DIAMOND CUTTING 33
old-fashioned dop of soft metal must still be used.
By
a perfect diamond is meant in the trade a diamond without flaw or spot
which can be discovered by using an ordinary watchmaker's glass by a
person whose eyes are ordinarily strong. Scientifically the perfect
diamond does not exist, as all diamonds must show imperfections if a
glass powerful enough be used. Imperfections, termed flaws or feathers, are
due to carbon spots or minute cracks. Commercially, perfect diamonds
or slightly imperfect and even imperfect diamonds are equally staple
and salable. The actual value of the stone is of course determined by
its color, brilliancy, freedom from discernible imperfections or
conspicuousness of flaws if they exist, and size.
The
question often comes up whether diamonds used in the United States can
best be bought by diamond merchants from cutters in America or from the
cutters in Europe. To those who have made a study of the question there
can be no doubt that in sizes from one half a carat and larger, the
American cutters, if properly equipped, are able to produce and deliver
finished diamonds to the trade in the United States cheaper than the
same goods
