Jewelry is often presented as one of the more reliable investment options available, and diamonds have long been seen as desirable – in part for this reason. But how are they processed? This RIA Novosti photowire offers a glimpse inside the Kristall Plant in Smolensk.
© RIA Novosti . Vladimir Astapkovich / Go to the mediabankJewelry is often presented as one of the more reliable investment options available, and diamonds have long been seen as desirable – in part for this reason. But how are they made? This RIA Novosti photowire offers a glimpse inside the Kristall Plant in Smolensk.
Jewelry is often presented as one of the more reliable investment options available, and diamonds have long been seen as desirable – in part for this reason. But how are they made? This RIA Novosti photowire offers a glimpse inside the Kristall Plant in Smolensk.
© RIA Novosti . Vladimir Astapkovich / Go to the mediabankThe word “diamond” does not just refer to a material, but also to a particular cut. A diamond has 57 facets (polished faces), of which 33 are on the top half (crown) and 24 on the lower half (pavillion).
The word “diamond” does not just refer to a material, but also to a particular cut. A diamond has 57 facets (polished faces), of which 33 are on the top half (crown) and 24 on the lower half (pavillion).
© RIA Novosti . Vladimir Astapkovich / Go to the mediabankThe main processes involved in diamond production have remained unchanged for centuries, and are done by hand. One modern addition is the creation of 3D models of what the finished gem will look like.
The main processes involved in diamond production have remained unchanged for centuries, and are done by hand. One modern addition is the creation of 3D models of what the finished gem will look like.
© RIA Novosti . Vladimir Astapkovich / Go to the mediabankBefore diamonds are processed they have to be marked to indicate where they should be cut or split – and electronic calipers are used at this point in the process.
Before diamonds are processed they have to be marked to indicate where they should be cut or split – and electronic calipers are used at this point in the process.
© RIA Novosti . Vladimir Astapkovich / Go to the mediabankDiamonds are cut using a lathe. During this sawing or cleavage process the stone is cut to make optimum use of the raw diamond.
Diamonds are cut using a lathe. During this sawing or cleavage process the stone is cut to make optimum use of the raw diamond.
© RIA Novosti . Vladimir Astapkovich / Go to the mediabankThen diamonds are shaped at a special workshop. This is one of the most important steps in the entire diamond-making process.
Then diamonds are shaped at a special workshop. This is one of the most important steps in the entire diamond-making process.
© RIA Novosti . Vladimir Astapkovich / Go to the mediabankThis is when the diamond is given its basic shape.
This is when the diamond is given its basic shape.
© RIA Novosti . Vladimir Astapkovich / Go to the mediabankThis is what a diamond looks after this process. It is not yet a finished cut gemstone.
This is what a diamond looks after this process. It is not yet a finished cut gemstone.
© RIA Novosti . Vladimir Astapkovich / Go to the mediabankA cutting and polishing workshop. Diamonds are cut to maximize the degree to which they reflect light. This is the most complex and critical stage in the process.
A cutting and polishing workshop. Diamonds are cut to maximize the degree to which they reflect light. This is the most complex and critical stage in the process.
© RIA Novosti . Vladimir Astapkovich / Go to the mediabankThen the diamonds are delivered to sorting experts who assess their carat weight and sort them based on weight, size, and color.
Then the diamonds are delivered to sorting experts who assess their carat weight and sort them based on weight, size, and color.
© RIA Novosti . Vladimir Astapkovich / Go to the mediabankDiamonds are famed for their resilience, both as investments (largely thanks to highly controlled supplies) and as a stone. Those that don’t make the grade for jewelry are used for a wide variety of industrial purposes.
Diamonds are famed for their resilience, both as investments (largely thanks to highly controlled supplies) and as a stone. Those that don’t make the grade for jewelry are used for a wide variety of industrial purposes.