Ass # 8 - Diamond Cutting

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Questions and Answers

What is the purpose of using a sharp piece of diamond to scrape a notch into the marked rough before cleaving?

To facilitate a clean split of the diamond (correct)

To make the diamond easier to polish

To enhance the clarity of the diamond

To increase the diamond's weight retention

Which cutting technique primarily utilizes computer software for improved precision?

Laser sawing (correct)

Hand-cutting

Blade sawing

Manual bruting

What advancement in bruting occurred in the late 1980s?

Use of lasers in bruting

Increased reliance on manual bruting techniques

Automation of the bruting process (correct)

Introduction of diamond-studded lathes

What describes the technique that allows for shaping fancy and asymmetrical diamonds?

Laser bruting Signup and view all the answers

How did the invention of the rotary saw impact the diamond cutting process?

It improved rough utilization and weight retention Signup and view all the answers

What feature distinguishes the old European cut from the old mine cut?

It has a circular girdle. Signup and view all the answers

Which technological advancement significantly influenced diamond cutting in the late 1800s?

The bruting machine. Signup and view all the answers

Who published the round brilliant cut proportions in 1919 that influenced diamond cutting?

Marcel Tolkowsky. Signup and view all the answers

What was a priority for diamond cutters prior to the 1900s?

Maximizing weight retention. Signup and view all the answers

What aspect of the modern brilliant cut developed in the 1950s helped to avoid chipping?

Thickening the girdle. Signup and view all the answers

What term describes the elongated oval shape of diamonds resembling a woman's lips?

Marquise cut. Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following advancements aided in the cutting of fancy shapes starting in the 16th century?

Improved technology and engineering. Signup and view all the answers

What was emphasized in the marketing of 'ideal cut' round brilliants in the 1990s?

Best proportions for maximum light performance. Signup and view all the answers

Which cut emerged as the dominant diamond cut by the 1950s?

Modern brilliant cut. Signup and view all the answers

What was a key factor in the efficiency of cutting odd-shaped and off-color diamonds?

Technology advancements. Signup and view all the answers

What characteristic defines the table cut introduced in the mid- to late 1400s?

It has a flat polished square facet resembling a tabletop. Signup and view all the answers

Which cut appeared first in the evolution of diamond cuts?

Point Cut Signup and view all the answers

What is a significant feature of the rose cut introduced in the early 16th century?

It has a flat bottom with triangular facets that converge to a point. Signup and view all the answers

What was the impact of the single cut introduced in the mid-1600s?

It served as the basis for the modern brilliant cut. Signup and view all the answers

How many facets does the old mine cut typically have?

58 Signup and view all the answers

What distinguishes the briolette cut from the rose cut?

It features faceted peaks on both sides. Signup and view all the answers

What feature is common to both the point cut and the table cut?

They both follow the nature octahedral form of a diamond. Signup and view all the answers

What was the significant innovation of the double rose cut?

It features faceted peaks on both sides. Signup and view all the answers

Which diamond cut was popular until the 19th century and utilized flat rough or chips?

Briolette Signup and view all the answers

What prompted the modification from the table cut to the single cut in the mid-1600s?

The need for more facets to increase brilliance. Signup and view all the answers

What process was essential for preparing a rough diamond for faceting?

Bruting Signup and view all the answers

Which century saw the invention of the motorized diamond saw, revolutionizing diamond cutting?

19th century Signup and view all the answers

Which innovation allowed for genuine faceting of diamonds in the 16th century?

Cast-iron polishing wheels Signup and view all the answers

What was one of the primary centers of diamond cutting and trading in the 15th century?

Antwerp Signup and view all the answers

Which factor contributed to the global exploration and increase of rough diamonds in Europe during the 15th century?

Expansion of trade routes Signup and view all the answers

What significant advancements in diamond cutting technologies occurred in the 1980s?

Laser processing Signup and view all the answers

What belief did ancient people hold regarding rough diamonds?

They possessed supernatural powers. Signup and view all the answers

Which technological development primarily facilitated the efficiency of diamond cutting in the 20th century?

Laser technology Signup and view all the answers

What is the most crucial stage in the diamond cutting process?

Planning the cutting strategy Signup and view all the answers

Which diamond cut was patented by Henry Grossbard in the late 1970s?

Radiant cut Signup and view all the answers

Which region is recognized for being at the forefront of diamond cutting technology?

India Signup and view all the answers

What technology is increasingly being used in the modern diamond cutting process?

Software for scanning and planning Signup and view all the answers

What term is commonly used to refer to any triangular brilliant diamond?

Trillion Signup and view all the answers

What is a key factor that diamond planners study during the planning stage?

Crystal directions and surface features Signup and view all the answers

What shape of diamond cut appeared shortly after the radiant cut?

Princess cut Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary purpose of using a polariscope during the diamond cutting process?

To observe strain in the stone Signup and view all the answers

Which diamond cut is notably favored in Indian-style jewelry?

Polki diamonds Signup and view all the answers

During which stage of diamond cutting are rough diamonds divided into sections?

Rough dividing stage Signup and view all the answers

What early cut introduced the culet?

Table Cut Signup and view all the answers

What polishing step forms the main crown and pavilion facets?

Blocking Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

Diamond Cutting History

Thousands of years ago, people considered diamonds sacred and did not cut or shape them.
Early diamond cutting, in India and Europe (mid-1300s), was primarily superficial polishing.
Cleaving, splitting diamonds along crystal directions, became possible in the mid-1400s.
Increased global exploration and trade (15th century) led to more rough diamonds reaching Europe.
European cities (Venice, Amsterdam, Antwerp, London) became diamond trading hubs.
Jewish communities played key roles in the diamond industry.
Precise rotary motion in diamond cutting (16th century) and cast-iron polishing wheels expanded cutting capabilities.
Bruting, shaping a rough diamond into its basic face-up outline, became an essential step (early 1870s).
The motorized diamond saw (1900s) with a circular diamond-coated blade significantly improved efficiency.
The 1930s saw the establishment of diamond cutting factories in Israel by Belgian and Dutch Jews.
The late 19th-century discoveries in Africa and the subsequent reawakening of the Indian diamond cutting industry in the late 19th and early 20th centuries significantly expanded diamond supply and demand.
The 20th century (1980s) brought advancements such as rough mapping, computerized planning, and laser processing, making diamond cutting more efficient and profitable.

Evolution of Diamond Cuts

Early cuts (13th-15th centuries) were often based on the rough octahedral shape, including the point cut.
The point cut was an early diamond cut that followed an octahedral shape (13th–15th centuries).
The table cut emerged in the mid- to late 1400s when cutters found that tips of stones chipped easily.
The table cut polished a square facet resembling a tabletop.
The rose cut (early 16th century) was popular until the 19th century, featuring a flat bottom and triangular facets.
The rose cut made efficient use of flat chips or cleaved facets.
Briolette, a variation of the rose cut, had faceted peaks on both sides, resembling an elongated double rose.

Evolution of Cuts (continued)

Single cut (mid-1600s) had more facets than the table cut, offering more potential brilliance.
The Mazarin cut (mid-17th century) was a cushion cut (with 34 facets) for Cardinal Mazarin
The Old Mine cut (18th century) had a high crown, deep pavilion, and large culet, less brilliant than modern cuts.
European Cuts (similar to old mine cut) with circular girdle were developed before bruting machines.
The marquise cut was an elongated oval with pointed ends, resembling a woman's lips.
The modern brilliant cut emerged in the 1900s, emphasizing brilliance and fire with specific proportions.
The round brilliant has dominated the market since the early 1900s.
Henry Morse (late 1800s) developed round brilliant cut proportions for better round shapes.
Marcel Tolkowsky (1919) published round brilliant proportions similar to Morse's.
Weight retention was a primary concern before 1900.

Fancy Brilliant Cuts

Fancy shape diamonds were cut in the 16th century; The round brilliant's success motivated applying the style to fancy shapes.
New shapes offered better use of uneven rough.
Technological advancements made fancy shapes more affordable and efficient.
The Trillion (early 1960s) and Radiant (late 1970s) and Princess cuts were popular variations following the rounded brilliant cuts.

Cutting Process and Technology

Diamond cutting involves planning, rough dividing, outline shaping, and polishing.
Planning is crucial (studying the characteristics of the rough: crystal directions, surface features, and inclusions).
Crystal direction is important for planning rough division.
Modern technology (software-assisted) is crucial for optimizing weight retention and commercial value in planning a cutting procedure.
Dividing the rough is done precisely, with techniques like cleaving (rarely used now) and sawing (a process that uses tools to separate the rough).
Bruting (using a diamond or machine) reshapes the rough to a specific profile.
Coning forms the pavilion angle of a diamond (automated).
Polishing gives the final dimensions and facets to the diamond. (uses diamond powder and a rotating wheel).
Blocking is important for establishing the diamond's basic symmetry.
Quality control is essential for ensuring that diamonds meet standards.

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Description

Explore the fascinating evolution of diamond cutting from ancient sacred practices to modern techniques. This quiz covers key developments in the diamond industry, highlighting the roles of various cultures and technological advancements over centuries. Test your knowledge on how trade and innovation shaped diamond cutting practices.