I think the phrase is figurative. The immediate figurative phrase I think of, which is quite similar to this one, is 'Iron sharpens iron'. This phrase is usually used when you refer to things which are alike, influencing each other. In my language, IsiZulu, we'd say 'Izandla ziyagezana', which is directly translated to 'One hand washed the other'.
Simply put, the phrase diamond cuts diamond could mean that one thing makes the other better, and the other does likewise. This mutually benefits both parties.