The artists shape and refine gemstones using a progressive abrasion process. This involves the techniques of tumbling, cabochon-cutting and faceting. While technology helps hone the result, gem-cutters still cut and shape raw stones by hand using diamond-embedded tools. They refine the stone using shaping wheels. They create facets and polish them in a barrel with water and a grinding/polishing medium. The intricate details are checked with a magnifying glass, before the gems are given a final polish.