When does a diamond become a diamond?

How an outwardly unremarkable natural diamond turns into a shining jewel in the experienced hands of specialists was demonstrated to a RIA PrimaMedia photojournalist at the EPL Diamond plant in Yakutia. The editors of the agency invite the reader, together with journalists, to take a fascinating excursion into the “holy of holies” of the enterprise – the place where the purest Yakut diamonds, with the help of the most modern technology, become the pinnacle of jewelry art. Diamond cutting plant of GC EPL “Diamond” in Yakutsk. Photo: RIA PrimaMedia The diamond cutting plant of the EPL Diamond Group of Companies is located in Yakutsk and is the largest and oldest plant in Yakutia. Diamonds are produced from Yakut diamonds, which the company purchases from the legendary diamond mining company Alrosa, the leader in diamond production in the world. Diamonds are supplied to the plant by the Alrosa company. Photo: RIA PrimaMedia First of all, the diamonds received at the plant (which, by the way, are completely unremarkable in the rough state) are weighed on special scales, counted and packed one by one into paper bags. This is where the journey of future diamonds through the plant’s sections begins. “Checking” diamonds. Photo: RIA PrimaMedia “Checking” diamonds. Photo: RIA PrimaMedia First, the stones go to the marking technologists. Specialists thoroughly examine each stone and carry out so-called “computer marking” using Sarin laser machines. Diamond marking. Photo: RIA PrimaMedia The diamond is scanned, creating a three-dimensional digital model of it, clearly showing the shape and structural features of the stone. Based on this, it is determined exactly how the stone needs to be processed. It is extremely important to minimize waste and at the same time ensure that the diamond is worth as much as possible. Therefore, the marking operation is a key point in creating a future diamond. Diamond marking operation. Photo: RIA PrimaMedia Diamond marking operation. Photo: RIA PrimaMedia Then the stones go to the laser cutting shop for raw materials. The company uses high-tech equipment made in Israel Sarin. The laser quickly cuts diamonds, while the weight loss of the raw material is scanty – less than 1%. However, diamonds with high internal stress cannot be exposed to laser action. The stone can simply crack, and in the wrong place. Cutting diamonds with a laser. Photo: RIA PrimaMedia Cutting diamonds with a laser. Photo: RIA PrimaMedia Therefore, such diamonds (on average about 5% of the entire batch) are sawed in a mechanical sawing shop using special copper discs coated with diamond powder. To minimize loss of raw materials, the discs are made very thin (about 0,02-0,05 mm). Diamonds with high internal stress are cut using copper blades. Photo: RIA PrimaMedia The diameter of the disk is about 80 mm, the rotation speed is 5-6 thousand revolutions per minute. But despite this, sawing one diamond, depending on its size, can take from 30 minutes to several hours. Diamonds with high internal stress are cut using copper blades. Photo: RIA PrimaMedia Typically, a worker operates 20 machines simultaneously and cuts 10-20 diamonds per hour. One worker operates 20 machines simultaneously. Photo: RIA PrimaMedia The next step in turning a diamond into a diamond is grinding and roughening (or honing), which is the processing used to sharpen the edges, edges, and corners of the crystals. Peeling, like cutting, is carried out in two ways. In the first case, diamonds fixed in settings are processed under constant control on a special machine. This method is usually used for complex stones. To avoid splitting the diamond, turning is carried out at low speed. The entire process is displayed on the monitor. The diamond turning process is displayed on the monitor. Photo: RIA PrimaMedia The diamond turning process is displayed on the monitor. Photo: RIA PrimaMedia In the second method of grinding, diamonds glued to special rotating attachments are rubbed against each other on a turning machine according to the “stone on stone” principle. Diamonds rub according to the “stone on stone” principle. Photo: RIA PrimaMedia This process continues until the base of the stone is perfectly round. Such turning is slower, but due to the fact that two stones are subjected to the process at once and at the same time the number of working machines is greater, the yield of semi-finished products is no less. One operator usually services at least 10-12 stripping machines. Diamond turning. Photo: RIA PrimaMedia Then, after marking, sawing and grinding, some of the diamonds are sent straight to the hand-cutting shop. But the most labor-intensive stones to process are subjected to another test – automatic cutting, which will significantly facilitate manual labor. The specialist only needs to set the cutting angle using the adjustment buttons, and the machine will do everything itself. Automatic cutting. Photo: RIA PrimaMedia Automatic cutting. Photo: RIA PrimaMedia Finally, the final stage of turning the “ugly duckling” into a “swan” is hand cutting. All the material goes into this room and this is where the diamonds are turned into polished diamonds. This is where diamonds are turned into diamonds. Photo: RIA PrimaMedia Yakut diamond. Photo: RIA PrimaMedia Having read through the electronic database with all the recommendations issued by the technologists, the cutters begin their meticulous and mysterious work of producing one of the most expensive and desirable treasures in the world. The diamond is fixed into the seat using a special device and collet. The stone is cut on a rotating steel disk coated with diamond. From time to time, the craftsmen do a control inspection until they achieve the planned result. Diamond cut. Photo: RIA PrimaMedia The shape of a diamond cut is not accidental. The stone must be cut so that most of the rays entering it do not pass through, but return back, reflected from its faces. The quality of polishing and cutting determines the shine and play of colors, and, consequently, the cost of the stone. The brilliance and play of colors of a diamond depend on the quality of polishing and cutting. Photo: RIA PrimaMedia As a rule, the largest or most complex stones end up on the table of experienced cutters. But there is no such thing as a production rate here – all stones are different, not only in size, but also in structure. And there are about fifteen types of cuts. Therefore, it is impossible to determine how many diamonds a particular cutter creates per day. If the stones are small, then ten pieces is far from the limit, but if the stone is large, then you may have to work on it for a day, or even two. The largest or most complex stones end up on the table of experienced cutters. Photo: RIA PrimaMedia Students of the Institute of Physics and Technology of the North-Eastern Federal University named after M.K. also undergo practical training here. Ammosov, studying in the direction of “Technology of artistic processing of precious stones and metals”. The company provides them with the necessary raw materials, equipment and specialists, under whose watchful supervision they learn this complex craft. Some graduates remain to work here, because currently the EPL Diamond cutting plant is the largest in the Sakha Republic and new qualified personnel are always in demand here. Students do an internship at a diamond cutting plant and then go to work here. Photo: RIA PrimaMedia Information: The first batch of diamonds worth 50 thousand US dollars was produced by the company back in 1994. Currently, EPL Diamond ranks third in Russia in terms of diamond exports, annually producing jewelry worth up to $80 million. RELATED LINKS: Diamond is one of the most expensive stones in the world, known for its unique ability to absorb, reflect and refract light, causing it to play with all the colors of the rainbow. This mineral has no equal in brightness and hardness. However, few people know about the long journey it takes before it reaches the shelves of jewelry stores and auction lots. Behind the creation of diamonds there is a colossal amount of work involved in their extraction and processing. If you want to learn more about this, this article is for you.

Diamond properties

Before we talk about the creation of diamonds, let’s look at their physical and chemical properties to understand what makes these stones so attractive even to those who have never been interested in minerals and jewelry. Formula: C Mohs hardness: 10 Density: 3,47 – 3,55 g/cm³ Color: yellow, brown, colorless, blue, green, red, pink, black Shine: diamond Transparency: transparent The jewelry properties of diamonds are described using the 4 “Cs” (4C) – cut, clarily, carat, color, that is, cut, clarity, carat weight and color. The quality of diamonds depends on these characteristics, let’s take a closer look at them. Cutting is a way to fully reveal the natural beauty of a stone; the more professionally and efficiently the cut is done, the more the diamond will shine and, accordingly, the more beautiful and expensive it will be. For colorless diamonds, the most commonly chosen cut is the round cut, which was invented in 1919 by Marcel Tolkowsky. A round cut means that the stone will have 57 facets – this is the standard number for a diamond. Even the smallest specimens are processed in this way, because it provides the strongest shine. For colored diamonds, fancy cut types are most often chosen, such as cushion or heart. Interested in looking at other types of cuts? Then check out our article Forms of luxury and beauty: the art of cutting Cleanliness – a criterion for assessing the number of inclusions (impurities) inside the stone. There is a complex system for assessing the clarity of diamonds, but the main thing is to understand how much internal defects spoil the appearance of a diamond. Inclusions are looked for using a 10x magnification, and those that are too small to be seen under this magnification are not taken into account and do not affect the quality of the diamond. The weight – the mass of diamonds is measured in carats, where one carat is equal to 0,2 grams. The more carats a stone has, the more expensive it is, although weight is not the determining factor for setting the value; it is the sum of all the characteristics. Color – this criterion is one of the most important, because colorless diamonds are the most expensive, but they are not found as often as we would like. Typically, diamonds are yellowish in color due to iron impurities, but other colors are also found, such as blue, pink or black. When assessing the color of a stone, the saturation and brightness of the hue are also taken into account, which are determined on a 9-point scale, from insignificant to fancy. It is worth remembering that a diamond is the final product of processing the mineral “diamond”, so before it can be assessed according to the 4C principle, the stone goes through a long and energy-consuming path. And it begins with the search and development of the deposit.

Diamond deposit: kimberlite pipes

Diamonds are mined almost everywhere, and in Russia, Africa, Australia, and Canada, deposits are developed on an industrial scale. Until the 19th century, excavations were carried out at placer deposits using improvised tools. Such deposits are formed by the gradual destruction of volcanic rocks under the influence of wind and other climatic conditions. Yes, diamonds are mainly found in places of ancient volcanic activity, because only at high temperatures and pressure could a unique crystal be formed. However, scientists do not fully know in which period of the formation of the Earth the most favorable conditions for such a process developed, so the age of the stones is determined approximately from 100 to 000 years.

Earrings “Shine of Emotions”

Diamond (2) 0,63 carats Over its centuries-old history, the diamond has established itself as the most expensive and desirable gemstone. Girls all over the world dream of jewelry with these crystals. This natural desire was very romantically voiced in a cult song by the famous Marilyn Monroe, who, judging by her personal collection of jewelry, knew a lot about gems. Artist-designers Maxim Demidov, largely responsible for women’s happiness, fulfilled the wishes of the fair half and created elegant stud earrings made of white gold. Sparkling diamonds guarantee their exclusivity. Like true precious aristocrats, luxurious minerals amaze with a magical radiance that becomes brighter under the sun’s rays, allowing you to fully appreciate the rainbow reflections appearing above the edges. Exclusive earrings have another attractive feature – sparkling petals can be easily eliminated from the composition and the jewelry will become as minimalistic as possible, which will allow the owner to perfectly combine the jewelry with an everyday look.

Earrings “Yellow Roses”

Diamond (96) 1,116 carats Drop earrings in a classic style will be a wonderful decoration for a sophisticated and feminine person who is partial to flowers. The jewelry is made of yellow and white gold, encrusted with the purest princess-cut diamonds. Hot enamel painting of delicate yellow roses gives the earrings an original look and a light, relaxed style. In the language of flowers, yellow roses symbolize happiness and create a positive mood. Jewelry will bring joy, respect, self-confidence into the life of its owner, and regardless of the era and fashion trends, it will proudly pass from generation to generation. Diamonds have always been considered decorations of attributes of royal power, symbols, coats of arms and jewelry of noble persons. There is no stone in the world more valuable, in demand and desired than a diamond. This is a standard of impeccable taste, sophistication and sense of style, which will never lose its relevance and will delight again and again with its impeccable purity and amazing play of light. Allow yourself to touch the world of luxury, join the selection of beautiful and majestic women – Elizabeth Taylor, Madonna, Elizabeth II, Empress Catherine.

Earrings “Ilios”

Diamond (2) 1,41 carats Over the past ten years, interest in colored gemstones has grown incredibly throughout the world. The clear favorites of the market, capable of highlighting the owner and making her much richer, are colorful diamonds of fancy colors. And, with the firm confidence inherent in these crystals, regardless of color, we can talk about a large-scale – not only investor, but also fashionable boom in yellow diamonds, which have remained girls’ best friends for many centuries. Stunning stud earrings, inspired by the emotions of a sunny day, fit perfectly into this global trend. The bright fragments of the star that reigns in our Galaxy are two yellow diamonds. The glossy tonality of the frame is in perfect harmony with the brilliance of the purest duo weighing a total of 1,41 carats. Exclusive earrings “Ilios”, which means “sun” in Greek, form the idea of ​​aristocratic luxury that will highlight the unique style of a lady in both a business and evening look.