Gem Certification & Assurance Lab, Inc. introduced the GCAL Ideal Cut diamond grading certificate during the Jewelers of America New York Winter Show, Jan. 21-23, in New York City. According to GCAL, the Ideal Cut diamond is based on “triple ideal” parameters where the diamond is “excellent” in the following three ratings:

1. Proportion- girdle thickness, culet size;

2. Finish- polish and symmetry; and

3. Direct light assessment- optical brilliance and optical symmetry.

“The GCAL Ideal Cut standard includes the traditional values of proportion and finish and adds a third dimension based on direct assessment optical light performance, which is perhaps one of the most useful descriptive and selling tools in today’s market,” said Donald A. Palmieri, GCAL president. “With this new certificate, we were seeking to resolve the issue of the many revisions over the years to percentages and angles that have constituted the ‘theoretical’ ideal cut diamond, which changes perhaps confused the many gemologists and diamond dealers using the ‘ideal’ term, and add perhaps one of the most important analysis tools that can actually assist in selling the diamond.”

GCAL’s optical light performance system measures and analyzes light return and optical symmetry that reveals the cutter’s craft, and allows buyers and sellers to judge the mosaic of facets that reveal a true ideal cut diamond’s maximum beauty.

GCAL is a subsidiary of Collectors Universe, Inc.

JCK