Which statement best describes repolishing in relation to recutting?

• A. It always costs more than recutting
• B. It always increases weight more than recutting
• C. It can completely repair all flaws
• D. It tends to remove less weight than recutting and is used for minor improvements

Answer: (D)

Repolishing and recutting are two ways to improve a diamond’s appearance, with different levels of material removal. Repolishing refreshes the facet surfaces by removing a very thin layer to erase minor surface blemishes and restore high polish, but it doesn’t change the diamond’s proportions or overall shape. Because only a small amount of material is removed, the weight loss is typically modest, making repolishing suitable for minor improvements in luster and surface flaws. Recutting, on the other hand, involves removing material to alter or correct proportions and geometry, which can significantly reduce weight and fundamentally change the stone’s shape. Not all flaws can be fully repaired by repolishing, especially deeper inclusions or structural issues, which may require recutting. So the statement that repolishing tends to remove less weight than recutting and is used for minor improvements best captures the practical distinction.