Live Chat
Search

Get Free help choosing your diamond - No Cost, No Pressure

AI filters out the bad. Our experts help you pick the right one

We Don’t Sell Diamonds. We Help You Choose the Right One.

Free expert guidance by email or video chat.

No pressure, No sales pitch. Just honest help from diamond experts.

STAGES OF DIAMOND CUTTING

The stages of diamond cutting are the steps that transform a rough diamond into a polished gem. The basic diamond cutting process includes the following:


  • Planning – Modern-day planning of a diamond is done using computer software.
  • Marking – Outlining in marker on the surface of the rough diamond, the best possible shape and cut of the diamond.
  • Cleaving – Splitting a rough diamond along its natural planes of weakness, called cleavage planes, to create smaller, more manageable pieces for further shaping and polishing.
  • Sawing – Sawing in diamond cutting is the process of cutting a rough diamond into smaller pieces using a diamond saw or laser to shape the diamond for further precision cutting and polishing. 
  • Bruting – Using two diamonds against one another in order to form the ultimate outline shape (girdle) of the diamond to be cut.
  • Polishing – Creating and polishing each facet of a diamond with a spinning wheel coated with an abrasive powder.
  • Brillianteering – Final stage where additional facets are precisely added to a diamond to enhance its brilliance and overall light performance.
  • Final inspection – Checking for any flaws or defects in the finished diamond.



WHAT IS THE PLANNING STAGE?

The planning stage of cutting a diamond today entails using computer software to analyze the rough diamond and determine the best possible shape and cut that will maximize its brilliance and value. Remember, the more of the original "rock" that is cut away, the more the diamond must sell for, PER CARAT. The cutter considers the location of any inclusions or flaws in the rough stone and will try to minimize waste and maximize retention(referred to as "yield"). The planning stage is a complex and crucial process that requires skill and technology.


WHAT IS THE MARKING STAGE?

The marking process of a diamond in the cutting stage is when the cutter outlines with a marker or laser directly on the rough stone, the best possible shape and cut of the diamond. This will serve as a "tracer" or "map" for the cutting process. Like the planning process, the marking process will take into account the number and location of any imperfections or inclusions in the rough diamond that need to be removed, hidden, or avoided, if possible.



WHAT IS THE SAWING STAGE?

The sawing process of cutting a diamond is when the cutter uses a blade or a laser to cut the rough diamond into separate pieces(from 1 piece of rough diamond, there may be multiple polished stones that will be created). This will be done according to the marking outline placed on the rough stone during the marking stage. The sawing process also determines which parts of the diamond will become the table (the flat top of the stone) and the girdle (the outside rim of the stone). The sawing process can only be done along certain grain directions existing within the diamond.

Before laser was used to separate a rough diamond into two pieces, cleaving was the standard process. Cleaving is the process of actually breaking the rock in two via a precise and hard knock with a steel blade on the diamond's tetrahedral plane (its weakest point). Before this is done, the diamond is secured in a quick-drying cement(to prevent any movement), it is then given a groove on its surface in order to identify where the steel blade will be placed; and from there, the cleaver will place the blade in the designated groove and strike if forcefully, splitting the diamond in two.


WHAT IS THE BRUTING STAGE?

The bruting stage of cutting a diamond is when the cutter shapes the diamond into a round form by grinding it against another diamond. This process is also known as girdling or rounding. The bruting stage can be done using a machine that spins diamond against diamond or a laser. Diamond bruting requires skill and precision; a mistake can damage the diamond or affect its symmetry. During the diamond bruting process, the girdle is created (the edge that separates the crown (the top part) and the pavilion (the bottom part) of the polished gemstone. The bruting stage gives the diamond its final shape and prepares it for polishing.


WHAT IS THE POLISHING STAGE?

Facets are added during the polishing stage of diamond cutting. This is where the cutter uses a rotating disk coated with oil and diamond grit to polish each facet of the diamond according to a specific design. Polishing is the final stage of cutting a diamond, after planning, cleaving or sawing, and bruting. Polishing determines the symmetry, brilliance and fire of the diamond. Like all aspects of the diamond cutting process, diamond polishing requires skill and precision. Mistakes may affect the symmetry, brilliance and fire of the diamond thereby diminishing its value. Diamond polishing also determines the quality of the polish grade(think of a diamond grading report), which refers to how smooth and clear the facet surfaces are.


WHAT IS THE FINAL INSPECTION STAGE?

The final inspection stage of cutting a diamond entails the diamond being cleaned in acid and then examined to see whether it meets the desired outcome envisioned by the manufacturer. This stage will review the quality of the cut, and identify the color and clarity specs of the diamond. If the diamond does not meet the sought after specifications and is determined that it may be improved upon, it may re enter the polishing process in an attempt to improve the stone.