<img height="1" width="1" style="display:none" src="https://www.facebook.com/tr?id=1204737666323810&amp;ev=PageView&amp;noscript=1" alt="facebook">
Skip to content
02 9234 0580
Pay My Policy
Get Quote
Start A Quote

Resources

Benefits

Claims

Testimonials

Resources

Q Report Resources

Explore Q Report's Content Centre for expert advice on jewellery insurance. You can also read e-guides and blogs, watch videos and more.

Resource Centre

Explore Q Report's Content Centre for expert advice on jewellery insurance. You can also read e-guides and blogs, watch videos and more.

Blog

Jewellery, engagement ring & watch advice, plus insurance tips & industry insights. 

Videos

Watch expert tips, discover insurance benefits & hear real customer stories. 

FAQs

Find answers to common questions about jewellery, engagement ring & watch insurance. 

Policy Information

Click here to access important policy documents - Product Disclosure Statement, Financial Services Guide, and Policy Wording.

Target Market Determination

Click here to access the Target Market Determination (TMD) document.

Pay My Policy
02 9234 0580
Start A Quote
Engagement Ring 
Insurance
Ring Icon 2
Engagement Ring 
Insurance
Jewellery

Insurance
Jewellery Icon 2
Jewellery

Insurance
Watch
Insurance
Watch Icon 2
Watch
Insurance
Get Your Quote
02 9234 0580

The Surprising Science Behind Diamond Cutting

Q Report Team

Updated on March 18, 2025
Related Posts
Featured Posts
form-profile
Jewellery Insurance

Instant Quote
play-audio
Listen to article
/

A natural diamond is as rich in history as it is in beauty. From the moment the rough stone is ethically unearthed to the final treasure that awaits within the proposal box––a journey unfolds.

 

The History of Diamond Cutting

As the timeline of diamond cutting goes, diamonds are believed to have been first discovered in India, where they were kept as loose unpolished stones––vastly different to today's extraordinary creations. 

Fast forward thousands of years of technological development, combined with artistry, and you have the world's most expertly crafted diamonds ready to adorn your soon-to-be-wed left hand.

A far cry from the first diamond cut known aptly as 'The Point Cut' and led by the first artisans known to specialise in diamond cutting and polishing––the Diamantaire of Nuremberg, Germany, in the 1300s. 

 

The Importance of 'The Cut'

The cut of a diamond determines how much light the stone reflects—making it one of, if not the most important element of the 4Cs, the International Diamond Grading System's universal method for assessing the quality of any diamond. 

The purpose of a diamond is to sparkle––poorly cut, and it will be the opposite, lack lustre, making the colour, clarity and carat irrelevant. 

Let's look at how the world's diamond engineers get these rough rocks to sparkle like the illuminating lights of the Eiffel Tower.

The Science of Diamond Cutting 

Inclusion Mapping

Inclusion mapping is the first stage of the diamond-cutting process. It must undergo rough planning before being cut to maximise the quality and profitable return of the rough diamond.

Inclusion mapping requires state-of-the-art technology. Sarine Diamond Technologies is a worldwide leader in developing and manufacturing advanced systems for diamond production.

Using technology such as the Sarine Galaxy®, diamond engineers can scan the rough stone and create a map that accurately identifies all inclusions within the stone, regardless of their type, size, and location.

Cutting Plan

The next step is constructing a cutting plan to garner the best-polished diamond from the original rough stone––a process carried out by specialised technology such as the Sarine Advisor®.

Combining the ascertained inclusion scanning information and 3D analysis of the rough stone can provide multiple cutting options that promise to deliver maximum value based on carat, cut and clarity. 

Shaping and Sawing

Once the diamond engineer has decided upon the final cutting plan, the rough stone is cut and shaped into round segments. Ready to begin the final stage of polishing.

According to research from the University of Cambridge, a diamond is essentially a composition of electrons and carbon atoms. Together, a strong chemical bond is formed, resulting in a highly rigid tetrahedral crystal––making a diamond one of the most complex substances on Earth.

For this reason, the sawing of a diamond is not an easy task to master. The Quazer® by Sarine is another technological advancement that delivers accurate cutting instruction with delicate precision. The tool utilises a green laser to maximise accuracy––an essential given that the slightest deviation from the required sawing line can result in the shattering or cracking of the rough stone.

Polishing

While being cut, diamonds are susceptible to surface blemishes; although minor, they are considered a flaw. Such flaws can obstruct the reflection of light, dulling its sparkle. For this reason, polishing a diamond is one of the final steps in the diamond-cutting process and demands a high level of attention to detail.

When smoothing the surface manually, diamonds are polished with diamond dust and other abrasive agents––allowing the light to enter and exit the stone without intrusion.

Advances in technology have seen an alternative option with Sarine's Instructor®, computerised software that enables the diamond engineer to measure and assess the diamond throughout the polishing journey.

Inscribing 

Inscribing a diamond is a process in itself––one that begins by locating a position on the girdle where a skilled artisan will use state-of-the-art technology to engrave a personalised message or, more commonly, the certification number.

A certification number allows buyers to verify the number inscribed on their diamond against its grading certificate.

However, inscribing text the size of a few microns requires precision and a specialised magnification scope if you want to see it. The inscription is delivered via a laser beam that etches the inscription on the girdle of the diamond. 

Shine Bright Like a Diamond

Understanding the science behind diamond cutting can help you make critical decisions when purchasing your engagement ring. You want to ensure an optimal cut that reflects the light to its fullest.

Once you have found your ring, ensure its protection with Q Report Jewellery Insurance. After all that hard work, you want to wear it heartfully, knowing it's protected from theft, damage and loss.

Purchase Amount

To get an accurate insurance quote, please provide the amount from your purchase receipt.

Don't have the receipt?

If you don't have the receipt, you can provide the most recent valuation amount instead.

OK
Related Posts
Featured Posts
avatar_light
Jewellery Insurance

Instant Quote
play-audio
Listen to article
/

A natural diamond is as rich in history as it is in beauty. From the moment the rough stone is ethically unearthed to the final treasure that awaits within the proposal box––a journey unfolds.

 

The History of Diamond Cutting

As the timeline of diamond cutting goes, diamonds are believed to have been first discovered in India, where they were kept as loose unpolished stones––vastly different to today's extraordinary creations. 

Fast forward thousands of years of technological development, combined with artistry, and you have the world's most expertly crafted diamonds ready to adorn your soon-to-be-wed left hand.

A far cry from the first diamond cut known aptly as 'The Point Cut' and led by the first artisans known to specialise in diamond cutting and polishing––the Diamantaire of Nuremberg, Germany, in the 1300s. 

 

The Importance of 'The Cut'

The cut of a diamond determines how much light the stone reflects—making it one of, if not the most important element of the 4Cs, the International Diamond Grading System's universal method for assessing the quality of any diamond. 

The purpose of a diamond is to sparkle––poorly cut, and it will be the opposite, lack lustre, making the colour, clarity and carat irrelevant. 

Let's look at how the world's diamond engineers get these rough rocks to sparkle like the illuminating lights of the Eiffel Tower.

The Science of Diamond Cutting 

Inclusion Mapping

Inclusion mapping is the first stage of the diamond-cutting process. It must undergo rough planning before being cut to maximise the quality and profitable return of the rough diamond.

Inclusion mapping requires state-of-the-art technology. Sarine Diamond Technologies is a worldwide leader in developing and manufacturing advanced systems for diamond production.

Using technology such as the Sarine Galaxy®, diamond engineers can scan the rough stone and create a map that accurately identifies all inclusions within the stone, regardless of their type, size, and location.

Cutting Plan

The next step is constructing a cutting plan to garner the best-polished diamond from the original rough stone––a process carried out by specialised technology such as the Sarine Advisor®.

Combining the ascertained inclusion scanning information and 3D analysis of the rough stone can provide multiple cutting options that promise to deliver maximum value based on carat, cut and clarity. 

Shaping and Sawing

Once the diamond engineer has decided upon the final cutting plan, the rough stone is cut and shaped into round segments. Ready to begin the final stage of polishing.

According to research from the University of Cambridge, a diamond is essentially a composition of electrons and carbon atoms. Together, a strong chemical bond is formed, resulting in a highly rigid tetrahedral crystal––making a diamond one of the most complex substances on Earth.

For this reason, the sawing of a diamond is not an easy task to master. The Quazer® by Sarine is another technological advancement that delivers accurate cutting instruction with delicate precision. The tool utilises a green laser to maximise accuracy––an essential given that the slightest deviation from the required sawing line can result in the shattering or cracking of the rough stone.

Polishing

While being cut, diamonds are susceptible to surface blemishes; although minor, they are considered a flaw. Such flaws can obstruct the reflection of light, dulling its sparkle. For this reason, polishing a diamond is one of the final steps in the diamond-cutting process and demands a high level of attention to detail.

When smoothing the surface manually, diamonds are polished with diamond dust and other abrasive agents––allowing the light to enter and exit the stone without intrusion.

Advances in technology have seen an alternative option with Sarine's Instructor®, computerised software that enables the diamond engineer to measure and assess the diamond throughout the polishing journey.

Inscribing 

Inscribing a diamond is a process in itself––one that begins by locating a position on the girdle where a skilled artisan will use state-of-the-art technology to engrave a personalised message or, more commonly, the certification number.

A certification number allows buyers to verify the number inscribed on their diamond against its grading certificate.

However, inscribing text the size of a few microns requires precision and a specialised magnification scope if you want to see it. The inscription is delivered via a laser beam that etches the inscription on the girdle of the diamond. 

Shine Bright Like a Diamond

Understanding the science behind diamond cutting can help you make critical decisions when purchasing your engagement ring. You want to ensure an optimal cut that reflects the light to its fullest.

Once you have found your ring, ensure its protection with Q Report Jewellery Insurance. After all that hard work, you want to wear it heartfully, knowing it's protected from theft, damage and loss.

Table of Contents

Introduction
Understanding the 4 Cs of Diamonds
Diamond Shapes
Choosing a Ring Style
Selecting a Ring Retailer

Understanding Mechanical Movements

Rolex-super-precision

Unlike their battery-powered quartz counterparts, luxury watches have a beating heart – the mechanical movement. First created in the 14th century, large, weight-driven tower clocks with verge escapements and foliot balances marked the dawn of mechanical timekeeping.

Today, the core concept of mechanical movements remains unchanged from its original conception. It involves an intricate arrangement of gears, springs, and an escapement powered by a wound mainspring. This precision engineering allows for smooth operation and precise timekeeping.

Manual watch movements require the wearer to wind the crown periodically. Automatic watch movements, on the other hand, utilise the wearer's movements to keep the mainspring wound, offering a convenient everyday solution.

The Patek Philippe Calatrava, with its ultra-thin manual movement, exemplifies the elegance of traditional watchmaking. On the other hand, the Rolex Oyster Perpetual, with its self-winding mechanism epitomises practicality and durability.

Whether manual or automatic, a mechanical movement imbues a luxury watch with a soul, a testament to human ingenuity and a treasured heirloom for generations to come

Luxury Watch Complications: Exploring Hidden Features & Functionality

Luxury watches often boast 'complications,' intricate mechanisms that add layers of sophistication, style and utility. Here, we explore some of the most fascinating complications created by the best luxury watch brands.

Statistic Heading

Rolex-super-precision

Unlike their battery-powered quartz counterparts, luxury watches have a beating heart – the mechanical movement. First created in the 14th century, large, weight-driven tower clocks with verge escapements and foliot balances marked the dawn of mechanical timekeeping.

Today, the core concept of mechanical movements remains unchanged from its original conception. It involves an intricate arrangement of gears, springs, and an escapement powered by a wound mainspring. This precision engineering allows for smooth operation and precise timekeeping.

Manual watch movements require the wearer to wind the crown periodically. Automatic watch movements, on the other hand, utilise the wearer's movements to keep the mainspring wound, offering a convenient everyday solution.

The Patek Philippe Calatrava, with its ultra-thin manual movement, exemplifies the elegance of traditional watchmaking. On the other hand, the Rolex Oyster Perpetual, with its self-winding mechanism epitomises practicality and durability.

Whether manual or automatic, a mechanical movement imbues a luxury watch with a soul, a testament to human ingenuity and a treasured heirloom for generations to come

Peace of Mind: An engagement ring is a significant financial and sentimental investment. Specialised engagement ring insurance provides financial protection in the event of loss, theft or damage by ensuring you can recover the ring's monetary value or repair or replace.

Peace of Mind: An engagement ring is a significant financial and sentimental investment. Specialised engagement ring insurance provides financial protection in the event of loss, theft or damage by ensuring you can recover the ring's monetary value or repair or replace.

Peace of Mind: An engagement ring is a significant financial and sentimental investment. Specialised engagement ring insurance provides financial protection in the event of loss, theft or damage by ensuring you can recover the ring's monetary value or repair or replace.

Peace of Mind: An engagement ring is a significant financial and sentimental investment. Specialised engagement ring insurance provides financial protection in the event of loss, theft or damage by ensuring you can recover the ring's monetary value or repair or replace.

Common Diamond Alternatives
for Engagement Rings

Tanzanite

Contents insurance is essential for anyone who owns valuable items, as it helps protect you should a potential loss occur in your.

Aquamarine

Ut enim ad minim veniam, quis nostrud exercitation ullamco laboris nisi ut aliquip ex ea commodo consequat. Duis aute irure dolor in

Sapphire

Excepteur sint occaecat cupidatat non proident, sunt in culpa qui officia deserunt mollit anim id est laborum voluptate velit esse.

Luxury Watch Complications: Exploring Hidden Features & Functionality

Luxury watches often boast 'complications,' intricate mechanisms that add layers of sophistication, style and utility. Here, we explore some of the most fascinating complications created by the best luxury watch brands.

Peace of Mind: An engagement ring is a significant financial and sentimental investment. Specialised engagement ring insurance provides financial protection in the event of loss, theft or damage by ensuring you can recover the ring's monetary value or repair or replace.

Peace of Mind: An engagement ring is a significant financial and sentimental investment. Specialised engagement ring insurance provides financial protection in the event of loss, theft or damage by ensuring you can recover the ring's monetary value or repair or replace.

Peace of Mind: An engagement ring is a significant financial and sentimental investment. Specialised engagement ring insurance provides financial protection in the event of loss, theft or damage by ensuring you can recover the ring's monetary value or repair or replace.

Peace of Mind: An engagement ring is a significant financial and sentimental investment. Specialised engagement ring insurance provides financial protection in the event of loss, theft or damage by ensuring you can recover the ring's monetary value or repair or replace.

“Knowing your engagement ring is insured brings peace of mind. Accidents can happen, and insurance coverage alleviates the worry and stress of potential loss or damage.”

Unlike their battery-powered quartz counterparts, luxury watches have a beating heart – the mechanical movement. First created in the 14th century, large, weight-driven tower clocks with verge escapements and foliot balances marked the dawn of mechanical timekeeping.

Today, the core concept of mechanical movements remains unchanged from its original conception. It involves an intricate arrangement of gears, springs, and an escapement powered by a wound mainspring. This precision engineering allows for smooth operation and precise timekeeping.

Manual watch movements require the wearer to wind the crown periodically. Automatic watch movements, on the other hand, utilise the wearer's movements to keep the mainspring wound, offering a convenient everyday solution.

The Patek Philippe Calatrava, with its ultra-thin manual movement, exemplifies the elegance of traditional watchmaking. On the other hand, the Rolex Oyster Perpetual, with its self-winding mechanism epitomises practicality and durability.

Whether manual or automatic, a mechanical movement imbues a luxury watch with a soul, a testament to human ingenuity and a treasured heirloom for generations to come

Export
Expert Tip

Budget Considerations

Diamond shapes can vary in price due to popularity and demand. Round brilliants, for example, tend to be more expensive than other shapes due to their high demand. If budget is a concern, consider alternative shapes or prioritise other aspects, such as cut quality, over the shape itself.

Amet minim mollit non deserunt ullamco est sit aliqua dolor do amet sint. Velit officia consequat duis enim velit mollit. Exercitation veniam consequat sunt nostrud amet. Amet minim mollit non deserunt ullamco est sit aliqua dolor do amet sint. Velit officia consequat duis enim velit mollit. Exercitation veniam consequat sunt nostrud amet.Amet minim mollit non deserunt ullamco est sit aliqua dolor do amet sint. Velit officia consequat duis enim velit mollit. Exercitation veniam consequat sunt nostrud amet.Amet minim mollit non deserunt ullamco est sit aliqua dolor do amet sint. Velit officia consequat duis enim velit mollit. Exercitation veniam consequat sunt nostrud amet.

Amet minim mollit non deserunt ullamco est sit aliqua dolor do amet sint. Velit officia consequat duis enim velit mollit. Exercitation veniam consequat sunt nostrud amet.

Amet minim mollit non deserunt ullamco est sit aliqua dolor do amet sint. Velit officia consequat duis enim velit mollit. Exercitation veniam consequat sunt nostrud amet.

Jewellery Insurance FAQ

Contents insurance covers the items within your home in case they are damaged, lost or stolen. This can include furniture, electronics, clothing and other personal.  Contents insurance is essential for anyone who owns valuable items, as it helps protect you should a potential loss occur in your.

Contents insurance covers the items within your home in case they are damaged, lost or stolen. This can include furniture, electronics, clothing and other personal.  Contents insurance is essential for anyone who owns valuable items, as it helps protect you should a potential loss occur in your.
Home Security Fortification

An engagement ring is a significant financial and sentimental investment. Specialised engagement ring insurance provides financial protection in the event of loss, theft or damage by ensuring you can recover the ring's monetary value or repair or replace.

An engagement ring is a significant financial and sentimental investment. Specialised.

Travel Savvy

An engagement ring is a significant financial and sentimental investment. Specialised engagement ring insurance provides financial protection in the event of loss, theft or damage by ensuring you can recover the ring's monetary value or repair or replace.

An engagement ring is a significant financial and sentimental investment. Specialised.

Social Media Caution

An engagement ring is a significant financial and sentimental investment. Specialised engagement ring insurance provides financial protection in the event of loss, theft or damage by ensuring you can recover the ring's monetary value or repair or replace.

An engagement ring is a significant financial and sentimental investment. Specialised.

Regular Valuations

An engagement ring is a significant financial and sentimental investment. Specialised engagement ring insurance provides financial protection in the event of loss, theft or damage by ensuring you can recover the ring's monetary value or repair or replace.

An engagement ring is a significant financial and sentimental investment. Specialised.

bulb
0%

Contents insurance is essential for anyone who owns valuable items, as it helps protect you should a potential loss occur in your.

Luxury Watch Complications: Exploring Hidden Features & Functionality

Luxury watches often boast 'complications,' intricate mechanisms that add layers of sophistication, style and utility. Here, we explore some of the most fascinating complications created by the best luxury watch brands.

Home Security Fortification

Contents insurance covers the items within your home in case they are damaged, lost or stolen. This can include furniture, electronics, clothing and other personal.  Contents insurance is essential for anyone who owns valuable items, as it helps protect you should a potential loss occur in your.

Purchase Amount

To get an accurate insurance quote, please provide the amount from your purchase receipt.

Don't have the receipt?

If you don't have the receipt, you can provide the most recent valuation amount instead.

OK

More Articles