How are diamonds cut to make jewelry?
Since diamonds are one of the hardest materials on earth, only a diamond can cut another diamond. It is the brilliance in the polish and mounting of the diamond that ultimately drives the value.Marking the RoughIn order to determine the direction of the grain, the rough stone is marked prior to sawing to minimize imperfections and reduce waste.CleavingTo cleave a diamond is to strike it against the grain. A rough stone is cleaved when an imperfection keeps it from being made into a single stone.Splitting the DiamondDue to the atomic structure of the diamond, it will split into four pieces parallel to each of its four faces. Meticulous cleaving is critical because a mistake could shatter the diamond.Sawing MethodMade of phosphor bronze, the saw continues to recharge itself with diamond dust, which is the cutting agent, according to All About Gems. This method can take several hours.RoundingDuring rounding, or bruting, the rough diamond is attached to a dop stick with wax glue and rotate
