DIAMOND SORTING PROCESS

The sorting process is a crucial stage in the journey of diamonds from the mine to the market. Regardless of their color, shape or size, diamonds must be examined, categorized for quality, and priced to establish their value. This process is essential in determining the quality and value of the stone. Without proper sorting, the value of diamonds cannot be established. The diamonds are subjected to scrutiny to determine whether they are gem or industrial stones and what kind of stone they can be made into by cutters.

The value of diamonds is central to the industry, and both buyers and sellers aim to maximize their profit. Sometimes, this leads to systematic undervaluation, especially in situations where individuals or countries selling diamonds have little expertise in valuing. Major diamond-producing countries have diamond valuers, either an independent international expert or an employee of the exporting government, who resolves disputes over value.

The diamond sorter and valuer play an essential role in determining the value of the diamonds. The sorter has to examine the shape of the stones, distinguish shades of color in diamonds that are invisible to the untrained eye, and examine the inside of the stone for imperfections. Perfect eyesight and color vision are essential for this task. Maintaining the value of the product is critical to the diamond industry. Therefore, rough diamonds are treated as unique objects rather than as a commodity.

The sorting of diamonds is a crucial stage in the creation of their value. The diamonds are first sorted by category, dividing them into gem and near gem quality, industrial, and boart for crushing into powder. Gem quality is sorted by color, shape, and size and then into diamonds for cleaving, sawing, or cutting. The initial stages of sorting may be done by machines, but the final sorting and valuation of the stones are still carried out by human experts. The sorting and re-sorting process is repeated many times until the diamonds are put into a category that determines their sale price or export value. Larger stones over 10.8 carats are valued separately. In conclusion, the sorting process is crucial in determining the value and quality of diamonds. Human experts play a critical role in the final sorting and valuation of the stones, ensuring that each stone is examined individually to decide its value. The diamond industry treats rough diamonds as unique objects rather than commodities to maintain their value. The sorting and re-sorting process is repeated many times until the diamonds are put into a category that determines their sale price or export value.