How does repolishing compare to recutting in terms of weight loss?

• A. It removes more weight than recutting
• B. It removes about the same weight as recutting
• C. It removes no weight
• D. It removes a lot less weight than recutting

Answer: (D)

Weight loss during diamond finishing depends on how much material is actually removed. Repolishing only smooths and restores the facets’ surface by taking off a very thin outer layer to erase scratches and dullness, so the shape and proportions stay essentially the same. Because it targets just surface quality, the amount of material removed is minimal—often a small fraction of a carat, especially on larger stones.

Recutting, on the other hand, involves removing material to change size or correct the geometry of the diamond’s facets. This can mean taking off substantial portions of the girdle, culet, or pavilion/crown facets to reach new angles or proportions, which leads to a much larger amount of weight loss.

Therefore, repolishing loses far less weight than recutting, making it the better option when preserving carat weight is important.