The raw diamond is a matt-looking mineral, and the diamond shaping that gives it a sparkling sheen and makes it a precious gem is a branch that requires special expertise. Diamond cutting and producing a sparkling gemstone look require a very long time and require great dexterity.
The diamond, a matt-looking mineral, is first determined how to be divided and thus, the stone is marked. Then, it is sliced in the direction of the diamond crystal veins, which have a veined structure that resembles a tree trunk. It can also be cut perpendicular to the veins. The diamond, which has a very hard structure, cannot scratch any other minerals. Due to this feature, another diamond piece is used to mark the slitting and cutting points. In the next step, a steel wedge rests on the marked point and the wedge is struck with a mallet to break the diamond into two parts.
The veins of the diamond mineral are then cut in the direction and the diamond is shaped. In the shaping step, a paper-thin impeller made of a very hard alloy is used. In order to perform the diamond cutting process of this wheel, olive oil mixed with diamond powder is applied to the edges. Although this special wheel used in diamond shaping makes 5,000 revolutions per minute, it can move very slowly inside the diamond. Therefore, the shaping stage of the diamond, which is only one carat, takes between 4 and 8 hours.
If the diamond is to be shaped roundly (such as pear, brilliant or marquise cuts), it has to be subjected to shaving after the cutting process. In order to do this, the diamond connected to the chuck of a lathe rubs against another diamond as it rotates. The tiny flat surfaces that give the true sparkle of diamonds by separating the light into their colors aka facets are shaped in the final stage of the diamond cutting process.
How the Hardest Material on Earth Is Cut: Shaping Diamonds
Diamond formation dates back to the Middle Ages. Before that, it is known to be used in its natural form. However, the hardness of the diamond prevents it from being shaped as desired. In the natural state of the diamond, there is a perfect crystal structure and the parts where this structure is broken conglomerate. Due to these defects in the structure, the diamond can be cut and shaped using various tools including itself. So the diamond is cut using a diamond. The cutter is placed in the defective areas of the diamond structure and the stone is shaped by light strokes. Then, using the cast-iron discs with diamond powder, the natural diamond pieces are sanded. This results in bright and symmetrical diamond surfaces. However, 60% of the diamond may be lost during these operations.
Diamond, one of the most valuable minerals in the world, has always aroused intense interest in humans. Diamond is an elemental carbon species. One of the modifications of carbon is ‘graphite’ and the other is ‘diamond’. Diamonds are composed of minerals that are quite old aged. It takes a long time to form. Also, the diamond is a very hard material. The hardness of the diamond is indicated as 10 (the highest value) in the Mohs hardness spectrum. Apart from being used as a jewel, diamond is also found in many industrial tools due to its hardness. Diamond is not affected by acid, resistant to the temperature since its melting temperature is about 3600 C, and is an extremely good refractor & light-resistant material.
Until recently, the diamond was known as the hardest material in the world. There are scientific studies showing that wurtzite boron nitride and lonsdaleite minerals are harder natural materials than diamonds. Because of its impressive appearance, the use of diamonds as jewelry is better known. However, because diamond is the hardest material, it has an important place in industrial applications. It is difficult to be replaced by these newly discovered but rare minerals on the earth.
Diamond needs to be cut and shaped in order to be transformed into a precious jewel. The shape of the diamond cut is obtained by using special cutting methods. So, if the diamond is so hard, it can scratch all the materials, and it is not affected by the heat, then how the diamond is shaped and the perfect looking jewels emerge? Yes, the answer to the question in mind is the diamond again. The diamond is cut with another diamond. When the raw diamond is examined, it is seen that the crystal structure and some imperfect areas around this crystal structure coexist. These imperfect areas allow the diamond to be cut and shaped. Again, the cutting process is carried out with the tools that contain the diamond. Diamond cutting is a very laborious job. While a different craftsman took part in every stage of the diamond shaping process in the past, automation production started with the development of machines.
The diamond loses half of its weight in stages from the raw diamond to the final product, ie the end of the forming process. The diamond goes through some stages until it is processed and finalized. These steps are:
- Marking with Indian ink,
- Bisection
- Cutting
- Polishing
- Creating facets on diamonds (flat surfaces on stone).
Diamond Formation, Processing, Shaping, and Use
The diamond was originally found only in the Kimberlite Chimneys. Other types of diamond formation are probably caused by abrasion from Kimberlite or metamorphosis of sediments. There may not be any diamond in the Kimberlite rocks, though. The average finding is only one in forty million. Kimberlite is a volcanic rock with high levels of magnesium and iron. There are many other minerals in these rocks such as calcite, olivine, ilmenite, mica, etc. Kimberlite is found in the deep layers of the crust as channels. It is accepted that the diamond goes up with some ground crust movements. In some parts, the diamond is mixed with river sands. Australia, South Africa (in Kimberley), South America, Indonesia, and India are the most common locations for the diamond.
The acquisition of diamond is like processing other minerals. Crystals alone are not so abundant. It is very scattered and even difficult to detect. There are ores close to the earth as well as ores that are 300 meters deep. Ore rocks are broken by dipping pipes. The extracted, sandy ore is passed through two processes. The ore is first floated in a dense liquid. Very heavy minerals sink to the bottom. Then the sandy-muddy mixture is vibrated up and down in a kind of sieve and the diamond is deposited to the bottom.
The only mineral that can be cut and polished by a separate system is the diamond. Many diamond crystals are such that they need less effort to become diamond products. But some have to be cut. Cutting requires attention and meticulousness. The value of diamonds is related to four factors: cut, color, size (carat) and clarity. It is also very important whether it is cracked or not. Because cracking makes light entry difficult. Yellow and brown diamonds are undesirable. Pink, violet and green diamonds are very acceptable. The shape of the cut is perhaps the most important factor and increases the size and value of the part.
De Beers is a British company, the largest producer in the world. In African countries, especially in Sierra Leone, and in a few backward countries, the poor people of the country are removed by working in very difficult health conditions. Worse still, civil wars prevail in these countries, known to be supported by large diamond companies. In these countries, the hands of those who refuse to work under difficult conditions or who do not agree to fight with soldiers are cut off and the rate of disability according to the population is quite high in these countries. In recent years, a new definition of classification has emerged against this human drama. According to this classification, there are 2 kinds of diamonds, which are conflict and conflict-free diamonds. As can be understood from the name, conflict diamonds are extracted with the support of diamond companies in the country by the civil war and the country’s people are obtained by working in very difficult health conditions. Conflict-free diamonds are used in healthy conditions and employees are employed at the time of extraction, while the country does not cause any conflict or civil war.
The beauty of the diamond has attracted the attention of the ancients and even thought to prevent disease and poisoning. The main value of the diamond began after the development of the cutting technique (towards the end of the 17th century). The cutting of the diamond is done again with the diamond. In addition to industrial goods, the value of diamonds continues in industrial tools. The amount used in the industry is 75-80%. However, it is around 25-30% for jewelry. It is widely used in industry as a glass cutter, stone chisel, drill and polishing tools.
How Are Solitaire Diamond Rings Produced?
Recently it has become a tradition to give solitaire rings in marriage proposals. The solitaire, the symbol of eternal love, is the dream of every lady who wants to marry, the symbol of love and devotion. This is more meaningful if a glamorous solitaire ring is given to you by your beloved man with a beautiful marriage proposal. Have you ever thought about how these eye-catching solitaire rings that adorn your dreams are produced? By doing research for you, I learned how the solitaire ring was produced and I wanted to share it with you.
As with any business, the construction of solitaire rings requires great and fine skills. First, the solitaire ring is melted at a temperature above 1000 degrees Celsius as necessary for the ring portion to be attached to the finger. The molten gold is poured into the mold required for the ring and left to cool. After cooling, the gold is immersed in a special acid and kept for a while.
After waiting for a while in the acid, the gold is removed and kept a little bit more before getting softened with fire. After the softening process is completed, it is turned into a round shape to be attached to the finger by curling with the help of pliers.
The rounded piece of gold is joined at full end and fixed together by welding, then allowed to cool again. Meanwhile, the part where the solitaire will be inserted is being prepared. This piece is melted in gold and becomes ready after the required processes and shaping. Since it is a small part of the ring, it is one of the parts requiring quite fine workmanship. After preparing this section, the diamond is assembled to the gold ring with the help of welding. The ring, which slowly begins to take shape, is allowed to cool again.
After the cooling process, the gold ring is passed to the mandrel and the size of the ring is adjusted according to the desired finger size. After this process is finished, with the help of the ring hammer and rasp the roughness is corrected and polished. Then, finally, the magnificent dazzling diamond ring becomes ready. With a fine knack, the diamond is fixed to the ring without damaging the diamond. Our solitaire diamond ring, which is about to be completed, is now completely ready by being polished with the necessary chemicals and washed with water cannons. The solitaire ring can now be put on the shelves as the immortal engagement of the love of two loving people.
How to Polish Diamonds?
Those who are curious about how to polish diamonds should know that after a very laborious cutting and shaping process, the diamond comes to the polishing stage. The diamond polishing process is carried out with iron wheels, which rotate at a very high speed and are coated with diamond powder. The facets formed as a result of the rubbing of the diamond with this rapidly rotating wheel, are finally polished and given a glittering appearance.
A diamond subjected to the process loses 50% of its existing weight after cutting, trimming and polishing. Only 20% of the raw diamond material extracted from the diamond bearings is ideal for jewelry making. The remaining crude diamond is used in the industry.
- How to Polish Diamonds at Home?
Soft liquid detergent is placed in a container and foamed. The diamond is dipped into the bubbling warm water. With a soft toothbrush, the diamond is gently brushed off and rinsed with warm water on a sieve. It is dried with a soft and lint-free cloth or paper towel.
- Diamond Polishing With Jewelry Cleaning Liquid
The jewelry can be restored to its original vitality and luster by using the jewelry cleaning liquid supplied at the point of sale in accordance with the instructions specified.
- Diamond Polishing with Ammonia Used in House Cleaning
Coldwater and ammonia are placed in a container half and diamond is left in this ammonia water and left for 30 minutes. The diamond is then rinsed and dried with a paper towel or similar lint-free material. Thus, the gleaming of the diamond is ensured.
- Diamond Jewelry Cleaning Considerations
One of the indispensable accessories for women is jewelry. Rings, necklaces, earrings, bracelets are almost a part of women. There are many kinds of jewelry. Silver, gold, and diamonds that every woman wants.
Every woman wants to have the Spoonmaker’s diamond, the world’s largest and most important diamond. If you had this diamond, how would you polish and clean it?
I’m going to talk about the tricks of polishing your diamond jewelry, even though it’s not the Spoonmaker’s diamond.
Pay attention to these when cleaning diamond jewelry:
- First of all, you need to remove your jewelry while doing work, especially hard work.
- Although diamond is one of the hardest materials, it can be damaged by a sudden movement.
- Keep your diamonds away from detergents, especially bleach. Detergents change the color of your diamond and damage it. Also, remove your diamonds when entering the pool, sea or shower.
- The best way to polish your jewelry and diamonds is a mixture of ammonia and water. The diamonds you gently erase with this mixture will shine. You can also clean your diamonds with jewelry cleaner products sold on the market. Do not touch the cleaned diamond or jewelry directly by the edges. Because your fingers can stain and leave marks on clean diamonds.
- Wear your diamond jewelry or even all jewelry after using deodorant or perfume. Because deodorant and perfume chemicals can disrupt the structure of your jewelry. If you take such precautions, your jewelry will last longer and do not require frequent cleaning.
What Are the Features of Diamond Stone?
- What Kind of Stone Is a Diamond?
Diamond formed from carbon is the hardest stone known in the world. The youngest diamond is 100 million years old and the oldest diamond mine can reach up to 100 billion years. The diamond is made of carbon and the carbons that make up the diamond mine are closely connected. Similarly, although graphite is made up of carbons, the carbon components are not closely connected to each other in graphite. Diamonds have many cutting shapes. Rose-cut diamond is one of the most widely used kinds of diamonds in the world. Brilliant cut diamond has a shape that everyone knows well. There are 57 facets, that is, the cutting surface. Some very old and historic cuts consist of facets ranging from 12 to 37 cutting surfaces. Gelatin is placed under the diamond during the nailing process in the diamond cutting. For larger stones, lead is used to polish the diamond stone. This is called driving.
- How Are Diamonds Classified?
Diamonds can be used on all jewelry like rings, necklaces, bracelets, and earrings. There are quality standards called 4C in diamond cutting. Color, one of 4C, starts from the letter D and continues until the letter Z. So it follows a path from pure white to yellow. One of the other quality features is Clarity. The clarity is determined by the carbon traces that occur during the formation of the diamond. It is very difficult to find a diamond or diamond mine without a trace. The prices of these diamonds are very high. Another feature is Carat. 0,20 grams is equivalent to 1 carat. The fourth feature is Cut. Cutting is important for all precious stones. We can say that the stones which reflect the light well and have a very good brightness have good cuts.
- What Should I Pay Attention to When Using Diamond Jewelry?
When using diamond jewelry, it is beneficial to keep the diamond away from impacts such as hitting and crashing. The diamond only draws diamonds. Therefore, the diamond is not scratched or broken due to impacts. Still, impacts may have a negative effect on the stone. Greased diamonds should be cleaned with foamy water and a soft toothbrush. And the cleaned jewelry should be rinsed and dried with plenty of water. In order to prevent the stones from scratching each other, it is useful to store the diamonds which will not be used for a long time in separate boxes.
- Which Clothes Are Diamonds Used With?
Diamond is a stone symbolizing eternity. Therefore, today, diamonds can be used anytime, anywhere, in any kind of clothing. Whether in solitaire or in combination with other precious stones, diamonds can be used at every opportunity. Since diamond cuts often symbolize ancient times, it is more appropriate to wear diamonds at formal meetings and night parties.
- Which Precious Stones and Metals Are Used with Diamonds?
Diamond can be used on metals such as gold and silver with inner peace. In daily use, the preferred is the diamond on an 8-carat gold. Diamond can be used together with all other gemstones and is usually used alone. Diamonds can be used together with precious stones such as sapphires, rubies, and emeralds because they symbolize the old times.
- How Do We Know If The Diamond Is Real?
The stone is known as the equivalent of diamond is cubic zirconia. It is also called the atomic stone among the people. Compared with the diamond, zirconia has very different differentiation methods. There are traces (carbon traces) on the diamond mine. This is not the case with synthetic products or zirconia. In order to distinguish whether the diamond is real or not, it should be checked whether the diamond is scratched when a line is drawn on it. If the diamond is drawn, that diamond is not real. Because diamonds are not scratched in any way. The diamond can only draw a diamond. When you scratch on zircon or synthetic stone, the scratch is visible and the trace remains. This is not the case with diamonds.
When buying diamonds, it is useful to choose internationally certified products. Nowadays, the certificates are valid for diamonds over 1 carat, but it is useful to get the certificate from the store where the stone is purchased when the diamond is bought under 1 carat. It is quite difficult to distinguish the artificially produced Moissanite stone from the diamond. Only a diamond expert can distinguish between diamond and moissanite. There are fireworks-like light reflections in the moissanite stone. There is also a reflection such that the inside of the sphere is double-viewed when viewed from the basel, one of the cutting surfaces.
