Louis van Berquem invented
a diamond polishing wheel called a scaif which enabled him
to cut the facets of a diamond. He also introduced the concept
of using absolute symmetry in the placement of facets on
the stone. From this point diamonds were used as ornaments
in jewelry and the process and different techniques for
diamond cutting were gradually developed. For more information
about the History of Diamonds and their various cuts please
click the following link:
History of Diamonds
Diamonds are
Forever...
An
Impartial Guide to Diamonds
Lapidary the Art of Diamond Cutting - Cutting, Bruiting,
Setting & Polishing
Diamonds are prized for their lustre, transparency,
refraction and dispersion of light. These may be, to
some extent, visible even in their rough state; but
in order to enhance these advantages the diamonds must
be subjected to cleaving, bruiting, cutting, and polishing.
Lapidary is the name given to the art of cutting, shaping,
polishing and creating jewelry from stones. A skilful
lapidary could bring out all the brilliance of a diamond
whilst concealing its imperfections by choosing the
most appropriate diamond cutting technique and best
shape. The skill of diamond cutting is complicated work
consisting of cutting, polishing, setting and cleaving.
The terminology used in the old skill of diamond cutting
is as follows:
-
Lapidary - The art of cutting, shaping, polishing
and creating jewelry from stones.
-
The term was also used to describe an expert in
cutting and polishing Diamonds
Cutting - Every stone is examined minutely for flaws
and imperfections, enabling the cutter to decide
in which way the diamond will give the best possible
results. Rough diamonds are then cut into a two-point,
four-point, wass, drop briolette, rondelle, or table
stone
-
Bruiting - The term for shaping the girdle of diamonds
-
Setting - A suitable setting for the diamond is
selected and the mechanism used to hold the stones
in place, such as the bezel, pave, channel and prong
settings is chosen
-
Polishing - Diamonds are polished according to the
precise run of the grain and the way in which it
will polish to the best advantage.
-
Facet - Every facet of a diamond has a name, and
every name denotes the grain, and how to polish
that particular facet
-
Diamond Symmetry - Symmetry is a term that refers
to the alignment of a diamond's facets, its flat
and polished surfaces.
-
The facets are cut to achieve the best play of light.
-
Cleaving - Taking a piece off a Diamond where it
is too long, or making it into small stones where
it is badly flawed, thus taking away the impurities
and defects
For
facts and information about the different types of Diamond
Cuts please click the following link:
Diamond Cuts
Diamond Powder
The diamond
is the hardest of all known bodies scoring a level of 10 (harder than
steel) on the
Mohs Hardness Scale.
Diamonds can only be manipulated by means of powdered diamond. This
powder is prepared generally from bort, or faulty diamonds, and from
the refuse in cleaving and cutting, which, being put into a mortar of
hardened steel, is pounded until it is fine enough for use.
Diamond Cutting
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