CollectionsJan 08, 2026
Pandora’s New ‘Bridgerton’ Jewels Celebrate Bees, Bows, and Blooms“Bridgerton” actresses Hannah Dodd and Claudia Jessie star in the brand’s “Rules to Love By” campaign.
GradingAug 21, 2020
Here’s How GCAL Is Keeping Employees Safe During COVID-19
The New York City gemstone laboratory has developed a model system for doing business in person during the pandemic.
GCAL Founder and President Don Palmieri gets a COVID-19 antibody test at the office. It’s part of the lab’s new protocol for protecting employees working on-site during the pandemic.
New York—The Gem Certification & Assurance Lab (GCAL) depends on having workers on-site, and the New York City-based laboratory has shared its plan for ensuring their safety for the remainder of the COVID-19 pandemic.
The lab has enlisted a doctor to test employees for COVID-19 via the nasal swab test every two weeks. The test is required to make sure any possible positive cases are immediately identified.
GCAL explained bringing a doctor to the premises is a solution they’re using in order to eliminate any added stress on employees.
“Since we have employees commuting from all five boroughs, Long Island, and New Jersey, plus our preference to have all our employees tested frequently, we didn’t want to put anyone at unnecessary risk,” GCAL COO Angelo Palmieri said in a press release.
“Essentially, we’d be asking them to find a doctor’s office, urgent care facility, etc., to then potentially stand in line for hours alongside others waiting for a test, some of whom might be infected. We felt compelled to reduce our exposure, while minimizing the network of people our staff must interact with.”
The move comes as New York City and surrounding areas continue to open, meaning more interactions among people, particularly as children go back to school.
“It is our hope that by sharing this with the industry, other companies will consider doing the same,” Founder and President Don Palmieri said. “Nothing is more important than the health and welfare of our GCAL colleagues, and of course their families.”
Additionally, the doctor will provide antibody tests via blood draw, which will be optional for employees. Results will be available 48 hours after testing, and according to GCAL’s contracted physician, the sooner results of blood exams are processed, the more accurate the results.
GCAL employees are fully covered for the tests under their 100-percent-employer-paid insurance policy.
The lab is working with Dr. Michele Martinho for the workplace testing.
Martinho recently addressed the lab at its first round of testing, encouraging the staff to follow best practices, like getting flu vaccinations early this flu season and attempting to bolster immunity through healthy diet and exercise.
She also answered staff questions and reiterated the general knowledge that wearing a mask to cover one’s nose and mouth, as well as some form of eye glasses or sunglasses to cover one’s eyes, plus to adhere to social distancing guidelines, is essential to staying safe.
GCAL
originally shut down its Diamond District facilities on March 23 and continued to pay employees for a month before furloughing most of its employees while continuing to pay for 100 percent of their health benefits.
Select employees from the sales, marketing and IT departments started working remotely at that time, handling reprint requests, customer inquiries and lab support services.
“As a diamond, gemstone, and jewelry testing laboratory, the intricate work GCAL performs on high value gems and jewelry obviously cannot be done remotely or virtually,” Angelo said.
Per local government guidelines, the lab reopened to “surprising demand” on June 8 with a limited number of employees but quickly ramped back up to full operations.
While most New York City Diamond District companies are up and running, it’s not business as usual in the famed manufacturing area.
Don explained to National Jeweler, “The mood on the street depends in large part who you’re talking to. Most retailers seem to have ceased or seriously cut back on their buying, except of course for necessities. Many are nervous about the supply chain disruption, especially from India. But the June, July and August numbers at retail are certainly positive signs.
“As for what 47th Street looks like, it’s an interesting question. Lots of police presence is putting many of us at ease. Most businesses seem to be up and running, but of course some are closed. The crowds hanging around have all but gone away. Most, but not all are wearing masks, so that’s a good thing. Bottom line: it certainly looks different.”
Palmieri encouraged any company based in Manhattan interested in similar workplace testing services to contact Martinho at 212-420-6460 or through drmichelemartinho.com.
Select employees from the sales, marketing and IT departments started working remotely at that time, handling reprint requests, customer inquiries and lab support services.
“As a diamond, gemstone, and jewelry testing laboratory, the intricate work GCAL performs on high value gems and jewelry obviously cannot be done remotely or virtually,” Angelo said.
Per local government guidelines, the lab reopened to “surprising demand” on June 8 with a limited number of employees but quickly ramped back up to full operations.
While most New York City Diamond District companies are up and running, it’s not business as usual in the famed manufacturing area.
Don explained to National Jeweler, “The mood on the street depends in large part who you’re talking to. Most retailers seem to have ceased or seriously cut back on their buying, except of course for necessities. Many are nervous about the supply chain disruption, especially from India. But the June, July and August numbers at retail are certainly positive signs.
“As for what 47th Street looks like, it’s an interesting question. Lots of police presence is putting many of us at ease. Most businesses seem to be up and running, but of course some are closed. The crowds hanging around have all but gone away. Most, but not all are wearing masks, so that’s a good thing. Bottom line: it certainly looks different.”
Palmieri encouraged any company based in Manhattan interested in similar workplace testing services to contact Martinho at 212-420-6460 or through drmichelemartinho.com.
More on Grading
The Latest
Events & AwardsJan 08, 2026
Ana Khouri To Receive 2026 Gem Award for High Jewelry ExcellenceFounded by jeweler and sculptor Ana Khouri, the brand is “expanding the boundaries of what high jewelry can be.”
TrendsJan 08, 2026
Stuller’s Color of the Year Is a Stark Contrast to Pantone’s WhiteThe jewelry manufacturer and supplier is going with a fiery shade it says symbolizes power and transformation.
Brought to you by
Impacting Tomorrow TodayHow Jewelers of America’s 20 Under 40 are leading to ensure a brighter future for the jewelry industry.
CollectionsJan 08, 2026
Gracie Abrams To Front New Chanel Jewelry CampaignThe singer-songwriter will make her debut as the French luxury brand’s new ambassador in a campaign for its “Coco Crush” jewelry line.
Weekly QuizJan 08, 2026
This Week’s QuizTest your jewelry news knowledge by answering these questions.
MajorsJan 08, 2026
Diamond Council of America Names New Board DirectorsThe nonprofit’s new president and CEO, Annie Doresca, also began her role this month.
ColumnistsJan 07, 2026
Peter Smith: Physical Retail—The Beginning or the End?As the shopping mall model evolves and online retail grows, Smith shares his predictions for the future of physical stores.
Brought to you by
Roseco Releases New Full-Line CatalogRoseco’s 704-page catalog showcases new lab-grown diamonds, findings, tools & more—available in print or interactive digital editions.
Events & AwardsJan 07, 2026
Melee Adds 13 New Designers to NYC ShowThe trade show is slated for Jan. 31-Feb. 2 at The Lighthouse in New York City's Chelsea neighborhood.
TrendsJan 07, 2026
Amanda’s Style File: Go for GarnetJanuary’s birthstone comes in a rainbow of colors, from the traditional red to orange, purple, and green.
SourcingJan 07, 2026
Diamonds Do Good Releases 2025 Impact ReportThe annual report highlights how it supported communities in areas where natural diamonds are mined, crafted, and sold.
CrimeJan 06, 2026
2 Jewelers Arrested After TraxNYC Diamond District BrawlFootage of a fight breaking out in the NYC Diamond District was viewed millions of times on Instagram and Facebook.
MajorsJan 06, 2026
Rio Grande Says These Are the Top Personalization Tools for 2026The supplier has a curated list of must-have tools for jewelers doing in-house custom work this year.
MajorsJan 06, 2026
Zales Tests Out A New LookThe Signet Jewelers-owned store, which turned 100 last year, calls its new concept stores “The Edit.”
MajorsJan 06, 2026
LeachGarner Appoints New Director of SalesLinda Coutu is rejoining the precious metals provider as its director of sales.
SourcingJan 06, 2026
AGA Announces 2026 BoardThe governing board welcomed two new members, Claire Scragg and Susan Eisen.
TrendsJan 05, 2026
Amanda’s Style File: New Year’s EditionSparkle with festive diamond jewelry as we celebrate the beginning of 2026.
IndependentsJan 05, 2026
Jeweler Ben Nighthorse Campbell Dies at 92The master jeweler, Olympian, former senator, and Korean War veteran founded the brand Nighthorse Jewelry.
TrendsJan 05, 2026
Pinterest 2026 Trend Report: Brooches, Bold Gold, Cool BlueIn its annual report, Pinterest noted an increase in searches for brooches, heirloom jewelry, and ‘80s luxury.
MajorsJan 02, 2026
Marc Metrick Out as CEO of Saks Global Executive Chairman Richard Baker will take over the role as rumors swirl that a bankruptcy filing is imminent for the troubled retailer.
Events & AwardsJan 02, 2026
Jan Mohr, Couture’s ‘North Star,’ Dies at 71Mohr had just retired in June after more than two decades as Couture’s retailer liaison.
SourcingJan 02, 2026
IDCA Elects New President, Board of DirectorsShekhar Shah of Real Gems Inc. will serve as president of the Indian Diamond & Colorstone Association in 2026.
CollectionsJan 02, 2026
Lalaounis’ 2026 Good Luck Charm Speaks to ResilienceThis year’s good luck charm features the mythical horse Pegasus, and is our first Piece of the Week of the new year.
EditorsDec 31, 2025
The Top 5 Stories of 2025Articles about crime, engagement rings, and a necklace worn in the World Series generated the most interest among readers.
MajorsDec 30, 2025
Becka Johnson Kibby to Lead Edge Retail AcademyAs part of the leadership transition, Sherry Smith will take on the role of vice president of coaching strategy and development.
SourcingDec 30, 2025
India Chosen as KP Chair for 2026It marks the third time the country has headed the Kimberley Process. Ghana will serve as vice chair.
WatchesDec 30, 2025
Bulova, Stetson Collab on Watches With Western FlairThe new Bulova x Stetson designs highlight two animals often associated with the American West—the bison and the Texas Longhorn.
