We are pleased to introduce Joerg Pausch, Synova’s Diamond Business Unit Expert. With more than 15 years of experience in international business development and over a decade dedicated to the diamond industry at Synova, Joerg has built in-depth expertise in both natural and lab-grown diamond manufacturing.
In this interview, he discusses the latest developments in the diamond market, the challenges faced by manufacturers, and the role of Synova’s Laser MicroJet® technology in improving precision, yield, and productivity.
You joined Synova as our Diamond Business Unit Expert. Could you tell us a bit about your background and what led you to specialize in the diamond industry?
I joined Synova in March 2011 as Sales Director, with a strong background in capital equipment sales and international business development. In 2012, during a strategic reorganization of Synova’s market approach, I was appointed Head of the Diamond Business Unit.
At that time, my knowledge of diamonds was rather limited to their traditional perception as gemstones in jewelry. However, this initial distance proved to be an advantage—it allowed me to approach the industry with a fresh perspective, focusing on the technical and industrial aspects rather than legacy practices.
Over the years, I have developed deep expertise in diamond manufacturing processes, engaging closely with customers across the value chain, from mining and rough processing to high-precision applications. This hands-on exposure, combined with Synova’s unique Laser MicroJet technology, enabled me to specialize in a field where material science, precision engineering, and market dynamics intersect in a fascinating way.
How would you describe today’s diamond industry, and what key trends are currently shaping the market and its value chain?
The diamond industry today is undergoing significant transformation, both structurally and technologically. One of the most impactful trends is the rapid growth of lab-grown diamonds, which are reshaping pricing structures, supply chains, and consumer perception.
At the same time, the natural diamond segment is increasingly focusing on traceability, sustainability, and branding to maintain its premium positioning. Digitalization and automation are also becoming more prominent across the value chain, particularly in manufacturing and sorting.
From an industrial perspective, diamond materials are gaining importance in high-performance applications such as electronics, thermal management, and advanced tooling. These emerging applications demand higher precision and consistency, which in turn drives the adoption of more advanced manufacturing technologies.
How do different diamond segments — natural, lab-grown, and industrial diamonds — influence manufacturing requirements and the way these materials need to be processed?
Each segment comes with distinct characteristics and therefore different manufacturing requirements. Natural diamonds are highly variable in shape, size, and internal structure, requiring flexible and adaptive processing methods to maximize yield. Precision and careful planning are critical to preserve value.
Lab-grown diamonds, on the other hand, offer greater uniformity and predictability. This allows for more standardized, scalable manufacturing processes and opens the door to automation and higher throughput.
Industrial diamonds – whether natural or synthetic – are primarily used for functional applications. Here, the focus shifts from aesthetics to performance, with strict requirements on geometry, edge quality, and structural integrity. Processing methods must ensure minimal damage and high repeatability.
What are the main manufacturing challenges diamond producers face today in terms of precision, yield, and material loss?
One of the core challenges in diamond processing is balancing precision with yield. Diamonds are extremely valuable materials, so any unnecessary loss directly impacts profitability.
Conventional cutting methods often introduce mechanical stress, heat-affected zones, or micro-cracks, which can compromise both yield and quality. Achieving high precision while minimizing subsurface damage remains a critical challenge. Additionally, the increasing demand for complex geometries and thinner structures, especially in industrial applications, requires technologies that can deliver consistent results without compromising material integrity.
Which diamond applications are particularly well suited for Synova’s Laser MicroJet technology, and what limitations do conventional machining methods typically face in these cases?
Synova’s Laser MicroJet technology is particularly well suited for high-precision cutting and shaping of diamonds, including applications such as sawing of rough stones, shaping of polished diamonds, and processing of CVD diamond wafers for industrial use. It is also highly effective in manufacturing diamond tools and components where edge quality and dimensional accuracy are critical.
Conventional methods, such as mechanical sawing or dry laser cutting, often struggle with issues like chipping, thermal damage, and limited precision. These limitations can lead to lower yields and additional post-processing steps.
In contrast, the Laser MicroJet combines a laser beam with a water jet, enabling cool, controlled machining with minimal mechanical and thermal impact.
What convinces diamond manufacturers to adopt Laser MicroJet technology, and how does it impact yield, efficiency, and overall value creation?
The key driver for adoption is the clear value proposition in terms of yield improvement and process quality. By significantly reducing chipping and micro-cracking, Laser MicroJet technology helps manufacturers recover more usable material from each diamond. This directly translates into higher profitability, especially when processing high-value stones or expensive CVD material.
In addition, the technology offers excellent edge quality and reduces the need for secondary finishing processes, improving overall efficiency. The stability and repeatability of the process also support automation and scalability in production environments. Ultimately, customers recognize that investing in advanced processing technology is not just about cost, it is about maximizing the value of every carat processed.
Looking ahead, what developments do you expect will have the greatest impact on diamond processing and manufacturing, and how is Synova positioned to support these changes?
Looking forward, several developments will shape the future of diamond processing. The continued growth of lab-grown diamonds will drive the need for scalable, high-throughput manufacturing solutions. At the same time, increasing quality requirements in both jewelry and industrial applications will demand even higher precision and consistency.
Automation, digital integration, and data-driven process optimization will also play a key role in improving efficiency and traceability. Synova is well positioned to support these trends through its unique Laser MicroJet technology, which combines precision, flexibility, and minimal material loss. Continuous innovation in system integration, process control, and application development ensures that we can meet the evolving needs of both traditional and emerging diamond markets.
