There are moments when you see something and instantly know: This is different. That is exactly how it felt when I first saw GCAL’s 8X diamonds at the JCK jewelry show in Las Vegas. Lights sparkled everywhere. These diamonds stood out. Their fire, their depth, and their vivid brilliance drew the eye like magic. No certificate and no number on paper can capture that feeling. It was pure fascination.
In that moment it became clear, that a new benchmark was being set. The GCAL 8X Cut is not just another cut grade. It is the result of scientific precision and emotional impact. That is exactly what I look for at Designer Diamonds. True beauty that you do not just see.
Why the cut decides everything
Carat, color, and clarity matter. Yet only the cut brings a diamond to life. Brilliance happens only when proportion, symmetry, and polish work together perfectly. A diamond can be graded Excellent for cut on paper, and still look flat, dark, or milky. Beauty is not a number on a page. It is the interplay of light, movement, and feeling.
This is why the 8X Cut is so special. It evaluates a diamond across eight clearly defined and measurable categories. Three relate to physical excellence. Three describe light performance. Two assess optical symmetry. Only when all eight areas are perfect does the diamond receive the 8X certificate.
The eight criteria that make the difference
- Polish. Every facet is mirror smooth and free of finishing marks.
- External symmetry. All facets are precisely aligned. Light can be reflected optimally.
- Proportions. Angles and measurements are captured with precise optical technology.
- Brilliance. Maximum light return creates an exceptionally bright impression.
- Fire. Vivid spectral colors appear clearly and intensely with every movement.
- Scintillation. Dynamic sparkle with even patterns of light and dark.
- Optical symmetry. Harmonious uniformity across the entire facet design.
- Hearts & Arrows. The perfect pattern appears only with precision within the finest tolerances.
Only when all eight points are fulfilled does a diamond receive the 8X seal. Only a very small share of all diamonds reach this level.
Precision you can see
One of my clients is an engineer. He was captivated by the technical side of 8X. He studied every diagram and every measurement. He was amazed by the precision with which a diamond can be cut. For him it was perfection in form and figure.
For another couple it was pure emotion. They saw the sparkle. Both knew at once. This is their diamond. No data sheet could have made that decision so clear.
That is exactly the point. A GCAL 8X is more than a certificate. It is an experience that cannot be reduced to numbers.
Certificates are only the beginning
I say it plainly. A certificate is only the foundation. It provides data. It does not reveal true beauty. I wrote in detail about this. Read my article here:
Why a GIA certificate and Excellent Cut are no guarantee of a beautiful diamond
An example helps. A 1 ct F/VVS2 3X can mean many things. It is like describing a car by saying “Blue color. Leather interior. 200 hp.” That could be a brand new sports model. It could also be an old and tired one.
On paper they seem the same. In reality they do not. The same goes for diamonds. Two certificates can look identical. The effect in light can be completely different. That is why your perception matters. Or the trained eye of an expert who selects for you.
Science meets emotion
GCAL 8X diamonds combine both. Scientific precision and a feeling you can sense. State of the art tools are used for analysis. BrillianceScope, Optical Symmetry Viewer, and High Definition Imager. They reveal how light enters the diamond, reflects, and disperses. These data points are important. In the end what you see and feel is what counts.
Why you should see the difference yourself
Many of my clients are surprised when they compare two diamonds with very similar specs in the showroom. Then they see the difference in light. The reaction is almost always the same. I would not have expected that. So I invite you. See the diamond in the light. Because light is movement. Movement is life. That is the only way to experience true brilliance.
I personally select every diamond. I look for the moment when everything comes together. Precision, fire, brilliance, and beauty. That is exactly my standard at Designer Diamonds.
Natural or lab grown diamonds - but always 8X?
Whether natural or lab grown, a GCAL 8X diamond meets the same high expectations. Origin does not change brilliance. Many people consciously choose lab grown diamonds. Others prefer natural origin. What matters is light performance. An 8X delivers that at the highest level. I say this openly as well. Beauty always matters most, and even 8X does not guarantee it. Which is why the rule stands. "Excellent expert equals excellent diamond".
Engagement rings and wedding bands. Your selection
A diamond tells a story. It tells your story. Whether engagement ring or wedding band. It is about love, constancy, and a promise. When you choose a diamond that moves you, you create a piece of jewelry that will accompany you for life. Feel free to browse our collections.
More insight
If you want to dive deeper, watch my short video. I explain why the 8X Cut is so special and what I focus on when selecting.
Your personal appointment
You want to see the difference live. Then visit our showroom in Munich or Augsburg. We take our time for you. We show you exactly what matters. If you wish, we will also create your engagement ring or wedding band as a custom design. From your idea to craftsmanship in our workshop.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) – GCAL 8X Diamond Cut
What exactly does GCAL’s 8X certification mean?
GCAL 8X is a special seal for diamonds that achieve “Excellent” in eight categories. Polish, external symmetry, proportions, brilliance, fire, scintillation, optical symmetry, and Hearts & Arrows. All categories must score top marks before a diamond can be called 8X.
Is an 8X diamond automatically more beautiful than a GIA Excellent Cut?
Not necessarily, though often yes. 8X is meant to meet stricter criteria, especially for light performance and optical symmetry. But even an 8X can vary in its visual effect. That is why a trained eye is needed to recognize true beauty.
Does the 8X Cut apply to fancy shapes?
Yes. In addition to the round brilliant, GCAL offers 8X for shapes like oval or princess. For oval, special care is taken to minimize the bow tie effect.
Can an 8X certificate prevent issues like striations or undertones in lab grown diamonds?
No. The certificate primarily guarantees the cut. Forum users report that you should also watch for striation, brownish undertones, or color nuances, even with 8X diamonds.
How does optical symmetry differ from external symmetry?
External symmetry describes the outer alignment of facets. Optical symmetry checks how evenly light is reflected inside. A diamond can be externally perfect and still show optical irregularities.
Is artificial intelligence used in GCAL’s evaluation?
Yes. GCAL uses AI for an initial analysis. Experienced gemologists then review the results to ensure every grading is correct and traceable. This blend of technology and expertise provides precision with a human touch.
How can I tell if a diamond disappoints visually despite being 8X?
Watch for a central dark area, uneven light distribution, or a lack of fire in motion. If you are unsure, view it in daylight or ask an expert to evaluate the diamond for you.
How many diamonds achieve the 8X Cut?
Very few. Typically less than one percent of all diamonds worldwide. Even within the Excellent Cut segment, 8X is a true exception and elite distinction.