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"We need high degree of processing power to analyze raw diamonds on computers and then cull out marketable finished diamonds out of them"

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PCQ Bureau
New Update

What are your views on the role played by technology in diamond manufacturing?

IT plays a key role in this industry. All the initial stages of scanning and planning, etc are completely dependent on computers. We need high degree of processing power to analyze raw diamonds on computers and then cull out marketable finished diamonds out of them. Through the use of technology we get more and better options for creating the right quality and size of diamonds out of raw diamonds. This was done manually, say ten years back, but the accuracy and the number of options we got then were less. Now, we can see 3D models of raw diamonds on screen and pin-point the size and nature of inclusions, their color and the size and number of finished diamonds that can be created from them. The yield of finished diamonds has also increased considerably. Previously we used to get 30% finished product from 1 carat of raw diamonds. This figure has increased to 40% through the use of technology. Also, with higher processing power we are able to scan a diamond in the half the amount of time it took us when we were completely manual.

Tell us about the journey of a diamond, from mines to jewellery markets.

Most of the diamonds are mined in South Africa, Botswana, Russia and Australia and auctioned off to diamontaires in trading centers in Antwerp, London, Hong Kong, etc. Once the consignment reaches the factories in Surat, it is scanned for quality and quantity and accordingly classified into the required categories. The next stage, planning, takes times where more than 1000 combinations can be worked out to get the maximum value out of a raw diamond. This stage requires a great deal of decision making skills to get the maximum value out of the raw diamonds. Once the amount of diamonds to be cut is finalised, they are sent for cutting and polishing.

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