Canada’s Dominion Diamond Mines has unveiled a transaction that would allow it to exit court protection from creditors and access short-term operating funds, which would pave the way to eventually restart its idled Ekati mine in Canada’s Northwest Territories. The company, which owns and operates the iconic Ekati diamond mine and also has a 40% interest in … Read more
A new study by University of Alberta scientists could help guide the search for rare, high-value yellow diamonds in the Canadian North. The researchers, led by PhD student Mei Yan Lai, examined the chemical makeup of stones recovered from the Chidliak and Ekati mines in Northern Canada to get a better understanding of how they formed. … Read more
Amid economic uncertainty, the super-rich are looking to ultra-rare precious gemstones as a ‘safe’ store for their wealth Fine jewellery sales are seeming to weather the coronavirus crisis, thanks to lockdown proposals and demand for precious pieces to mark birthdays and anniversaries. Some jewellers report that people are spending more on gifts than usual, in lieu of ‘proper’ … Read more
The Gemological Institute of America (GIA) has reopened laboratories in five locations following COVID-19 shutdowns. The organization’s labs in Johannesburg and Tokyo recommenced limited operations on May 7, the GIA said Monday. Visitors to the Johannesburg lab must make an appointment, have a permit, and wear a mask. The Tokyo location will accept and return … Read more
The price of super-rare pink diamonds is to set to rocket with the forthcoming closure of the Argyle mine in Western Australia, which has been responsible for 90 per cent of world supplies. Owners Rio Tinto plan to cease production by the end of 2020, when economically-viable reserves will run out.The value of pink diamonds … Read more
Omega’s cult-status Speedmaster is one of the world’s most famous sports watches, along with the iconic Rolex Daytona and Audemars Piguet Royal Oak. Every once in awhile, Omega invites women to enjoy the iconic Speedy with a 38 mm size, and now, for the first time, there is a full gold version of the 38, … Read more
Ernie Blom has won the first stage of a legal battle against the World Federation of Diamond Bourses (WFDB), from which he stepped down as president last month. A court has threatened the WFDB with a $27m fine if it complies with a request to suspend him as a bourse member.Mr Blom challenged the right … Read more
Christie’s is offering the largest D-color diamond to be sold at an online auction. What may be more important is that this sale could establish a new way of selling statement diamonds and gems. A 28.86 carat, D color, VVS1 clarity diamond is the top lot at Christie’s Jewels Online sale, June 16 – 20. … Read more
Lucapa Diamond has recovered a 171 carat gem-quality stone from its prolific Lulo mine in Angola, which was restarted in early May. The miner said the white diamond is the 15th 100-plus carat it has recovered to date from Lulo and the second 100-plus carat precious rock found in 2020. The diamond was recovered from mining block six, where five … Read more
Gem Diamonds has recovered a number of large, high-quality stones at its Letšeng mine in Lesotho, all found in the first week after production resumed following the COVID-19 lockdown. They include a 60-carat, light-yellow, type I diamond, and three D-color, white, type II diamonds weighing 87, 66 and 23 carats, the company said Monday. It … Read more