The brilliance of Canadian diamond rings is said to mimic the mysterious and enchanting glow of the Northern Lights. This is a bit of a romantic notion, as it is actually the cut of the diamond, not its national identity, that makes it shine like a North Star. Still, Canadian diamonds are among the whitest in the world. Thanks to strict government regulations in the Northwest Territories, they are also of very high quality. This Canadian reputation for integrity means that Canadian diamond rings compete well in the gemstone jewelry market.
Canadian diamonds are also quite special because they are only in their thirties. Before their discovery in northern Arctic Canada in 1985, the best quality diamonds came from South Africa. This monopoly was ended when two Canadian geologists, Charles Fipke and his partner Stuart Blusson, discovered a large vein of kimberlite near Lac De Gras in the Yukon, Canada. This discovery was exciting as kimberlite is the ideal stone growing medium for high quality diamonds. Shortly after this, in 1991, another source of kimberlite diamonds was found at Nunavit in the Northwest Territories.
The money to mine these diamonds comes from the Canadian
the government and the gemstones that are produced are also certified by the government body. This means that unlike many diamonds you can buy today, the Canadian diamond can be traced back to the diamond from which it was mined. Canadian diamonds are also engraved with a serial number, as well as a small microscopic image of a polar bear or a maple leaf. All diamonds mined in this conscientious country come with a triple Canadian guarantee, which ensures the quality and purity of the rock.
In the past thirty years, Canada has become one of the top three producers of gemstone quality diamonds in the world. Although South Africa produces the largest amount of diamonds, many of them are for industrial and technological uses. Canada is currently the third largest producer of ring diamonds behind Botswana and Russia.
Two of Canada’s largest diamond mines are located very close to and north of the city of Yellowknife in the Northwest Territories. Two mines are operated in this area: the Diavik and Ekati mines. The third large mine, called Jericho-3, started mining operations in 2005 in Nunavut. A fourth mine called Snap Lake-4, which is located in northern Ontario (and well south of the other three diamond mines) is scheduled to begin production in 2007.
Charles Fipke and Stewart Blusson, the geologists who originally discovered the kimberlite vein, own Canada’s first diamond mine, the Ekati mine, along with Australian mining conglomerate BHP Billton. This hidden treasure is expected to be in production for the next two decades. It currently produces four percent of the world’s fine diamonds.
The Diavik mine is cooperatively owned by a British miner called Rio Tinto PLC and Aber Diamond Corp, which is based in Toronto, Ontario. It has been in production since 2003. It produces 8,000,000 carats of diamonds. This mine sells gemstones worth $ 100,000,000 a year. This mine is expected to be in production for the next two decades and is currently responsible for providing 5% of the world’s gemstone quality diamonds.
The Jericho-3 mine is located near the northern end of Lake Contwoyto in West Kitikmeot in the Canadian territory of Nunavut. It is operated by the Tahera Diamond Corporation, which has been investigating the feasibility of operating the mine year-round in the harsh climate of Nunavit. It has only been in business for several months, but is projected to be a generous resource of sparkling diamonds for at least the next eight years.
You know that a diamond deposit is very valuable when DeBeers decides to get in on the action. The Snap Lake mine, which is scheduled to open next year, is owned and operated by the giant South African mining company. This particular mine is located under a lake in the James Bay Lowlands of Northern Ontario. The closest community is the coastal town of Attawapiskat. This mine, which requires a great deal of technological innovation to extract Canadian diamonds from under tons of water, apparently has a rich deposit of gems that will be produced for at least eight years.
One of the best things about this mine is that they have come a long way to make the Indians, Indians and Eskimos of Canada quite wealthy. The mines provide high-income jobs with an average salary of $ 63,000. These are permanent jobs that are currently run by Aboriginal peoples like the Dene First Nation. When you buy Canadian diamonds, you are also supporting an indigenous culture.
The relatively recent discoveries of these diamond mines have caused a wave of excitement, not unlike the Yukon Gold Rush. According to Statistics Canada, as of February 2004, prospecting companies around the world were claiming more than 70 million acres in the Northwest Territories and Nunavut. The most dramatic increase in prospecting for diamonds occurs in Nunavut in northern Ontario, where the number of prospecting permits increased to 1,518 in 2004 from just 190 in 2003.
Over the years, Canadian diamonds have earned a great reputation for quality and integrity. As they are traceable, you know that they are not sold to finance terrorism in Angola or other African countries. Canadian diamonds are of very high quality and their most precious feature is their brilliant white color. This is especially true of diamonds that come from the Ekati mines. Its purity and clarity make it a stellar diamond engagement ring.
According to Statistics Canada, between 1998 and 2002, 13.8 million carats of diamonds were mined in Canada for an approximate value of $ 2.8 billion. This means that every day, Canadian mines produce $ 1.5 million worth of diamonds, which is equivalent to a full 1.5 kilogram bag. of gems. Overall, Canada now produces 15% of the world’s diamonds in total and this trend towards prosperity will increase as long as the climate cooperates and these mines can always operate efficiently throughout the year.