What is sawing in diamond processing?

• A. The process of dividing a rough diamond into different sections using a saw.
• B. The polishing of facets to brilliance.
• C. The cracking of rough diamond under pressure.
• D. The marking of the girdle with inscriptions.

Answer: (A)

Sawing in diamond processing is the step where a rough diamond is divided into smaller pieces using a saw. Diamond saws, such as diamond-coated circular blades or wire saws, cut through the crystal to create workable sections for further shaping. This approach reduces waste and allows the cutter to position the stone for optimal yield in later steps.

This is different from polishing, which is about grinding facets to bring the surface to brilliance; it’s different from cleaving, which splits the stone along natural cleavage planes under controlled impact; and it’s not about marking or inscribing the girdle. The essence is using a saw to physically divide the rough into sections for further processing.