The first diamond was produced at the Gomel-based enterprise "Kristall" over half a century ago. There were only seven such plants in the entire Soviet Union. Now, only two are operational. One is in Smolensk, and the other is in the city on the Sozh River. Last November, Alexander Lukashenko visited "Kristall". The President was shown all stages of production. In the new release of the BELTA YouTube project "As a Matter of Fact: The President's Decisions", we will tell you how laser technologies are used in diamond processing, what shape a diamond can have, and for whom gold bars are minted in Gomel.
What allows the Belarusian "Kristall" to compete with global diamond manufacturers
India accounts for 90% of all diamond processing worldwide. In Gomel, not only has this sector been preserved since the Soviet era, but a jewelry production line has also been launched using its own funds. Today, jewelry accounts for 80% of production, and diamond processing for 20%. Let's start with diamond production.
"Rough diamonds arrive at the enterprise, undergo examination and marking. During marking, the overall processing approach for diamond gemstones is determined. As part of modernization, we acquired laser equipment and automated the rough diamond blank preparation system. The use of laser technologies allows us to minimize the human factor in decision-making, thereby increasing processing accuracy. At the same time, the new 4P machines will allow combining 3-4 operations at once. These include facet grinding, rough top and bottom faceting, as well as rough girdling," said Sergey Voskovtsov, Head of the Production and Technology Department of OJSC "Gomel Production Association "Kristall" - Managing Company of "Kristall-Holding" Holding.
Thanks to modern technologies, the enterprise can compete with global diamond manufacturers. Technical re-equipment ensures the quality and speed of work.
"Previously, with mechanical processing, stones were prepared for faceting to almost 60%, but the introduction of laser technologies allows increasing the stone's readiness to 80-85%," noted Sergey Voskovtsov.
What unique professions can be found at the Gomel "Kristall"
Manual labor is indispensable in diamond processing. The professions here are unique, one might say, bespoke. They can only be mastered directly at the production site.
Faceted stone cutter, polisher, marker. What unusual professions exist at the Gomel "Kristall"
"All our professions are unusual because they are very rare and highly specialized. It is difficult to find them in other industries. It is clear that a cutter, a rougher, a polisher, a marker are highly specialized professions that are only applied to precious or semi-precious stones. However, we do not process semi-precious stones. There are not many enterprises in Belarus that are engaged in this. Offhand, there are two or three enterprises that process synthetics and semi-precious stones," emphasized Sergey Voskovtsov.
Diamond cutters undergo the longest training, about six months. This amount of time is necessary to acquire basic skills. And only after five years will a specialist reach the required professional level.
"I became a cutter after school. I got a job as a cutter apprentice and underwent practical training for six months. Then I passed the qualification exam and became a diamond and brilliant cutter. It was very difficult at first. But then I got used to it. The main thing is perseverance and attentiveness. Here, you have to sit for eight hours, practically without getting up. Precision of movements is also important. All this comes with experience," said Igor Pershin, a diamond cutter who was awarded the medal "For Labour Merits".
How the production process is organised at a diamond processing enterprise
First, a specialist assesses the diamond's characteristics. Based on this data, a 3D model of the future brilliant is created. Then, laser machines and specialists with golden hands get to work. The most in-demand brilliant size is from 2 to 5 mm.
"The diamond arrives for primary processing. Usually, it is sawn in half, after which it is polished. Then the rougher processes it, giving it shape. There are various shapes. But mostly round ones – this is classic cutting. Then the cutter sets 57 facets. This is done at a specific angle. Everything must be precise and beautiful," explained Igor Pershin.
The work of the masters here does not go unnoticed. Last year, two employees of the enterprise were awarded medals "For Labour Merits" – jeweller Sergey Vladimtsev and diamond cutter Igor Pershin.
"When I received the medal, I was happy, of course. To work for so many years... And then to be awarded for my labour. I was congratulated, of course, they were happy for me. Not everyone is granted such an honour," said Igor Pershin.
"Not everyone is capable of such work. It requires perseverance and good eyesight. And generally, one must have very good health. Every year, our employees undergo a medical examination, which confirms their suitability for the profession," said Sergey Voskovtsov.
According to him, defects are possible during production, but they are correctable: "If a person has not fulfilled the technologist's task, has cut a facet incorrectly, or has deviated from the specified diameter, it is clear that they have caused certain damage. They are credited with a violation and are subject to a bonus reduction. But all this can be rectified."
What affects the cost of a cut diamond
Each stone, regardless of size, has 57 facets. Diamonds that shimmer with all the colours of the rainbow are particularly valued. The higher the intensity of a diamond's colour, the more expensive it is. There are four parameters that influence the price. These are weight, clarity, colour, and cut quality.
"For the enterprise, the cost of the rough diamonds we purchase, as well as the costs of their processing, are of great importance. But if we consider this issue in a global context, there are established price lists where discounts and surcharges depend on the situation on the world market. We have a diamond sorting bureau that sorts them by colour, cut quality, and so on. And, based on the price list approved at the enterprise, its price is formed. After that, a surcharge is applied to the diamond depending on the global market conditions during its sale," noted Sergey Voskovtsov.
Where Belarusian diamonds are exported
The enterprise processes 25,000 carats of rough diamonds per year. The output is approximately 10,500 carats of polished diamonds. Primarily, Yakutian diamonds are used. They are considered the best in the world in terms of quality. However, there are also alternative markets.
"Zimbabwe today is one of the leading countries in gold and diamond mining. They pray to us. They have received a record grain harvest today and, for the first time in history, thanks to us, our technology, and our assistance, they have fed their people with bread. A very rich country! Naturally, we have a great interest there in your raw materials as well. The road is paved! A huge window to Zimbabwe has been opened. If you need anything, just say so. We need to work. We will support and help you," assured the President of Belarus to the employees of "Kristall," with whom he communicated during a working trip to Gomel last November.
What Lukashenko was shown at the jewelry factory in Gomel. Details of the presidential visit to "Kristall"
Some of the diamonds are exported (mainly to Russia), and some are used for the production of jewelry. Rings, earrings, and bracelets are sold through their own retail network. One of the latest stores opened at the end of last year in the shopping center "Pershy Natsyyanalny Handlevy Dom." On the first day of its operation, Alexander Lukashenko visited the shopping center. The President of Belarus once again emphasized the importance of preserving diamond processing in the country.
Why jewelry production requires constant modernization
There are subtleties in the jewelry industry. Some jewelry is made by stamping. Others are cut from gold tubing. For example, wedding rings. The most modern method is the development of 3D models. Thanks to this technology, it is possible to manufacture items of absolutely any shape and size.
"Modernization of jewelry production is ongoing. It cannot be said that we carried out modernization in 2023 and reached some peak. Everything in the world is changing, technologies are developing, and the modernization of any production, not only jewelry and diamond processing, must be carried out systematically, regularly, and constantly. Every six months, something new is created in the world, and new technologies are introduced into production to keep pace with the times. We also try to do this, to carry out modernization, and to master new products," said Yuri Dedov, Deputy General Director of Gomel Production Association "Kristall" - Management Company of Holding "Kristall-Holding."
Why jewelry production requires constant modernization
In 2022, Kristall began producing stamped gold bars. Each bar weighs from 1 to 100 g. Customers include the National Bank and the Ministry of Finance. Previously, gold bars were purchased from Europe.
Thanks to modernization and reduced production costs, production volumes are not declining. The enterprise manufactures about 300 types of jewelry. They are constantly working on new models and finding solutions even under sanctions pressure.
"We are located on the border with Europe. The equipment used at our enterprise is imported. Sometimes, imported consumables and components are required. Often, alternatives do not always work well or compromise product quality. Therefore, we are very meticulous in selecting alternatives and always conduct test runs," said Yuri Dedov.
Why Lukashenko is confident that Belarusian jewelry can surpass the global level
The enterprise is also developing industrial tourism. For obvious reasons, the workshops where precious metals are processed in large volumes are closed to outsiders. However, visitors can see most of the production process. In turn, Alexander Lukashenko sets an ambitious goal for the enterprise's employees: to increase production and surpass the global level.
Can we compete with global diamond producers? Explained at the Kristall jewelry factory
"We will purchase the most modern equipment. And a bold thought has occurred to me, which I must share with you: we will not just reach the global level of production for your products, we must surpass this level. We can do it. We will invest funds, invest in you, but we will also demand results. So that you produce products above the global level," Alexander Lukashenko expressed his confidence in the future of Belarusian diamond processing and jewelry production in Belarus during his communication with the employees of the Gomel jewelry factory Kristall in November last year.
*This project was created using funds from a targeted levy for the production of national content.
Source: belta.by