Before a diamond sparkles, it is an unremarkable rough stone – often dull, irregularly shaped, and barely distinguishable from ordinary rock to the untrained eye. The journey from rough diamond to polished stone is a precise, multi-stage process that requires both craftsmanship and modern technology.
Rough Stone Analysis and Planning
Every rough diamond is first examined closely. Experts analyze shape, inclusions, and crystal structure to determine how the stone should be cut to minimize material loss while enabling optimal light refraction. This planning phase largely determines the final shape and size of the finished diamond.
The Cutting Process Itself
Since diamond is one of the hardest known materials, it can only be worked with diamond-tipped tools. The process includes several steps: cleaving or sawing along the crystal axis, rough shaping (blocking), and finally faceting, which creates the diamond's characteristic surfaces. Modern cutting houses often use computer-assisted scanners to digitally capture the rough stone's shape and calculate the optimal cutting plan.
Facets and Symmetry
A classic brilliant cut consists of 57 or 58 facets, whose arrangement and angles significantly influence how light enters and exits the stone. Precision is critical here: even minimal deviations in angles can visibly alter light refraction. For this reason, cut quality, symmetry, and polish are evaluated as independent criteria in GIA certification.
From Polishing to Documentation
After faceting comes polishing, which gives the diamond its smooth, glossy surface. Only afterward is the finished stone measured, evaluated, and certified by an independent laboratory such as the GIA. This documentation objectively records cut quality, proportions, and other characteristics.
Cut Quality at STIG
STIG INTERNATIONAL exclusively trades GIA-certified diamonds, with cut quality documented transparently in each certificate. Those interested in structured diamond ownership through STIG ROCK gain access to detailed information about the technical origin and processing of each individual stone.