Miory Regional Executive Committee

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 over the Sozh River. Last November, Alexander Lukashenko visited "Kristall." The President was shown all stages of production. In the new issue of BELTA's YouTube project "As a Matter of Fact: The First'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

90% of all diamond processing in the world is concentrated in India. In Gomel, they not only preserved this industry from the Soviet era but also launched jewelry production using their own funds. Today, jewelry accounts for 80%, and diamond processing for 20%. Let's start with diamond production.

"Rough diamonds are received at the enterprise, where they undergo examination and marking. During marking, the overall processing plan for diamond gemstones is determined. As part of modernization, we acquired laser equipment and automated the rough diamond blank peeling system. The use of laser technologies allows us to minimize the human factor in decision-making, thereby increasing processing accuracy. At the same time, new 4P machines will combine 3-4 operations at once. These include facet polishing, rough top and bottom faceting, as well as rough girdling," said Sergey Voskovtsov, Head of the Production and Technology Department of OJSC "Gomel Crystal Production Association" - 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.

"If previously, with mechanical processing, stones were prepared for faceting by almost 60%, then 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, one-of-a-kind. They can only be mastered directly at the production site.

Polisher, grinder, marker. What unusual professions exist at Gomel's "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 polisher, rougher, grinder, marker are narrow specialties that are only applied to precious or semi-precious stones. But 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 polishers 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 polisher after school. I got a job as a trainee polisher and underwent an internship for six months. Then I passed the qualification exam and became a diamond and brilliant polisher. At first, it was very difficult. But then I got used to it. The main thing is perseverance and attentiveness. We have to sit for eight hours, so to speak, without getting up. The precision of movements is also important. All this comes with experience," said Igor Pershin, a diamond-to-brilliant polisher, who was awarded the medal "For Labor Merits."

How the production process is organized 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 begin their work. The most in-demand brilliant size is from 2 to 5 mm.

"The diamond undergoes primary processing. Usually, it is sawn in half, then polished. After that, a rough diamond cutter shapes it. There are various shapes. But mostly round ones – this is the classic cut. Then the diamond cutter creates 57 facets. This is done at a specific angle. Everything must be precise and beautiful," said Igor Pershin.
The work of the local masters does not go unnoticed. Last year, two employees of the enterprise were awarded medals "For Labor Merits" – jeweler Sergey Vladymtsev 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 labor. I was congratulated, of course, they were happy for me. Not everyone is granted such an honor," said Igor Pershin.

"Not everyone is capable of such work. It requires perseverance and good eyesight. And in general, one must have very good health. Every year, our employees undergo a medical examination that confirms their suitability for the profession," said Sergey Voskovtsov.
According to him, defects are possible during production, but they are correctable: "If an employee fails to complete the technologist's task, cuts a facet incorrectly, or deviates from the specified diameter, it is clear that they have caused certain damage. They are cited for a violation and are penalized. But all this can be corrected."

What affects the cost of a cut diamond

Each stone, regardless of size, has 57 facets. Diamonds that shimmer with all the colors of the rainbow are especially valued. The higher the intensity of the diamond's color, the more expensive it is. There are four parameters that affect the price. These are weight, clarity, color, and cut quality.

"The cost of the diamond raw materials we purchase, as well as the costs of their processing, are of great importance to the enterprise. But if we consider this issue in a global context, there are certain price lists where discounts and markups depend on the situation in the world market. We have a diamond sorting bureau that sorts them by color, cut quality, and so on. And, based on the price list approved at the enterprise, its price is formed. After that, a markup is applied to the diamond depending on the world market conditions during its sale," noted Sergey Voskovtsov.
Where Belarusian diamonds are exported to

The enterprise processes 25 thousand carats of diamond raw materials per year. The output is about 10.5 thousand carats of diamonds. Yakutian diamonds are mainly used. They are considered the best in the world in terms of quality. But there are also alternative markets.

"Zimbabwe today is one of the main countries for gold and diamond mining. They pray to us. They have achieved a record grain harvest this year and, for the first time in history, thanks to us, our equipment, and our help, 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 way is paved! The biggest window to Zimbabwe is open. If you need anything, just say the word. 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 the company's own retail network. One of the latest stores opened at the end of last year in the shopping center "Pershy Natsyyanalny Handlovy Dom." On the first day of its operation, the shopping center was visited by Alexander Lukashenko. The President of Belarus once again emphasized the importance of preserving diamond processing in the country.
Why jewelry production requires constant modernization

The jewelry industry has its own subtleties. 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 products 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 kind of peak. Everything in the world is changing, technologies are developing, and the modernization of any production, not only jewelry and diamond processing, must be systematic, regular, and continuous. Every six months, something is created in the world, new technologies are introduced in 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 Kristall-holding.

Why jewelry production requires constant modernization

In 2022, Kristall began producing commemorative gold bars by stamping. Each weighing from 1 to 100 g. Customers are the National Bank and the Ministry of Finance. Previously, gold bars were purchased in Europe.
Thanks to modernization and a reduction in production costs, production volumes are not decreasing. The enterprise produces about 300 types of jewelry. They are constantly working on new models. And they find solutions even under sanctions pressure.

"We are on the border with Europe. The equipment used at our enterprise is imported. Sometimes some imported consumables and components are required. Often, analogues do not always work well or work to the detriment of product quality. Therefore, we are very meticulous in selecting analogues and always conduct test runs," said Yuri Dedov.
Why Lukashenko is confident that Belarusian jewelry can surpass the world level

Industrial tourism is also being developed at the enterprise. For obvious reasons, 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 task for the enterprise's employees: to increase production and surpass the world level.

Can we compete with global diamond producers? This was discussed at the Kristall jewelry factory.

"We will buy the most modern equipment. And such a bold thought has crept into my mind, I must voice it to you: we will not just reach the world level of production of your products, we must surpass this level. We can do it. We will invest funds, invest in you, but we will also demand. So that you produce products above the world level," Alexander Lukashenko expressed confidence in the future of Belarusian diamond processing and jewelry production during his meeting with employees of the Gomel Kristall jewelry factory in November last year.

*The project was created using funds from a targeted collection for the production of national content.

Source: belta.by