Have you ever wondered how diamonds are cuts? Below, let’s explore the steps involved in this process:
Step 1: Analysing
The first and vital step in the diamond cutting and polishing process is the analysis of the rough diamond. This step requires all-consuming imagination, skill and precision by an experienced diamond cutter. After analysing its size, shape, clarity and crystal direction, the best cut for the diamond is determined to maximise its end value and appearance. This step can only be completed successfully if done by a master diamond cutter whose trained eye and expertise affords him the ability to determine the best possible cut for the rough stone.
Step 2: Marking
The second step in the diamond production process is the marking of the stone using 3D laser technology. Incorrect marking by a fraction of a millimeter can greatly impact the quality of the final gem, so after noting any imperfections, a diamond marker may decide to work around an inclusion to polish a few high clarity diamonds from one rough stone, rather than yielding one large diamond of lower clarity grading.
Step 3: Sawing
Have you ever wondered what happens to precious diamond dust that’s left over after a rough diamond has been cut? Once marked, a diamond is placed on a jeweller’s sawing spindle for the third step in the cutting and polishing process. The rough diamond is cut where it has been marked with a copper blade with a mixture of oil and diamond powder. The spindle revolves at an incredible 3000 rotations per minute. It is the diamond powder on the copper blade that physically cuts the stone, and not the copper blade itself. This is because diamonds are the hardest mineral known to man, and can only be cut by another diamond.
Step 4: Blocking
Laying the foundation for a diamond’s potential, blocking establishes a stone’s basic symmetry by creating the first 17 or 18 facets. For some small diamonds the process stops here, but larger diamonds go on to a specialist brillianteer to have additional facets polished, adding to the brilliance and fire of the diamond.
Step 5: Polishing
Also known as brillianteering, polishing is the final stage of the cutting process. The diamond’s final facets are polished and shaped to ideal proportions and perfect symmetry for the diamond to reflect the maximum amount of white light. The more sparkle and brilliance a diamond has, the more beautiful it is, and the higher its value will be. It is this step that determines the fire, brilliance and scintillation the diamond will have.
What’s a raw material in your industry that undergoes an incredible, precise transformation to unlock its true beauty or value? Share your fascinating examples!
