Democratic Sentinel, Volume 11, Number 42, Rensselaer, Jasper County, 11 November 1887 — Where Diamonds Are Polished. [ARTICLE]

Where Diamonds Are Polished.

One of the great industries of Amsterdam is the cutting and polishing of diamonds; and nearly all" the finest diamonds in the world are brought here to be cut into shape. We will make a visit to one of the principal diamond establishments, and when we get there I think we shall be surprised to find a great factory, four or five stories high, a steam-engine in the basement, and fly-wheels, and leathern bands, and all sorts of whirring machinery in the different stories. On the very top floor the diamonds are finished and polished, and here we see skillful workmen sitting before rapidly revolving disks of steel, against which the diamonds are pressed and polished. It requires great skill, time, and patience before one of these valuable gems is got into that shape in which it will best shine, sparkle, and show its purity. Nearly half the diamonds produced in the world, the best of which come from Brazil, are sent to this factory to be cut and polished. Here the great Koh-i-noor was cut; and we are shown models of that and of other famous diamonds that were cut in these rooms.— Frank R. Stockton, in St. Ni hblas.