9 Key Concepts

Question 1

A rough diamond’s shape and crystal

structure influence the finished gems how?

Answer 1

A rough diamond’s shape and crystal structure influence the number, size, and value of the finished gems it yields.

Question 2

When did the first polished diamonds appear?

Answer 2

The first polished diamonds appeared in Europe around 1380.

Question 3

The point cut and other early diamond

cuts followed what shape rough?

Answer 3

The point cut and other early diamond cuts followed the shape of octahedral rough.

Question 4

How did early cutters shape diamond rough?

Answer 4

Early cutters used boards treated with diamond dust and olive oil to shape diamond rough.

Question 5

What cut was the basis for the full-cut modern brilliant?

Answer 5

The single cut was the basis for the full-cut modern brilliant.

Question 6

What cut dominates diamond cuts in today’s market?

Answer 6

The round brilliant is the dominant diamond cut in today’s market.

Question 7

Applying brilliant cut to fancy shapes does what?

Answer 7

Cutters apply the brilliant cut to fancy shapes to get maximum profit from oddly shaped or low-color rough.

Question 8

What is the cutter’s biggest challenge?

Answer 8

The cutter’s challenge is to produce the most attractive and most profitable finished gem at the lowest production cost.

Question 9

Growth marks on the rough’s surface help determine what?

Answer 9

Growth marks on the rough’s surface help determine its internal crystal directions.

Question 10

How does computer technology influence

the diamond planner’s risk?

Answer 10

Computer technology reduces some of the diamond planner’s risk.

Question 11

What type of saws give cutters the ability to manufacture more than one fashioned stone from a piece of octahedral rough?

Answer 11

The rotary saw gave cutters the ability to manufacture more than one fashioned stone from a piece of octahedral rough.

Question 12

How does laser sawing compare to mechanical sawing?

Answer 12

Laser sawing allows more cutting options than mechanical sawing.

Question 13

What does blocking do?

Answer 13

Blocking is a crucial stage because it establishes the gem’s basic symmetry.

Question 14

How has diamond manufacturing changed thanks to high-tech?

Answer 14

High-tech diamond manufacturing can increase efficiency and result in consistently symmetrical finished diamonds.