GradingDec 11, 2024
IGI Set to Go Public Next WeekGradingDec 16, 2024
GCAL By Sarine Expands 8X to 2 More Fancy Shapes
The diamond cut grade is now available for marquise- and pear-shaped diamonds.
GCAL by Sarine will now evaluate pear- and marquise-cut diamonds for its 8X Ultimate Diamond Cut Grade. The addition brings the number of 8X-eligbile fancy shapes to four: pear, marquise, princess, and oval cuts.
New York—GCAL by Sarine has added two more cuts to the stable of fancy shapes it will evaluate for its 8X premium diamond cut grade reports.
The lab announced last week that it will now give 8X reports for pear- and marquise-shaped diamonds, two cuts that are growing in popularity, alongside other fancy shapes.
“Creating parameters for cutting 8X marquise and pear shapes was more challenging than we anticipated,” GCAL by Sarine President Angelo Palmieri said.
“There were critical factors that played into how the stone performs, but our focus remained the same—maximizing light return, while minimizing the bow tie.”
Complete details on the 8X cut grade for pear-shaped diamonds are available here, while details on 8X marquise-cut diamonds are available here.
Related stories will be right here …
The lab announced last week that it will now give 8X reports for pear- and marquise-shaped diamonds, two cuts that are growing in popularity, alongside other fancy shapes.
“Creating parameters for cutting 8X marquise and pear shapes was more challenging than we anticipated,” GCAL by Sarine President Angelo Palmieri said.
“There were critical factors that played into how the stone performs, but our focus remained the same—maximizing light return, while minimizing the bow tie.”
Complete details on the 8X cut grade for pear-shaped diamonds are available here, while details on 8X marquise-cut diamonds are available here.
GCAL launched 8X in 2021 with round brilliant-cut diamonds.
Called the 8X Ultimate Diamond Cut Grade, GCAL said it developed 8X to reflect advancements in diamond cutting technology and techniques.
To be deemed an 8X diamond, a stone must receive a grade of “excellent” across eight aspects of its cut: polish, external symmetry, proportions, optical brilliance, fire, scintillation, optical symmetry, and hearts and arrows.
In 2022, the lab began expanding into fancy shapes and in 2023, it introduced 8X for proprietary cuts.
Palmieri noted that additional fancy shapes are “on the way.”
The GCAL by Sarine website lists radiant, cushion, and emeralds cuts as coming soon.
More on Grading
The Latest
Lab-GrownMar 06, 2026
Charles & Colvard Files for Bankruptcy, Citing Price PressuresIncreased competition, falling lab-grown diamond and moissanite prices, and the rising cost of gold took a toll on the moissanite maker.
CollectionsMar 06, 2026
Zome’s ‘Solara’ Earrings Embody Celestial BeautyThe earrings, our Piece of the Week, feature pink tourmalines as planets orbiting around an aquamarine center set in 18-karat rose gold.
MajorsMar 06, 2026
Pomellato’s 2026 IWD Campaign Spotlights Economic Abuse“The Price of Freedom” campaign video for International Women’s Day confronts the quiet violence of financial control.
Brought to you by
Is This You? Every Jeweler Has This Problem; We Have the Solution.Every jeweler faces the same challenge: helping customers protect what they love. Here’s the solution designed for today’s jewelry business.
Policies & IssuesMar 05, 2026
Tariffs to Increase to 15% This Week, Treasury Secretary Says Also, a federal judge has ordered that companies that paid tariffs implemented under the IEEPA are entitled to refunds.
Weekly QuizMar 05, 2026
This Week’s QuizTest your jewelry news knowledge by answering these questions.
CollectionsMar 05, 2026
Common Era Honors ‘Difficult Women’ in CollectionThe ever-growing collection, which just expanded with the addition of Olga of Kyiv, features cameos of 12 women from history.
TrendsMar 05, 2026
Engagement Ring Trends 2026: What’s In, and WhyWe asked a jewelry historian, designer, bridal director, and wedding expert what’s trending in engagement rings. Here’s what they said.
Brought to you by
DCA Enters a New Chapter in Jewelry EducationWith refreshed branding, a new website, updated courses, and a pathway for growth, DCA is dedicated to supporting retail staff development.
Events & AwardsMar 05, 2026
AGS Announces Conclave 2026 Speaker LineupThe annual event will be held in Orlando, Florida, from Sept. 14-17.
TrendsMar 05, 2026
Caitríona Balfe Fronts Only Natural Diamonds CoverThe “Outlander” star modeled for the digital cover of the magazine’s spring issue, which features a story on her relationship with jewelry.
MajorsMar 05, 2026
Registration Opens for CIBJO Centenary CongressThis year’s annual congress, which will mark the confederation’s 100th anniversary, will take place this fall in Italy.
MajorsMar 04, 2026
Michael M Opens First StoreBeverly Hills was chosen as the location for the brand’s first store, designed as a “private residence for modern monarchs.”
Policies & IssuesMar 04, 2026
Luxury Brands Temporarily Shutter Middle East StoresKering, Apple, and other retailers have reportedly temporarily closed stores in the Middle East region in light of the recent conflicts.
EditorsMar 04, 2026
Q&A: Brilliant Earth’s CEO on the New Beverly Hills StoreBeth Gerstein discusses the vibe of the new store, what customers want when fine jewelry shopping today, and the details of “Date Night.”
Events & AwardsMar 04, 2026
JIS Miami Spring Show to Feature New Gifts Pavilion, Pop-Up Trends TalksNearly half of buyers are prioritizing silver and fashion collections this season, organizers said.
TrendsMar 04, 2026
Spinelli Kilcollin Rides Free In Year of the Horse CampaignThe “Live Now. Polish Later.” campaign features equestrians wearing the brand’s jewels while galloping across the icy plains of Kazakhstan.
MajorsMar 04, 2026
LeachGarner Names New Brand DirectorThe precious metals provider has promoted Jennifer Ashworth to the role.
Events & AwardsMar 03, 2026
Johnny Nelson Wins David Yurman Gem Awards GrantNelson will be honored as the inaugural grant winner at the Gem Awards gala on March 13.
SourcingMar 03, 2026
7 Trends That Could Define the Diamond Industry’s FutureExperts from India weigh in the politics, policies, and market dynamics for diamantaires to monitor in 2026 and beyond.
MajorsMar 03, 2026
Swiss Refiner Completes Acquisition of Gannon & ScottThe American precious metals refiner’s day-to-day operations remain the same post-acquisition.
TrendsMar 03, 2026
Amanda’s Style File: AquatopiaThese aquamarine jewels channel the calming energy of the March birthstone.
Events & AwardsMar 03, 2026
AGTA Adds Another New Category for SpectrumThe “Innovative Design” category and award will debut in the Spectrum division of this year’s AGTA Spectrum & Cutting Edge Awards.
EditorsMar 02, 2026
Jewelry at the Actor Awards: Reimagining Hollywood GlamourDiamond jewelry was the star of the event formerly known as the SAG Awards.
SurveysMar 02, 2026
Consumer Confidence Edges Up in FebruaryConsumers were somewhat less worried about the future, though concerns about rising prices and politics remained.
Events & AwardsMar 02, 2026
JVC to Honor Rebecca Foerster at Annual LuncheonFoerster is this year’s Stanley Schechter Award recipient.
Events & AwardsMar 02, 2026
JFC Names 2026 ‘Facets’ Honorees Sponsorships and tickets to the annual fundraising event, set for May 31, are available now.
CrimeFeb 27, 2026
Man Charged in Murders of Father, Son Jewelers in ChicagoChicago police and members of the U.S. Marshals Service tracked down the 35-year-old suspect earlier this week in St. Louis.
