A Step By Step Guide To Diamond Cutting
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Have You Ever Wondered How Diamonds Are Cut?
Like most people, you are probably thinking:
If diamonds are the hardest substance on earth, where do engagement rings come from and how are the diamonds cut to make jewelry?
Actually, the process is unique and quite exciting. But before we get into the details, the experts from your local Austin diamond buyers will go over a few of the basics.
Diamond Cutting – Where It All Began
First thing first, diamond cutting is simply the method used to turn a rough stone into a beautifully shaped diamond that we see in stores. The first professional diamond cutters emerged in Nuremberg, Germany in 1375 and the process started advancing later in the 2nd half of the 14th Century.
Today, the process has become much more advanced. Special equipment used by highly trained specialists is required to cut such precious stones. Therefore, only a few select locations throughout the world are equipped with the tools and trained technicians needed to correctly cut diamonds. These places include Antwerp, India, Tel Aviv, New York City and China.
Before we continue, be sure to check out our website for more information about our diamond selling process.
And now, onto the more intriguing stuff!
The 5 Steps To The Diamond Cutting Process
# 1 Planning
In order to reduce waste and maximize the output of the rough diamond, the cutter will determine the best shapes to cut the stone.
How they do this:
Most often the stone is mapped using a Sarin machine to develop detailed measurements. Then, using computer software to create a 3D model, the cutter is able to determine the best way to cut the diamond.
# 2 Cleaving / Sawing
Simply put, cleaving and sawing is the separation of the rough stone into different pieces.
Is there a difference between the two?
There is. First, cleaving involves cutting along the stone’s tetrahedral plane (the point where the diamond is at it’s weakest). However, in some cases, this plane does not exist and the cutter will instead separate the diamond using a blade or laser. This process can take hours and requires years of experience.
# 3 Bruting
Here is where the process gets more interesting. Bruting, also known as girdling, refers to the technique used to give diamonds their basic shape that we all know and love. When someone says that bruting was used, they mean that the diamond was cut by hand.
In other cases…
When a machine is used, this process is referred to as cutting. In both circumstances, the cutter uses a diamond to cut the shape of another diamond.
# 4 Polishing
Polishing a diamond requires a lot more than just wiping it off with a cloth. The diamond is placed on the arm of a rotating polishing wheel that is coated with an abrasive powder. This diamond powder then smoothes the stone as it is pressed against the wheel.
# 5 Inspection
Last but not least, the diamond is cleaned in acids and examined to ensure that it meets certain standards set by the manufacturer. Later the diamond will be evaluated based on the cut, clarity, color and carat. Based on these 4C’s of diamond grading and the current market trends, diamonds will be priced and made ready for you to purchase.
This process can take hours and requires years of experience.
In this post, we have broken down the diamond cutting steps into the simplest possible terms. In reality, become a diamond cutter requires years of education and practice. Diamond cutting schools where one can learn and become certified include:
- American Institute of Diamond Cutting, Inc. – USA
- Corlia Roberts Diamond Education College – South Africa
- Aurora College – Canada
Don’t forget…
If you are interested in selling your diamonds in the Austin Texas area, contact M.I. Trading to ensure that you receive the best price for your precious stones.