Which term refers to the process of shaping a rough diamond into its basic face-up outline to prepare it for faceting?

• A. Bruting
• B. Cleaving
• C. Coning
• D. Polishing

Answer: (A)

Shaping a rough diamond into its basic face-up outline to prepare it for faceting is bruting. This step establishes the overall silhouette and girdle outline of the stone, turning irregular rough into a symmetrical form so the true cutting plan can be applied. In practice, bruting defines the general shape (for example, round versus fancy shapes) and removes material to create a workable preform before the precise facet work begins. Cleaving, by contrast, is about splitting the rough along a natural plane to separate pieces. Polishing comes later, finishing the facet surfaces after the cut has been defined. Coning isn’t a standard term used for this shaping stage.