Diamond Cutting: What Are the Steps in Cutting and Polishing a Diamond?
Posted: Sunday, August 03, 2008
by James Greene
worldgems
Many people may not know this but diamonds were not always the brilliant gemstones that they are often seen as today. In fact, prior to the 15 th century, diamonds used to be worn in an "as is" condition, which means that they were neither cut nor polished. How they arrived out of the mine was how they were worn. Starting in the 15 th century, diamonds began to be polished and cut so they were not only shiny but well fashioned also. For those who wish to know a bit more about the diamond cutting process, the following will describe this procedure in addition to the polishing aspect of this beautiful gemstone.
After the diamonds have been collected and sorted, it is at this time in which they are cut and polished. There are special facilities in different areas throughout the world which strictly handle the act of cutting and polishing diamonds. The first step is to cut the diamond. The diamond is cut into various facet amounts. For example, a popular cut of diamond is the round brilliant consisting of 57 facets (58 if the culet is polished). It is important that the diamond is cut neither too much nor too little, as the purpose of the best cut is to produce a diamond with brilliance and fire characteristics.
Once the diamond has been cut, the gemstone will be polished into a smooth diamond surface. It is at this time when the diamond is classified according to the 4 Cs: cut, color, clarity and carat. The finished result is a brilliantly shiny, smooth diamond gemstone due to the particular diamond cutting and polishing processes which it has just undergone.
Why Cut and Polish a Diamond?
Some may wonder why it is so important to have a diamond undergo diamond cutting and polishing. The main reason is to produce the final result which is so coveted today, which is a bright and breathtaking gem. When a diamond has not gone through the diamond cutting and polishing process, it is quite a dull and jagged edged stone which many may not deem as lovely as the final result seen in jewelry cases of jewelry stores everywhere. Every product needs a touch up here and there and the same can be said about diamond gemstones. The diamond cutting and polishing process is done to make the diamond the beautiful gem that it is these days.
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