The stonecutters

	Antwerp also houses the most famous stonecutters worldwide. Despite the competition coming from countries with cheap labour forces, Antwerp maintains its reputation in terms of quality. Most large diamonds are shaped there: from 1 carat upwards… Many companies based in Antwerp have invested in cutting houses in Vietnam, India, Thailand…
They've had to cope with many difficulties related to linguistics, attitude, infrastructure (lack of electricity), supplies, and staff (imported executives are often demanding) … they also have to face the public authorities' ignorance. This is particularly the case for Customs and Ministries. On top of that, you need to add the shipping and insurance fees… These countries present an inconvenience since they are only diamond producers and not consumers.
Automation will result in the fading of the XX century's familiar cutting houses, in favour of fully equipped laboratories. However, this phenomenon will be profitable for the consumer: shaping will become cheaper and the finish even better; rough diamonds will be analysed on computers and then shaped with a laser. Gross profitability will consequently be optimal, relying on more scientific basis that takes every parameter of the diamond into account: colour, weight, shape and flawlessness.