
WatchesApr 09, 2026
Jacob & Co. Rolls Out Its Sequel to ‘The Godfather’ Musical Watch“The Godfather II” watch plays two melodies from the mob film’s score, “The Godfather’s Waltz” and “The Godfather Love Theme.”
Events & AwardsApr 09, 2026
JCK Announces Jesse Itzler as 2026 Keynote SpeakerOrganizers have also introduced the new JCK Talks Signature Series, as well as an offering of watch-focused workshops and lectures.
SourcingApr 09, 2026
AGA To Honor ‘Quiet Leadership’ With New AwardThe Alan Hodgkinson Medal recognizes gemologists who are consistently generous with their time and expertise.
WatchesApr 09, 2026
Oris Names New CEO, CFOThe Swiss watchmaker is changing up its executive leadership team as part of a restructuring.
CollectionsApr 08, 2026
Hearts On Fire Celebrates 30 Years By Asking a QuestionThe “What’s Your Signature?” campaign invites women to think about how they see themselves.
SourcingApr 08, 2026
Sale of 42-Carat Blue Diamond Gives Petra a Boost in Q3The big diamond’s sale added to the company’s revenue though the market remains “challenging” overall, particularly for smaller goods.
Events & AwardsApr 08, 2026
AGS Confluence Returns with AI, Sustainability SessionsRob Bates of The Jewelry Wire will also moderate a panel on the state of the jewelry industry during the virtual event.
Events & AwardsApr 08, 2026
TJS to Honor 2 Longtime Former Stuller EmployeesThe Jewelry Symposium will honor two industry veterans with lifetime achievement awards at its upcoming May event.
TrendsApr 08, 2026
Amanda’s Style File: April’s Brilliant Birthstone With their durability, brilliance, and beauty, diamonds are the perfect stone for everyday birthstone jewelry.
MajorsApr 07, 2026
QVC Group’s Latest Filing Calls Its Future Into QuestionThe retailer failed to file its annual report on time and said it may issue a going concern warning.
ColumnistsApr 07, 2026
Peter Smith: A Tip to the Post Office on Workplace CultureSmith recounts a recent trip to the post office that included an uncomfortable, embarrassing, and public exchange between two employees.
CollectionsApr 07, 2026
Nerd Out Over Gemology Geek’s First Jewelry CollectionFounder Erica Silverglide has designed 35 colorful pieces set with fluorescing gemstones for the brand's first finished jewelry offering.
CollectionsApr 07, 2026
Ukrainian Jewelers Highlighted In New Book“Ukrainian Jewelry | Contemporary Jewelry and Art Jewelry from Ukraine” features 33 contemporary Ukrainian designers and studios.
CollectionsApr 06, 2026
Fope’s New Jewelry Debuts Are Golden“The Golden Now” campaign celebrates the here and now with the brand’s signature styles and a selection of its new pieces.
MajorsApr 06, 2026
Kecia Caffie, Corinne Bentzen No Longer With Signet JewelersSignet confirmed that Caffie, president of Zales and Banter, and Bentzen, who headed Blue Nile, have left the company.
CollectionsApr 06, 2026
Historian Tanzy Ward Pens Book on Black Victorians’ JewelryThe antique jewelry dealer talks about the importance of including Black Americans in jewelry history and preserving their stories.
SourcingApr 06, 2026
Gemfields Reports $51M Loss in 2025Both its mines faced challenges last year, from operational issues to disruptions in the market.
CollectionsApr 03, 2026
Taylor Swift’s ‘Elizabeth Taylor’ Video Puts Jewelry Front and CenterIconic pieces, like the Mike Todd Diamond Tiara, appear in the superstar’s new music video for her song inspired by the actress.
MajorsApr 03, 2026
Saks Global Says It Will Emerge From Bankruptcy This SummerThe luxury retailer, which went Chapter 11 in January, announced Thursday that it has secured $500 million in exit financing.
