Symbiotic Relationship between Rough-Cutting and Bright-Cutting

• SumoMe

The relationship between “Rough-Cutting and “Bright-Cutting” is so close. One aspect of cutting, depends solely upon the other, it’s an epitome of a ‘symbiotic relationship’.

Symbiotic Relationship between Rough-Cutting and Bright-Cutting
A pre-requisite to the final stages of “Bright-Cutting”.

The most basic and fundamental procedure in diamond setting is to rough-cut. Nothing can compare to the nuances of actual hand carving in gold/platinum. This most important and valuable setting process enables the setter to validate his belief that ‘rough-cutting’ is so necessary to the final ‘bright-cutting’. Each process cannot be made possible without the other, hence it is a ‘symbiotic relationship’.

What tools are necessary? The list is very minimal, but each holds a distinct use in its own right, the Onglette Graver #1, and Onglette #2. What can be simple than these two items at your disposal? But using these two making all so relevant to each. In my next few pictures, you, the reader can see the design taking shape. This ‘cutting’ step cannot be achieved by just “Bright Cutting” with an Onglette graver #2. After all of the holes are drilled and opened with a bur of your choice, to accommodate the diamond.

This ‘rough-cutting’ should now start.

Where must the first cut be initiated? In my opinion, it should be started at a position at least one diamond width further along the shank from the first hole being drilled. This is to ensure the placement of the two beads and subsequently any additional cutting prior to any ‘bead-raising’ area. This can be seen in the colour pictures taken on the Tiffany styled-wedding band.

Now we have ascertained the placement, now arrives what depth should the graver be used at? The preferred depth should be taken in at least three levels of cutting, each stage should be at least a ‘quarter a graver depth’, or so deeper that the first. My first line of gradual cutting allows me to ascertain the depth for the next two or three cuts.

It is almost like a building foundation in this execution of line drawings. I prefer to keep my graver at a vertical position and no ‘side-angled’ cutting is to take place.

My intention is to cut deep, this is to be used with my separate “Bright-Cutting” Onglette “Right-Sided”- shaped graver.

At every consecutive deeper cut, I will maintain a ‘vertical’ angle of the graver, then allowing sections of metal to be used for ‘space allocation’ for the bead at a later stage of cuttingIn the following pictures you can see little ‘triangles’ of cutting. These are the sections of metal where the bead is to be formed and then raised over the diamond.

In between the holes allocated for the diamonds is an area that is left alone for some bright-cut designs. With my Flat Graver #39 I will, prior to setting of any stone permit my graver to make little rectangle shaped cutting in between the holes for the diamonds.

This will help me to create a little ornamental design that enhances the gold as its rather difficult after the stones are in.

There will be at times a situation where a Flat graver can be used, this is specifically in the cutting in between the two diamond hole areas. Only then you will achieve clean and exacting cutting. Now that you have finished using your rough-cutting graver, we can now use the “Bright-Cutting” process. I prefer to only cut exactly where the line-cutter was used and no other place.you are only now enhancing the original cutting grooves you made prior to this process.

In my previous essays, or articles on this subject I gave detailed explanations of how to “Bright-Cut”, but this might be redundant in explaining this again. But one last piece of information, follow the original Graver cutting with your Onglette graver #1 or #2.

Not to mention keeping your gravers sharp and polished at all times

Gerry Lewy!

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Gerry Lewy

Diamond Setter, Instructor, Author.

With over 56 years experience as a stone setter, Gerald N. Lewy, president of Gemz Diamond Setting, is known throughout the diamond setting community as 'Gerry the Cyber-Setter'. Gerald Lewy started his 9-year apprenticeship with a jewellery manufacturer and tutored by a gentleman 'setter', in Haddon Garden, London England. Gerald has redeveloped himself into more than a master setter; his purpose is now to be a teacher of the art as well. If you have any questions on Diamond / Stone Setting you can contact him through this blog

Latest posts by Gerry Lewy (see all)

• Bead Setting, Bright Cutting, Pave aka Cut ‘n Bead - December 26, 2012
• Symbiotic Relationship between Rough-Cutting and Bright-Cutting - September 8, 2012
• Princess Diamond, 4 – Claw Setting - August 27, 2012