Brillianteering

Brillianteering refers to the final stages of the diamond cutting process when the star facets along with the upper and lower half facets (also known as upper and lower girdle facets) are polished on the diamond.

Occasionally during this polishing process, the facets are "painted" or "dug out," which can affect the face-up appearance of the diamond. GIA certificates note when this affects a diamond's cut grade.