GradingApr 07, 2026
GIA CFO David Tearle to Retire in June GradingMay 28, 2026
GCAL By Sarine Launches 8X Cushion Cut
The lab’s proprietary diamond cut grade has been expanded to include the popular fancy shape.
The GCAL 8X Cushion Cut Grade is available now for qualifying natural and lab-grown cushion brilliant diamonds.
New York—GCAL by Sarine has expanded its 8X Ultimate Cut Grade program to include cushion-cut diamonds.
The proprietary grading process evaluates eight factors—polish, external symmetry, proportions, optical brilliance, fire, scintillation, optical symmetry, and shape aesthetics.
It was introduced in 2023, created to provide more information about light performance, shape appeal, and cut precision, which is often limited in traditional grading processes for fancy shapes, GCAL said.
Cushion cuts are “especially challenging” to standardize, GCAL said, because the shape requires a precise balance of outline, rounded corners, facet structure, contrast pattern, light return, and the minimization of the bowtie effect—a dark shadow that can appear across the center of some elongated diamonds.
The GCAL 8X Cushion standard was developed through technical research, advanced measurement, optical imaging, and direct light performance analysis.
The lab looked at traditional proportion measurements, as well as the relationship between craftsmanship, shape aesthetics, and visible performance.
“Cushion cuts have tremendous consumer appeal, but they have also been one of the most difficult fancy shapes for retailers and consumers to compare confidently,” said Angelo Palmieri, president of GCAL by Sarine.
Two cushion diamonds can have the same carat weight, color, and clarity, yet look “dramatically different” because of cut quality and optical performance, the lab said.
Palmieri continued, “The GCAL 8X Cushion Cut Grade gives the market a precise, transparent, and independently verified way to identify cushion diamonds that truly perform at the highest level.”
Related stories will be right here …
The proprietary grading process evaluates eight factors—polish, external symmetry, proportions, optical brilliance, fire, scintillation, optical symmetry, and shape aesthetics.
It was introduced in 2023, created to provide more information about light performance, shape appeal, and cut precision, which is often limited in traditional grading processes for fancy shapes, GCAL said.
Cushion cuts are “especially challenging” to standardize, GCAL said, because the shape requires a precise balance of outline, rounded corners, facet structure, contrast pattern, light return, and the minimization of the bowtie effect—a dark shadow that can appear across the center of some elongated diamonds.
The GCAL 8X Cushion standard was developed through technical research, advanced measurement, optical imaging, and direct light performance analysis.
The lab looked at traditional proportion measurements, as well as the relationship between craftsmanship, shape aesthetics, and visible performance.
“Cushion cuts have tremendous consumer appeal, but they have also been one of the most difficult fancy shapes for retailers and consumers to compare confidently,” said Angelo Palmieri, president of GCAL by Sarine.
Two cushion diamonds can have the same carat weight, color, and clarity, yet look “dramatically different” because of cut quality and optical performance, the lab said.
Palmieri continued, “The GCAL 8X Cushion Cut Grade gives the market a precise, transparent, and independently verified way to identify cushion diamonds that truly perform at the highest level.”
The lab said it has seen an increase in fancy-shaped diamond submissions, reflecting demand for elongated shapes.
In addition to the new cushion cut offering, the 8X program is available for oval, princess, radiant, pear, and marquise cuts.
“Our 8X program continues to set the benchmark for excellence in fancy shapes,” Palmieri added. “With cushion, we are bringing greater clarity and confidence to a shape that consumers love, but that has historically been difficult to evaluate consistently.”
Each GCAL 8X cushion-cut diamond is accompanied by a certificate with detailed cut quality analysis, light performance documentation, imaging, and the lab’s money back guarantee.
The grade is available for qualifying natural and lab-grown cushion brilliant diamonds.
For more information about GCAL 8X Cushion, visit its website or contact sales@gcalusa.com.
More on Grading
The Latest
IndependentsSep 04, 2026
Orloff Jewelers Will Soon Unveil a Bigger, Better LocationThe California jeweler is renovating its store in Fresno, with plans to show off the new space in December.
CollectionsSep 04, 2026
Chelsea Gabrielle Transforms Pilates Reformer Springs Into Ring A lifelong practitioner of Pilates, Gabrielle looked to the springs’ tension and suspension when creating this ring, our Piece of the Week.
Events & AwardsSep 04, 2026
JCK Industry Fund Accepting 2027 ApplicationsThe deadline to apply is Nov. 13.
Brought to you by
Your Piece Could Be the One Editors Talk AboutSubmit your pieces for a chance to win in this year's competition.
AuctionsSep 04, 2026
Christie's Names New Global Head of WatchesThe auction house has promoted Remi Guillemin, formerly its head of watches for the Americas and EMEA, to the role.
Weekly QuizSep 03, 2026
This Week’s QuizTest your jewelry news knowledge by answering these questions.
EditorsSep 03, 2026
Q&A: Simon G.’s CEO on Why He Won’t Use AI for Jewelry DesignZaven Ghanimian discussed the value of human craftsmanship and where the implementation of artificial intelligence does work.
Events & AwardsSep 03, 2026
Here Are the First Recipients of Nina Pugliese Memorial Scholarship Jewelers of America also revealed the recipients of the Seymour & Evelyn Holtzman Bench Scholarship and its own scholarship programs.
Brought to you by
Why More Jewelry Retailers Are Hosting Turnkey Estate Buying EventsRetailers are seeking new ways to attract customers, increase traffic, and create revenue – Estate buying events are a popular solution.
WatchesSep 03, 2026
Robert Pattinson Joins Jaeger-LeCoultre as Brand AmbassadorThe British actor, known for his roles in “Twilight” and “The Odyssey,” will star in a campaign for the Master Control Chronometre.
CollectionsSep 03, 2026
Sydney Evan Celebrates 25 Years With 4 New CollectionsThe “Confetti Disco,” “Champagne Cheers,” “Tuxedo,” and “Classic Punk” jewelry collections each capture a distinct spirit of celebration.
CrimeSep 02, 2026
CA Jeweler Gets 5 Years in ‘Phantom Rolex’ Ponzi SchemeNelson Holdo of Newport Beach pleaded guilty to multiple counts of felony grand theft and writing bad checks and was sentenced Monday.
AuctionsSep 02, 2026
If You Love Cats, This Jewelry Auction Is for YouCat ladies of the jewelry world, unite. Sandy Lerner’s “significant” collection of cat jewelry and other objects is going up for auction.
MajorsSep 02, 2026
Messika Names Former Omega Exec as New President, CEO of AmericasArnaud Michon, the former Omega USA President, will now lead Messika’s Americas region during its international development.
Events & AwardsSep 02, 2026
Emerald’s New Owner Introduces ‘Glitter in the Grove’The branding references the back-to-back jewelry shows that new parent company Forge will host in Miami's Coconut Grove this November.
AuctionsSep 01, 2026
UK Woman Uncovers Rare Patek Philippe Watch in Mom’s Jewelry BoxThe stainless steel Patek Philippe “Calatrava” watch from the 1930s sold for nearly $80,000 at a recent Hansons Cornwall auction.
ColumnistsSep 01, 2026
Your Jewelry Marketing Has a Bridal ProblemEngagement rings are important but don’t ignore the customers who are buying jewelry “just because,” Emmanuel Raheb writes.
MajorsSep 01, 2026
Kering Names New Pomellato, DoDo CEOsFormer Pomellato CEO Sabina Belli has been named president of Kering Italia amid a shakeup of Kering's new Jewelry division.
MajorsSep 01, 2026
Anne Marie Shulman Joins GPA GlobalThe veteran luxury packaging executive was appointed to help the company grow its North American business.
CrimeAug 31, 2026
$4M Van Cleef & Arpels Diamond Necklace Snatched From Vienna Museum Once the property of an Egyptian queen, the necklace was part of a larger exhibition of VCA jewelry at the Museum of Applied Arts (MAK).
Events & AwardsAug 31, 2026
Wisconsin Museum to Host Jewelry Exhibition“Chicago Collects: Jewelry in Perspective” at the Oshkosh Public Museum will feature works by Fabergé, Lalique, and Louis Comfort Tiffany.
CollectionsAug 31, 2026
Catbird Launches First Men’s Jewelry CollectionThe “Worn Well” collection is Catbird's take on classic men's jewelry.
CollectionsAug 28, 2026
Dolly Parton Would Have Loved This Butterfly Necklace This Buddha Mama butterfly is our Piece of the Week honoring the legend, who embraced the beautiful insect as her symbol.
SourcingAug 28, 2026
Gareth Penny to Give Opening Speech at CIBJO Centenary CongressThe former De Beers CEO, and perhaps its next owner, will be a featured speaker at the event, slated for Sept. 4-7 in Italy.
IndependentsAug 28, 2026
Day’s Jewelers Honored With 3 Workplace AwardsThe employee-owned jeweler was named a “Best Place to Work” in Maine, New Hampshire, and for women.
CollectionsAug 27, 2026
Pandora Expands ‘Talisman’ Collection as Lawsuit Continues The second iteration of the jewelry collection was inspired by the zodiac and the four elements: earth, water, air and fire.
SourcingAug 27, 2026
OFAC Renews License Allowing Import of ‘Grandfathered’ Russian Diamonds General License 104B supersedes General License 104A, which was set to expire on Sept. 1.
CrimeAug 27, 2026
Customs Seizes Nearly 900 Pieces of Counterfeit JewelryThe package, intercepted in Indianapolis, contained fake Cartier, Tiffany & Co., and Van Cleef and Arpels jewelry.
