The Manufacturing Shift

The diamond centers of old, primarily Antwerp and Amsterdam, were once host to a large-scale network of local manufacturers and craftsmen. Most diamonds that arrived in these centers were also cut and polished in Europe. However, as the world has gotten more globalized, and as a way to save costs, the vast majority of diamond manufacturing (cutting and polishing) moved abroad to save on labor costs. India is the leading nation today in diamond manufacturing. Much to the dismay of the local old-school craftsmen in Antwerp, Indian diamond companies have become multi-billion dollar entities, a power in their own right. In addition to India, diamond processing centers in China and Dubai are increasing in popularity as the industry continues to shift.