When it comes to diamond cutting there are two options; either by hand or using a machine.
Although diamond-cutting machines are highly accurate and useful, hand cutting a diamond is an incredible work of craftsmanship. To learn to cut diamonds by hand, you have to do it the old-fashioned way. A hand cutter has to begin their career as an apprentice of a more skilled and experienced master cutter. Over 5-20 years, hand cutters gain certifications until they can become a master diamond cutter. In today’s high-tech world, diamond cutting is one of the last true handcrafted arts.
Of course, machines are much quicker and easier than handcrafting, making them the more popular diamond cutting method. With a machine, most diamonds can be cut within 24 hours. Hand cutting a diamond takes anywhere from 1 week to 6 months.
One situation in which machine cutting is less common is with those larger, flawless diamonds. Higher value diamonds are cut by hand because a machine still can’t match the expertise and intuition of a master diamond cutter. Sadly enough, as the machines become more and more accurate, it’s likely that the craft of cutting diamonds by hand will die out.
Though we do not cut our own diamonds at Johantgen Jewelers, we are passionate about the ins and outs pertaining to diamond jewelry! If you have any questions or are in the market for a new piece, give us a call or stop into our store today.