Quebec diamond plant opens

First Canadian Diamond Cutting Works, billed as Canada’s first fully integrated diamond cutting and polishing factory, has opened in Montreal.

First Canadian has recruited experienced diamond cutters from Belgium to work at the factory, where they will make use of computer-assisted brutting machines (whereby diamonds are roughly shaped by rubbing one against the other), computerized diamond classification equipment and specially calibrated cutting tables. Eventually, the company hopes to train local workers to cut and polish diamonds.

“Our efforts will result in a new era of lower prices for North America’s leading diamond merchants,” says co-owner Samuel Gniwisch.

The other owners are Berel Gansbourg and Mayer Gniwisch, the former manager of Transvaal Diamond Cutting Works in South Africa.