What Is Used To Cut Diamonds?

Diamonds aren't just fancy jewels people buy to enhance their look; they're also one of the hardest substances known to man. At a certain age, diamonds were presumed to be the hardest substance, but over the years, there's been a few competitors fighting for the spot. 

However, due to its extreme hardness, it will take some powerful tools, knowledge, and strong expertise to cut a diamond. So, what is used to cut a diamond? In our guide, we explain more about diamond cutting and the tools and techniques diamond cutters use to cut through diamonds. 

Diamonds Before Cut

Most people assume that diamonds come out of the earth looking like glittering jewels with smooth edges, but that's not the case. Instead, diamonds are generally rough, with jagged edges. It's the diamond cutter's job to reshape those jagged rocks through the diamond process.

The process consists of five major steps, but the most critical step is the planning stage since the workers must assess the rock and make out the best technique to cut the rocks to ensure they get the best value from the stone and minimize waste.

Tools And Techniques Used To Cut Diamonds

After determining the best route forward, the diamond cutters will use a series of special techniques to cut and reshape the diamond before it's sold to the market. The techniques include:

  • Cleaving: To cut through a jagged diamond to the required size, the cutter has to cleave it along its weakest point (tetrahedral plane).
  • Sawing: Sometimes, the cutter must overlook the diamond's weakest point and focus on the strong areas, which can't be done by cleaving. Instead, the diamond cutter uses a phosphor-bronze blade spinning at 15,000 rpm to saw the diamond.
  • Bruiting/Cutting: This is the stage where the diamond is shaped based on your preference. When you cut a diamond by hand, the technique is referred to as bruiting. Cutting is a bruiting technique done by machine.
  • Polishing: To give the diamond a pristine look, the cutter positions it on a rotating polishing wheel with an abrasive diamond powder coat that smoothens the diamond when pressed on the wheel.

Wrapping Up

All the steps highlighted will require a little extra detail before the stone is considered a perfect cut. Once through with the steps, the stone is cleaned with acid, followed by a close examination process to grade the cut, color, clarity, and carat weight. 

If you have any inquiries about our techniques or looking to shop for the perfect stone from a reputable company, contact us today.

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