Diamond cutting is the practice of shaping a diamond from a rough stone into a faceted gem. Cutting diamonds requires specialized knowledge, tools, equipment, and techniques because of its extreme difficulty.
Man-powered diamond cutting mill in 18th century
The 253-carat Oppenheimer Diamond—an uncut diamond does not show its prized optical properties
Diamond polisher in Amsterdam. Polishing is carried out by forcing a diamond against a spinning disk with abrasive.
Diamond is a gemstone formed by cutting a raw diamond. Diamonds are one of the best-known and most sought-after gems, and they have been used as decorative items since ancient times.
Diamonds in modern brilliant cut.
The Hope Diamond. Its deep blue coloration is caused by trace amounts of boron in the diamond.
Fleetwood Rawstone's "Red Cap Party" of prospectors on Colesberg Kopje
The Big Hole.