PROUD TO BE.....A CANADIAN DIAMOND

When Canadian history is being taught in schools the names Chuck Fipke and Stewart Blusson are names to be regarded…for one big reason.  These gentlemen are credited for the discovery of the first diamond mine in Canada.  The first diamond rich area found was in Point Lake, Northwest Territories, which later was deemed an uneconomical piece of land.  The largest diamond staking rush began as a result of this find, leading to the discovery of the Ekati Diamond Mine home to 156 kimberlite pipes.  Kimberlite is a rock which sometimes contains diamonds.  The Ekati Mine has produced over 40 million carats of diamonds and Fipke and Blusson own 20% of this mine…  Imagine!    

Did you know diamond mining in Canada was virtually non-existent until the early 1990’s?

After the success of Ekati, more massive mines were opened and fully operational in just 10 years.  Gahcho Kue Diamond Mine is estimated to have a life span of over 11 years and it is anticipated that 54 million carats will be recovered.  In February of 2017, a 68 carat gem quality diamond was mined.

Diavik Mine is one of the largest open pit mines in the world and currently produces 8 million carats and since opening in 2003 it is anticipated to have a life span of 16 to 22 years.  Other smaller mines producing 600,000 carats to 1.4 carats are Renard (Quebec’s first diamond mine), Snap Lake, Victor and Jericho.

LASER INSCRIBED

Many diamonds mined in Canada are documented and have their certificate number laser inscribed on the girdle with a trade logo such as maple leaf, polar bear and CanadaMark to name a few.  This assures consumers of their diamonds origin.

Canadian diamond jewellery has been very popular in the marketplace as people are excited to support an industry of their own country! Oh Canada!!

Did You Know…Vandenbergs has a special celebration of Canadian diamond jewellery for the month of July?   

In celebration of Canada’s Birthday, allow us to take care of all taxes on in-store Canadian Diamond jewellery!