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DIAMOND.
67
SECT. VIII.
Art of Cutting, Splitting, Sawing, and Polishing Diamonds[1].
The object of cutting and polishing the Diamond is twofold. First, to divide the natural surface of the stone in a symmetrical manner, by means of a number of highly polished polygonal planes (facets), and thus to bring out to the best advantage the wonderful refulgence of this beautiful gem; and secondly, by cutting away such flaws as may happen to be near the surface, to remove those blemishes that materially detract from its beauty, and consequently from its value.
- ↑ The same workman is seldom a proficient in all these operations, but generally confines himself to one.