Cleaving
Cleaving is an important skill in diamond processing where specialists split rough diamonds into smaller pieces along their natural grain lines. Think of it like splitting wood along its natural grain, but with precious stones. This technique is used to either remove flawed sections or to create smaller, more manageable pieces for further processing. It's one of the first steps in diamond cutting and requires extensive experience since mistakes can be very costly. When you see this term in resumes, it indicates someone has experience in the initial stages of diamond processing.
Examples in Resumes
Performed cleaving operations on rough diamonds valued up to $500,000
Supervised cleaving department and trained junior diamond cutters
Specialized in cleaving of large rough diamonds over 10 carats
Typical job title: "Diamond Cleavers"
Also try searching for:
Where to Find Diamond Cleavers
Professional Associations
Job Boards
Industry Networks
Example Interview Questions
Senior Level Questions
Q: How do you evaluate a rough diamond to determine the optimal cleaving points?
Expected Answer: A senior cleaver should explain how they assess crystal structure, inclusions, and natural grain lines to maximize value while minimizing risk. They should mention using both visual inspection and technical tools.
Q: Describe a situation where you had to make a difficult decision about cleaving a valuable stone.
Expected Answer: Should demonstrate decision-making ability, risk assessment, and explain how they balance potential value against safety considerations when working with expensive rough diamonds.
Mid Level Questions
Q: What safety procedures do you follow when cleaving diamonds?
Expected Answer: Should describe proper handling procedures, use of safety equipment, workplace protocols, and methods to protect both the diamond and themselves during the cleaving process.
Q: How do you determine if a diamond should be cleaved or sawn?
Expected Answer: Should explain the factors that influence this decision, such as crystal structure, presence of inclusions, and potential yield considerations.
Junior Level Questions
Q: What basic tools are used in diamond cleaving?
Expected Answer: Should be able to identify and explain the use of basic cleaving tools like scoring tools, cleaving blade, and magnification equipment.
Q: What are the first steps you take when examining a rough diamond for cleaving?
Expected Answer: Should demonstrate basic understanding of initial assessment procedures, including examining the stone under proper lighting and magnification.
Experience Level Indicators
Junior (0-2 years)
- Basic diamond assessment
- Understanding of crystal structure
- Use of basic cleaving tools
- Safety procedures
Mid (2-5 years)
- Independent cleaving of medium-sized stones
- Reading diamond grain patterns
- Quality assessment
- Problem-solving with challenging stones
Senior (5+ years)
- Handling high-value stones
- Training and supervising others
- Complex cleaving decisions
- Risk assessment and management
Red Flags to Watch For
- No formal training in diamond handling
- Lack of knowledge about diamond crystal structure
- Poor understanding of safety protocols
- No experience with quality assessment tools
Related Terms
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