How Diamonds are Cut and Formed

We all know that diamonds come a long way. Besides, they've been around for over 3 billion years. The idea of cutting diamonds is a different story altogether. Some may wonder how these gems are cut into the intricate shape that they are made into. Well, many people aren't aware that a diamond loses 40-80% of its weight during the cutting process. The reason of this is to ensure that the diamond creates that fire and sparkle effect that it is known for. There are normally 5 usual methods used to create this effect.
The first step to diamond cutting is to inspect the rough diamond to determine how to preserve the most amount of weight, while maintaining a high quality stone. Due to its crystalline structure, diamonds have a grain or cleave. This will make the rough stone more susceptible to cracking during the cleaving/sawing process if it is not properly marked.
Cleaving is the most time-consuming process. If this isn't done correctly, the diamond will shatter. During cleaving, a chisel is inserted, and with a sharp blow the diamond is separated into 2 pieces. During sawing, the rough stone is place on a circular saw that is laced with diamond dust and lubricated with oil. Depending on the size of the stone, this could take between hours and days.
Faceting/Cutting and polishing are the last steps for finishing a diamond. During the faceting/cutting stage the rough diamond is placed on a lathe while another diamond is held against it to create the table and the cone-shaped bottom of the diamond. It is then given to the ?blocker? sometimes called a ?lapper?, whose specialty is giving the rough diamond its first 18 facets. Another person, called the "brillianteer" puts the final touches on the diamond by polishing the final 40 facets of the diamond. A "lap" which is a circular disc that is laced with diamond dust and oil is used to buff away any surface flaws and polish the 58 facets of the diamond.
As you can see, the process for shaping the diamond is quite a process. However, in the end the results are worth it!

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John Toure has written a variety of articles based on www.desirablegems.com/diamondSearch.asp/">diamonds and other styles of jewelry. To view more information about stair lifts, please visit, www.desirablegems.com/">Desired Gems.

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