In a world where technology has taken over nearly every step of the diamond journey, something beautiful has quietly slipped away — the slow, intentional craft of cutting and polishing diamonds.
At Corlia Roberts Diamond Education, we believe that some things are too valuable to be forgotten.
That’s why we’re proud to introduce a new course offering dedicated to the timeless techniques that once shaped the world’s most treasured gems — all done by hand, the way master cutters have done it for generations.
Traditional Diamond Cutting & Polishing
Reviving the Craft. Honouring the Hands.
Step into a world where precision meets patience, and brilliance is born through human touch. This immersive course invites you to learn the older, revered techniques of diamond cutting and polishing — the very methods that shaped history’s most treasured gems.
Taught by experts who honour the rhythm and tradition of handcraft, you’ll uncover the secrets of cleaving, bruting, faceting, and polishing — all without the shortcuts of modern machinery. Whether you’re a gem enthusiast, artisan, or aspiring lapidary, this course is your gateway to mastering the skills that once defined an era of craftsmanship.
What You’ll Learn
Step into the shoes of a traditional diamond cutter and polish your skills the old-school way:
- Diamond Sawing – Learn how to carefully saw a rough diamond using heritage techniques that require patience, precision, and a steady hand.
- Bruting by Hand – Discover how to round the diamond’s girdle using the age-old method of bruting, where one diamond shapes another.
- Classic Faceting – Understand the timeless geometry of facet placement and how to unlock a stone’s brilliance without relying on modern automation.
- Traditional Polishing – Work with the original polishing wheel — the scaife — and master the feel, rhythm, and finesse needed to bring a diamond to life.
- Tools of the Trade – Explore traditional tools and their uses, from early saws to polishing tangs, learning to trust your hand and eye.
- Philosophy of Craftsmanship – Embrace a deeper understanding of the artisan’s mindset — where every cut is intentional, and every polish tells a story.
Bridging Eras: Where Old-School Craft Meets Modern Innovation
In a time when artificial intelligence and high-precision machinery are revolutionizing the diamond industry, it’s easy to forget how it all began — with hands, intuition, and the steady rhythm of tradition.
At Corlia Roberts, we believe the future of diamonds lies not in choosing between old and new, but in understanding both.
Our new Diamond Cutting and Polishing Course revives the traditional techniques of sawing, bruting, faceting, and polishing — while also acknowledging the powerful role of AI, laser technology, and data-driven design in today’s diamond pipeline.
While this course focuses on traditional methods, we also believe it’s vital to understand how modern technology is reshaping the industry:
- AI in diamond grading is improving accuracy and objectivity
- Laser sawing is increasing precision and reducing weight loss
- Sarine Technology is transforming how diamonds are planned and cut
- Automation is streamlining mass production — but can’t replace human artistry
By learning the why behind each traditional step, you’ll gain the foundation needed to make sense of — and intelligently work alongside — the machines of today.
Understanding Modern Systems: Sarine & OGI Technology
While traditional diamond cutting is all about the human touch, modern systems like Sarine and OGI have revolutionized how we analyze and plan rough stones.
In this course, we don’t ignore technology — we teach you how to speak its language, so you can confidently move between the old-world craft and today’s cutting-edge innovations.
Sarine Systems
Sarine technology uses 3D scanning and AI-based analysis to evaluate rough diamonds, simulate cutting options, and maximize yield. You’ll learn how to interpret these scans and understand how a diamond planner makes strategic decisions using this data.
OGI Systems
OGI is widely used in rough planning and polished diamond analysis. You’ll explore how these systems calculate proportions, angles, and symmetry — and how their data aligns with or differs from what the eye sees in hand-cut stones.
Why It Matters
By understanding both manual craftsmanship and digital diagnostics, you’ll become a more versatile professional — able to operate in traditional workshops or high-tech cutting labs, or even blend the two in your own practice.
This dual knowledge gives you a competitive edge in today’s global diamond industry.
Who Is This Course For?
This course is perfect for:
- Aspiring cutters
- Diamond traders and dealers
- Diamond evaluation students
- Artisans who want to understand both heritage and innovation
Where is the Course Offered?
This course is taught in South Africa at the Corlia Roberts training centre, with limited seats to ensure one-on-one, focused instruction. You’ll receive an internationally recognized certificate upon completion, making it ideal for both personal development and professional advancement.
Why This Course Is Different
Most diamond courses teach only the modern way.
This one teaches you why the modern way works — by showing you where it all began.
By the end of this course, you’ll understand the artistry behind every facet and the intelligence behind every algorithm. You’ll be fluent in tradition — and ready for the future.
Book Your Spot — Limited Spaces Available!
Because this is a hands-on, heritage-focused course, space is limited to ensure individual guidance.
👉 Chat with us on WhatsApp to reserve your seat, ask questions, or find out if this course is right for you.
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