Diamond manufacturing is the process of transforming a rough diamond crystal into a faceted gem. It involves several precise steps: planning, cleaving or sawing, bruting or girdling, and finally polishing the facets.
Sorting involves grading rough diamonds by size, shape, color, and clarity. Planning uses advanced 3D scanning and computer-aided design (CAD) technology to analyze inclusions and determine the optimal shapes and cuts to maximize value and minimize waste.
Bruting (or girdling) is the process of shaping the base of the diamond. Two diamonds are placed on spinning axles opposite each other and ground together to create a smooth, round edge or girdle.
Cleaving is the splitting of a rough diamond along its natural grain or cleavage plane. Modern manufacturing also uses high-tech lasers to saw diamonds when cuts need to go against the natural grain.
The duration varies depending on the size, quality, and complexity of the rough diamond. While smaller, simpler diamonds may take only a few days, larger or more complex stones can require weeks or even months of planning and craftsmanship.