Transforming Nature’s Gems: a 3-part video series

The first film in the series sets the scene. Mr. Dharmendra Tank, the sixth generation master cutter of the Tank dynasty, opens the parcel of Zambian emeralds, admiring the quality of the rough and sharing the feelings that the material invokes.

Displaying a rich, deep, golden green colour and near-perfect clarity for emeralds, rough of this size is truly a spectacle to behold. Tank Fine Gems vow to bring out the beauty hidden within.

The second film delves into the cutting process itself, which starts in earnest with reflection and contemplation. The team look at the rough in the office, in defined lighting conditions to reassess the beauty within the gem. They use technology, developed in-house, to help plan the next steps, but it’s really the individual’s experience and judgement that makes the difference when carefully examining the rough to get the best possible outcome.

When Mr. Tank is sure of the route to take, the sawing process begins, where the gemstone is cut to remove any unwanted inclusions. This provides a clear glimpse inside the gemstone and guides the next step, which is preforming, where the gem is grinded away to reveal the desired shape and outline.

It’s at this stage that Tank Fine Gems differentiate themselves within the trade, as the company is willing to sacrifice a higher yield in the pursuit of perfection, favouring fewer inclusions and a cleaner finish. Finally, after precise faceting and fine polishing, we see a gemstone to be truly proud of.

The third film in the series presents the culmination of a month’s hard work: two show-stopping cushion cut emeralds, created from two of the most incredible pieces of rough, exhibiting truly exceptional colour and clarity.