The First Polishing Process (16.08)
It is believed that the first diamond polishing (grinding) process took place in India in the 17th century, using a large wheel (or scaife) powered by four men. Reputedly, a treadle-driven pewter wheel was used to polish a stone. The man-power on the wheels were then replaced by donkeys or horses, then by steam engines in the nineteenth century. Today all diamond cutting benches are powered by electric motors.
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