Rough to Polished: How Long Does It Take to Polish a Diamond?

From Rough to Polished: How Long Does It Take to Polish a Diamond?

A diamond may be eternal, but it is not born glamorous. Long before it graces the hand of a bride, a diamond begins its life in an entirely unassuming form - raw, unrefined, and far from the scintillating elegance we associate with high jewellery.

The journey from rough stone to polished masterpiece is not only one of transformation, but also of remarkable precision, patience, and artistry. For those who value refinement, understanding this process is essential for appreciating the craftsmanship of luxury. 

So, how long does it truly take to polish a diamond? It comes down to the precision, the skill and the intention of the diamond cut. The answer lies in the details of the planning, and as any woman of elegance knows, the details are everything.

The Rough Diamond: The Beginning of Brilliance
1-2 Billion Years

When extracted from the earth, a diamond is hardly recognisable. Rough, uneven, and lacking in lustre, a raw diamond is more geological than glamorous. Yet to a trained eye, this unpolished stone holds promise potential that only skilled hands and patience can reveal.

Before any transformation begins, the rough diamond must be evaluated, sorted and given a plan. Its intended shape, size, clarity and colour are carefully considered and then it is categeorised accordingly. The conclusion at this stage directly reveals the diamonds innate qualities and final value. Larger roughs become centre-piece worthy stones fit for engagement rings and their purity decides their shape and proportions. This is not a process to be hurried. It is a deliberate, considered beginning that is worthy of the stone’s natural rarity.

Planning and Mapping: Strategy Before Sparkle
13 Days 

With the rough diamond in hand, expert planners begin one of the most critical stages before cutting the stone: mapping. Using highly advanced 3D modelling and scanning technology, the rough is meticulously analysed to determine how to maximise beauty and value with minimal waste.

Every characteristic, every natural inclusion, every subtle variation is accounted for. The goal? To plan a diamond cut that enhances brilliance, symmetry, and carat weight—without compromise. This phase is pure strategy, merging science with artistry. Much like tailoring a bespoke dress, the mapping stage lays the foundation plan for the finished diamond.

Laser Cutting & Shaping - Sculpting the Silhouette
11 Days

Once the plan is finalised,  the rough diamond is ready for its first transformation. The initial cuts  that guide the finished diamond shape are ready to begin. With exacting precision, lasers cut the stone into its preliminary form - often splitting one diamond rough into multiple potential stones.

This stage sets the geometry and paves the way for shaping. The cutting is guided entirely by the previous mapping phase, ensuring that no carat is wasted and every facet of brilliance is anticipated.

The next stage is shaping, also known as bruting. If the final goal is a round brilliant—arguably the most iconic and desirable shape—this is when the diamond begins to take on that classic form.

Traditionally, diamonds are shaped by grinding them against one another. Today, sophisticated mechanical tools spin the diamonds against each other to create the outer silhouete of the gem. Regardless of method, principle remains the same: create a perfectly round girdle that forms the diamond’s overall shape. Proportion, symmetry, and balance are paramount.

Blocking: The First Facets of Brilliance
12 Days 

Here, the diamond begins to reveal its true identity. Creating the flat polished surfaces facets: the table, girdle, culet, crown, and pavilion. Each facet surface and angle dictate how light will enter and reflect within the stone. Without precision at this stage, the diamond cannot reach its full optical potential.

Without a doubt, this is a critical stage of the process as it is directly responsible for the sparkle the diamond will produce. Every angle must be precisely calculated. Every line and facet join must align flawlessly. This is where excellence becomes visible.

Final Polishing: Unveiling the Fire Within
7 Days 

The final polish is the pinnacle of creating the final finished diamond. It is in this stage the remaining facets, typically to 57-58 in a round brilliant cut are polished to absolute perfection. Using rotating polishing wheels, each facet is refined until the stone captures and reflects light with exceptional brilliance.

This is not merely polishing; it is sculpting with light. The cutter, now more artist than technician, ensures that every surface is flawless, every proportion ideal. It is a delicate, uncompromising process that can neither be rushed nor simplified.

The Diamond Journey: Time as a Measure of Luxury

In total, the transformation from rough diamond to polished treasure can take anywhere between two weeks to several months. A 1ct Round Brilliant Cut Diamond typically takes 20 days from Rough to Polish - whilst the very best Hearts and Arrows cuts can take more than 40 days. The timeline is determined by the size, shape, quality, and intended cut of the stone. But one constant remains: excellence takes time.

In a world increasingly fixated on speed and immediacy, diamonds remain a symbol of patience, permanence, and unyielding quality. Their journey is a reminder that true luxury is never rushed - it is planned, considered, and executed to perfection.

So, the next time you admire the quiet confidence of a diamond, remember: its beauty was not born - it was polished.



To discover the perfect diamond for your engagement ring in Melbourne, request your consultation at JANAI by filling out the form below.