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
CollectionsMay 29, 2026
Cultus Artem’s Necklace Is the Oasis in Las Vegas’ DesertThe “River of Heaven” necklace, our Piece of the Week debuting at Couture, combines 26 salt and pepper diamonds spaced by Tahitian pearls.
IndependentsMay 29, 2026
Meet the 2026 Retailer Hall of Fame InducteesThis year’s inductees include second-, third-, and fourth-generation jewelers.
Events & AwardsMay 28, 2026
JCK Announces Jesse Itzler as 2026 Keynote SpeakerThe author, speaker, and entrepreneur will give his presentation, “Spiritual Billionaire,” on Saturday morning.
Brought to you by
All Eyes on Gold Prices. Alternatives to Look For. And What to BEWARE of in VegasAs gold prices rise, today’s retailers are looking for alternatives at prices that will appeal to wider audiences.
Events & AwardsMay 28, 2026
JCK Rocks To Ride With NellyThree-time Grammy award-winning artist Nelly is set to perform at the annual event at Tao Beach on Sunday night.
Weekly QuizMay 28, 2026
This Week’s QuizTest your jewelry news knowledge by answering these questions.
MajorsMay 28, 2026
Signet Jewelers to Buy The Clear Cut Signet will integrate the online-only, natural diamond-focused jeweler into Blue Nile, which it wants to position as a higher-end retailer.
CollectionsMay 28, 2026
Meet The 17 Newcomers to Couture’s Design AtelierThese up-and-coming jewelry brands are bringing their distinct aesthetic and unique point-of-view to the Design Atelier for the first time.
Brought to you by
How Modern Training Is Becoming a Competitive Advantage for Jewelry RetailersWith the trade and customer trust in mind, GIA® developed NextGem™ – on-demand training designed specifically for retail.
Events & AwardsMay 27, 2026
5 Security Tips for Las Vegas Jewelry Market Week 2026This year, it’s what could happen outside of show hours that worries JSA Executive Vice President Scott Guginsky.
ColumnistsMay 27, 2026
What Jewelers Can Learn From Luxury Fashion’s Digital PlaybookHigh-end fashion houses know how to emotionally connect with customers online. Retail jewelers should take note, Emmanuel Raheb writes.
Events & AwardsMay 27, 2026
Couture’s ‘The Iridescence’ Will Showcase 7 Emerging Jewelry DesignersThe designers are the third cohort of mentees from the show’s Belonging @ Couture mentorship program.
ColumnistsMay 26, 2026
The Key Mindset for Better Trade Show BuyingBuying discipline at trade shows starts with clarity about your inventory levels, Smith writes.
Events & AwardsMay 26, 2026
12 JCK Talks Sessions to Add to Your Las Vegas ScheduleThe trade show’s education series returns, with sessions on retail trends, AI, watches, marketing, corporate responsibility, and more.
Events & AwardsMay 26, 2026
CBG Brings Its Curated Designer Project to Las Vegas ShowThe Curated Designer Project has expanded to highlight eight independent jewelry designers during CBG’s Las Vegas show.
TrendsMay 26, 2026
Amanda’s Style File: A Cooldown Is ComingBring a cool tone to your summer jewelry with these white metal pieces.
Events & AwardsMay 22, 2026
Instore Buys JA New York ShowThe deal closed this week, which means Instore will produce the JA NY show slated to take place this fall.
FinancialsMay 22, 2026
Richemont’s Jewelry Brands Lead the Charge in Q4The company’s jewelry sales were up in Q4 and the fiscal year, with Richemont raising prices in part because of the cost of gold.
CollectionsMay 22, 2026
Leigh Maxwell Celebrates 5 Years at Couture With ‘Bauble’ CollectionThe “Bauble” capsule collection of colorful one-of-a-kinds includes our Piece of the Week, the “Bauble” earrings, featuring rose zircon.
MajorsMay 22, 2026
Stuller’s New Packaging, Display Catalog Is Out The updated catalog has a newly dedicated section for gift wrapping.
PodcastsMay 21, 2026
Episode 5: Sotheby’s Frank Everett Puts the Auction Market in PerspectiveEverett covers colored stones’ surging popularity, the mellow return of the “Mellon Blue,” and his “The Devil Wears Prada” doppelgänger.
IndependentsMay 21, 2026
Springer’s Jewelers’ New Flagship Will Serve Next-Gen Luxury ShoppersFourth-generation CEO Lilly Mullen wants to emphasize experience, connection, and personalized service.
Events & AwardsMay 21, 2026
JA Announces Nina Pugliese Memorial ScholarshipThe new award, created in partnership with Henne Jewelers, honors the late designer’s legacy through supporting jewelry education.
SourcingMay 21, 2026
Botswana, Angola Join WFDBThe addition of the diamond-producing countries as nation affiliated members broadens the federation’s global representation, WFDB said.
CrimeMay 20, 2026
NYPD Warns of Jewelry Swap Scams Targeting SeniorsThe NYPD is warning elderly New Yorkers to keep their jewelry hidden when walking outside to avoid being a target.
IndependentsMay 20, 2026
Adornment & Theory’s New Store Feels Like Home Designer Viviana Langhoff has realized her dream of owning a space for her Chicago jewelry store that looks and feels like her brand.
Events & AwardsMay 20, 2026
Here Is Couture’s 2026 Education Lineup The sessions will run from Friday, May 29, to Sunday, May 31, with one being a live taping of an episode of Couture’s podcast.
Lab-GrownMay 20, 2026
Savannah Friedkin Jewelry Names New CEOFormer Stephanie Gottlieb Fine Jewelry executive Morgan P. Richardson is joining the lab-grown diamond jewelry brand.
