STAGE TWO : SAWING |
The sawing process requires immense skill as the diamond exhibits very sensitive pressure points, and inaccuracy in any degree could result in the diamond shattering and being rendered worthless.
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| The marked diamond is set up in the sawing pot lined up to critical dimensions for the sawing process to commence. To saw a diamond in two can take as much as five days. In fact the first kerf can take up to 2 ½ hours alone. |
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The initial kerf (groove) is done with a short blade, needing to be done accurately so that that the high blade will saw through the diamond along the line of the marker. |
| Frans Swanepoel, an extremely experienced sawer who has been with FestDiam for some ten years, constantly checking the accuracy of the cut. |
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The long blade almost completely through the diamond. |
| The first half of the diamond, which is still in the sawing pot |
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The second half of the diamond, which has fallen off. |
