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
ColumnistsJul 07, 2026
Peter Smith: Diamond Branding and the Origin ParadoxA podcast prompted Smith to share his views on where origin fits into the natural diamond story and the viability of branded diamonds.
Events & AwardsJul 07, 2026
JA Announces 2026 Impact Initiative RecipientsThe association selected eight recipients for the funding program, which is in its second year.
TrendsJul 07, 2026
Amanda’s Style File: Ruby, White and Blue Whether celebrating America’s 250th birthday or the USA’s World Cup run, July birthstone jewelry can double as a patriotic accessory.
Brought to you by
Wedding Band Trends 2026: Personalization Takes Center StageColored gemstones, artisan finishes, mixed metals, and meaningful details are shaping demand in bridal jewelry.
CrimeJul 07, 2026
Thieves Steal Millions in Jewels From France’s Musée LaliqueAround 20 pieces of jewelry were stolen from the museum dedicated to French jeweler and glassmaker René Lalique.
Weekly QuizJul 01, 2026
This Week’s QuizTest your jewelry news knowledge by answering these questions.
CollectionsJul 07, 2026
Robinson Pelham Is Partying Like It’s 1996The “Summer of ’96” campaign and collection celebrate the year the brand was founded for its 30th anniversary.
SourcingJul 06, 2026
Gemfields CEO Sean Gilbertson Steps DownAfter eight years, Gilbertson is leaving his post at the mining company, which is currently facing a slew of operational challenges.
Brought to you by
Building the Future of Jewelry Retail: DCA Expands Education, Leadership Development, and Workforce SolutionsDCA is preparing the next generation of professionals by supporting workforce development, leadership growth, and career advancement.
IndependentsJul 06, 2026
Bachendorf’s To Open Fifth Store In DallasThe new location is set to open this winter, featuring the retailer’s first rotating jewelry designer residency.
MajorsJul 06, 2026
Graff Names BTS Star Jung Kook as New AmbassadorThe pop artist appears in the latest campaign for the “Laurence Graff Signature” collection.
CollectionsJul 06, 2026
Pandora’s New Baroque Pearl Collection Is a Whimsical ‘Wonder’One-of-a-kind pearls take the shape of ice cream cones, frogs, submarines, and other imaginative charms.
SourcingJul 02, 2026
London Diamond Bourse Elects First Female PresidentCharlotte Rose said her election is “a sign that this is an industry capable of change.”
Supplier BulletinJul 02, 2026
Elevating Retail Showcases with Today's Necklace & Bracelet TrendsSponsored by Rio Grande Jewelry Supply
TrendsJul 02, 2026
Oscar Heyman’s Flag Brooch Celebrates AmericaThe American jewelry house, founded by Latvian immigrants, has been creating American flag brooches since 1917.
IndependentsJul 02, 2026
D. Geller & Son Partners with KSU Art Students on Store MuralThe artwork celebrates the Atlanta jeweler’s legacy and symbolizes its commitment to supporting local artists and its community.
Events & AwardsJul 02, 2026
Stratus Estate Buyers Offers Jewelers Turnkey Buying EventsIts team can evaluate jewelry and watches, as well as luxury handbags, artwork, and collectibles.
SurveysJul 01, 2026
Consumer Confidence Ticks Up in JuneFalling oil prices were a factor in the slight month-over-month improvement.
CollectionsJul 01, 2026
Rio Grande Launches First Finished Bridal CollectionThe new offering comprises more than 120 bridal and engagement ring styles with natural and lab-grown diamonds.
WatchesJul 01, 2026
Rolex Unveils Clock at Rockefeller CenterThe clock is part of the celebration for the soon-to-open Rolex headquarters on New York City’s Fifth Avenue.
IndependentsJul 01, 2026
Kristen Cannon of Valobra Master Jewelers Dies at 49The public relations professional is remembered for her benevolent generosity and unwavering commitment to those around her.
WatchesJun 30, 2026
Pokémon Fans Will Want to Catch This New G-Shock WatchThe new watch commemorates Pokémon’s 30th anniversary.
MajorsJun 30, 2026
Saks Global Emerges From Bankruptcy With New NameThe luxury retailer is now called Exemplar Luxury Group.
CollectionsJun 30, 2026
Jade Ruzzo’s New Collection Embodies the Art of Being a LadyThe “Lady” collection is a new take on old beauty standards with gemstone-adorned hair pins and combs, a compact mirror necklace, and more.
SourcingJun 30, 2026
Blue Nile Introduces Montana Sapphire CollectionThe new line is included in the e-tailer’s curation of jewelry celebrating America’s 250th anniversary.
CollectionsJun 29, 2026
Briony Raymond’s New Collection Is a ‘Carousel’ of Hard StonesThe new jewelry collection uses a colorful palette of onyx, malachite, tiger’s eye, mother-of-pearl, lapis, turquoise, and coral.
IndependentsJun 29, 2026
Look Inside Lee Michaels’ Revamped Mississippi FlagshipLee Michaels Fine Jewelry is celebrating 30 years in the Ridgeland, Mississippi community.
GradingJun 29, 2026
GIA to Open New London CampusClasses will begin in August at GIA’s new Canary Wharf location.
