Raw Diamonds-Questions

[Isa420]

Are raw diamonds worth cutting ? Polishing ? Are they not real diamonds?
What is the cost to make a finished product>? Is this service available?
Are raw uncut diamonds only used in "teaching scenarios?" Not jewelry scenarios??? Help

[Yosef]

Are raw diamonds worth cutting ? Polishing ? Are they not real diamonds?
What is the cost to make a finished product>? Is this service available?
Are raw uncut diamonds only used in "teaching scenarios?" Not jewelry scenarios??? Help

Raw diamonds (or rough diamonds as they're more properly called) are always worth cutting/polishing. All diamonds start out as rough and are cut and polished into a faceted diamond.

A 2 carat rough usually only yields a 1 carat polished diamond on average. Of course there's exceptions. When a diamond is actually discovered rough, the diamond isn't just cut. It's carefully examined, and plotted out to where it's going to be sawed. One rough often makes more then one diamond and so it's sawed into pieces. From there it's cut, then finally polished.

If you think grading a diamond is tough as a finished product, just try imagining what it's like for a rough diamond where you don't even know exactly what the sizes will be and clarity/color are very tough to pick out.

If you do have an opportunity to get a rough diamond, don't think you'll be able to find a diamond cutter and save a lot of money. I mean unless you just happen to trip over a big rock in the park that's a diamond, then sure you can find a cutter and save a lot. But if you're buying from a professional who buys and sells rough for a living, chances are they know much more then you and you'll end up getting taken to the cleaners. Like buying a 1-1/2 carat rough that's really I1/I2 clarity and will only yield a pair of poor quality 0.40ct stones.

It's much easier to just buy the finished product and safer as well since you should be looking to buy with a quality grading report.

[Mervyn L. Cohn ASA]

Are raw diamonds worth cutting ? Polishing ? Are they not real diamonds?
What is the cost to make a finished product>? Is this service available?
Are raw uncut diamonds only used in "teaching scenarios?" Not jewelry scenarios??? Help

Joe Schlussel at www.diamondregistry has uncut "raw" diamond jewelry available on his web site. They are the "raw" material from which cut, polished diamonds are made.