Some consumers turn to Canadian diamonds in their quest for ethical diamonds. Learn about their discovery, how diamonds help Canadian communities and how a GIA Diamond Origin Report lets you know if your diamond is a Canadian diamond.

How Were Canadian Diamonds Discovered?
The Rush for Ethical Diamonds
Are Canadian Diamonds Ethical Diamonds?
How Do You Know If Your Diamond is a Canadian Diamond?

The discovery and mining of Canadian diamonds tells the story of the human spirit overcoming nearly insurmountable odds. The Northwest Territories, where most of these diamonds are found, has a subarctic to polar climate. It can be a challenge to survive in the ice and snow of northern Canada, let alone find diamonds.

How Were Canadian Diamonds Discovered?

Canadian exploration geologist Charles Fipke, raced neck-and-neck against De Beers to help discover the first commercially-viable source of Canadian diamonds. Initially hired by Superior Oil to prospect for base metals, gold and diamonds, he ventured out independently with fellow geologist Stewart Blusson when Superior Oil abandoned the search. Through the work they’d done with Superior Oil, Fipke and Blusson knew two things setting out: De Beers was searching for Canadian diamonds in the Northwest Territories, and they were searching in the wrong place.

De Beers had found indicator minerals—minerals such as garnet, ilmenite and chromite that form in the earth’s mantle with diamonds—that suggested diamonds might be nearby. But Fipke and Blusson knew a glacier had swept these minerals over De Beers’ search area tens of thousands of years ago. Their real source could be hundreds of miles away. Fipke and his partner needed to find, before the De Beers team did, a vertical rock formation called a kimberlite pipe. These formations are remnants of ancient volcanoes whose violent eruptions millennia ago transported diamonds and other minerals in magma from deep within the earth to the surface.

Fipke and Blusson continued their search for almost a decade, trekking hundreds of miles, surveying the landscape by air, and spending long hours analyzing samples in the lab when winter came. In April of 1989, a day before their helicopter funds were to run out, Fipke looked down from the sky and saw a small, frozen lake he immediately named Point Lake. It’s steepness and circular shape reminded him of kimberlite pipes he’d seen in South Africa, a world away. Upon landing, he found gems indicating that he was right on top of a diamondiferous, or diamond bearing, pipe. Fipke and Blusson, nearly bankrupt, immediately sought the support of Australian mining conglomerate, BHP Billiton, to fund exploration of the site. Drilling beneath the lake, the company found what Fipke and Blusson had been looking for—kimberlite and soon afterwards, diamonds. The rush for Canadian diamonds had begun.

The Rush for Ethical Diamonds

So many miners flocked to the Canadian diamond site that BHP looped electric wires around the lake to generate a field that disrupted airborne instruments. The discovery of the Point Lake pipe was not profitable in-and-of itself, but it precipitated the discovery of the Ekati mine, which along with Diavik, is one of the largest of the Canadian diamond mines.

From the beginning, the Canadian government was careful to ensure that mining for diamonds would benefit local peoples while minimally impacting the environment. Before mining began, the Ekati project was first reviewed by the federal Department of Indian and Northern Affairs, the Government of the Northwest Territories and four indigenous groups. Mining companies had to agree to restore the habitat to its original state after the lifespan of the mine expires.

Exploration and development of the Ekati diamond mining project started in the early 1980s. Construction of the mine began in 1997 and it officially opened in October 1998. The Diavik mine, located 30 km away from Ekati, was discovered in the 1990s and began operating in 2003. Similarly, its owners committed to a “full and safe closure.” All ore, runways and building materials are to be removed and the fish habitat protected or recreated at the close of the mine. A sign in front of the mine states: “For centuries, people of the North have used the resources wisely…Diavik is continuing that tradition.”

Are Canadian Diamonds Ethical Diamonds?

Due to Canada’s strict environmental and fair labor laws, especially in respect to indigenous peoples, Canadian diamonds have become increasingly popular among consumers looking for ethical diamonds. Ethical diamonds mean different things to different people, but there is a general consensus that ethical diamonds are diamonds that do not fund conflict or terrorism. They are produced in an environmentally-responsible way that ensures those who helped mine and process them are equitably compensated.

Diamonds have had a positive impact on local communities and the Canadian economy. In 2003, the Tilcho Tribe, also known as the Dogribs, signed the Tilcho Agreement with the Canadian government, ensuring the Tilcho people receive 2% of the royalties from the Diavik and Ekati mines as well as royalties from any new mines in the designated area. The agreement included US$115 million (Can$152m) in cash over 15 years and roughly US$3.8 million (Can$5m) in training funds. Tilcho-owned companies also receive preference when contracts are awarded.

As of 2018, the Ekati mine employed around 1,625 people with 44% being residents of the Northwest Territories and 57% of those being indigenous peoples. By 2018, Diavik had spent Can$30 billion on northern indigenous businesses, and 27% of the mine’s workforce were indigenous peoples. The operation continues to create ancillary job opportunities in the Northwest Territories, as it employs workers to bring in supplies by land or boat, build roads and more. A diamond cutting and polishing center has been established in Yellowknife, the Northwest Territory’s capital.

Overall, Canadian diamonds are a vital export that boosts Canada’s economy. In 2018, Canada was the world’s third largest producer of diamonds by value and by volume. Canadian diamond production is currently valued at over US$2 billion annually.

How Do You Know If Your Diamond is a Canadian Diamond?

Knowing a diamond’s 4Cs (Color, Clarity, Cut and Carat Weight) is vital to appreciating its quality and value. But knowing the diamond’s country of origin is just as important. It helps us understand the impact our purchase has on the lives of the people who made these diamonds possible. Canadian diamonds are among the few diamonds that are marketed by origin, and most are traceable from mine to market. Many are inscribed with a maple leaf, polar bear or other Canadian symbol or logo, along with a grading report number, making them clearly identifiable for generations to come.

Another secure way of knowing if your diamond is from Canada is by getting a diamond with a GIA Diamond Origin Report, which not only provides a full and unbiased 4Cs assessment, but also clearly states a diamond’s country of origin. The report is available for select Canadian diamonds, as well as certain diamonds from Botswana, Lesotho, Namibia, Russia and South Africa.

It seems that when Charles Fipke and Stewart Blusson discovered Canadian diamonds at Point Lake, they discovered something else as well—a new way of thinking about diamonds and the way they can transform communities.

The post Where are Diamonds Found? Spotlight on Canadian Diamonds appeared first on GIA 4Cs.

If you’re shopping for a diamond engagement ring and see the price tag, you may wonder, are diamonds rare? Why do they cost so much? Is demand only driven by advertising? Do they have intrinsic value? We look at these questions and more.

In this blog, we cover:
If diamonds are carbon, why are they rare?
Why do diamonds cost so much?
The rarity of colored diamonds
Did advertising create a demand for diamonds?
Why we value diamonds

If diamonds are carbon, why are they rare?

Diamonds are the only gems made of a single element: they are typically about 99.95 percent carbon. The other 0.05 percent can include one or more trace elements, which are atoms that aren’t part of a diamond’s essential chemistry. Some trace elements can influence diamond color or crystal shape.

Carbon is a fairly common mineral in nature. But to crystallize as a diamond, carbon must be subjected to the extremely high temperature and pressure conditions that exist deep beneath the earth’s surface, in the mantle. Under these conditions, each carbon atom forms short, strong bonds with four adjacent carbon atoms. Graphite, another form of carbon, crystalizes at lower temperatures and pressures in the earth’s crust, so its crystal structure is very different. The result is that graphite, which is used in pencils,  is so soft you can write with it, while diamond is so hard you can only scratch it with another diamond.

After the diamonds formed, as far back as 3.5 billion years, some were brought to the surface millions of years ago via volcanic eruptions. Many remained embedded in the solidified igneous rock, typically kimberlite, while others were dispersed over time, moved hundreds and even thousands of miles by rivers and other waterways as the host rock eroded. An untold number did not survive the journey, breaking apart either because of diamond’s cleavage (tendency to break or split because of its atomic structure) or the presence of large inclusions.

Why do diamonds cost so much?

Most mining for diamonds is expensive because of the tremendous volume of ore that must be removed and then processed (crushed and washed) to recover them. Adding another layer of complexity, diamond mines are often in remote areas. Mining in places like the frozen terrain of Siberia and Canada, or remote regions in Africa and Australia, has special challenges – and costs.

In addition, as with most things we purchase, quality and rarity drive price. Low-quality “industrial” diamonds make up the vast majority of rough recovered from most mines. These are unsuitable for use in jewelry. While the ratio of jewelry-quality diamond to ore varies from mine to mine and even within a mine, workers often must process about a ton of rock to recover a piece of gem rough weighing half a carat, which might produce a faceted diamond half that size, or 25 points.

Today, many diamonds are both widely available and very affordable. Yet large, fine-quality diamonds with high clarity and good color are still quite rare.

Depending on the characteristics of the mine, something like 100,000 tons of kimberlite or secondary material may have to be processed to produce a single piece of rough from which a 1 ct D Flawless diamond can be cut. The rarity of such a high-quality diamond will be reflected in its price.

The rarity of colored diamonds

Colored diamonds take the question, “Are diamonds rare?” to the extreme. Most of these spectacular beauties are far rarer than diamonds in the GIA D-to-Z color range. Some experts estimate that fancy-color diamonds represent only two percent of total rough diamond production.

Whereas yellow and brown diamonds are relatively common, all other colors are rare. Red diamonds, green diamonds and blue diamonds with medium to dark tones and moderate saturation are extremely rare. It is difficult to judge relative rarity, but violet, purple and pure orange with no hint of brown are among the rarest diamond colors. Fine pink diamonds are among the most sought after.

The value for these unique beauties is skyrocketing: The 59.60 ct CTF Pink Star (an Internally Flawless Fancy Vivid pink) sold to Chow Tai Fook for $71.2 million in April 2017.

Brown diamonds were typically reserved for industrial use until the 1980s, when Australia’s Argyle mine began to produce attractive browns in abundant quantities. Savvy marketers dubbed them “cognac,” “champagne” and other appealing names that helped create demand for brown diamonds with the jewelry buying public.

Yellow is the second most common fancy color. While abundant compared to other colored diamonds, fancy-color yellow diamonds represent a small portion of overall diamond production. Their beauty and the depths of color in which they occur offer a wide range of options for diamond engagement rings.

Did advertising create a demand for diamonds?

The notion that clever advertising created our desire for diamonds isn’t true. Diamonds’ unique qualities and rarity have made them a coveted gem for centuries. The diamond love affair started in India, where diamonds were gathered from the country’s rivers and streams. Traded as early as the fourth century BCE, diamonds were coveted by the wealthy. Caravans brought Indian diamonds, along with other exotic merchandise, to medieval markets in Venice. By the 1400s, diamonds were becoming fashionable accessories for Europe’s elite, and new discoveries in Brazil in the 1700s continued to fuel desire for the gem.

However, diamonds remained so rare that until they were discovered in South Africa in the 1860s, only aristocrats and the wealthy could afford them. The prolific mines in South Africa – and later discoveries in other African countries, Russia, Australia, Canada and elsewhere – put diamonds in reach of the rapidly expanding middle class.

Why we value diamonds

While advertising did not create our desire for diamonds, it certainly helped fuel the demand for diamonds, especially beginning in the 20^th century. Advertising copywriter Mary Frances Gerety wrote the famous slogan “A diamond is forever” in 1947, and it has appeared in virtually every De Beers ad since. So compelling was the advertising campaign that the diamond engagement ring quickly became the way to express marital love and commitment. In fact, in 1999 Advertising Age named it the top slogan for the 20^th century.

Advertising has been extremely successful in promoting diamonds not only as a symbol of status and luxury, but also as the perfect symbol for a long and successful marriage. But it’s unlikely that advertising would be effective if it didn’t tap into the already deep connection humans have to the inherent qualities of diamond: durability, timelessness, beauty and rarity.

Now that you understand a little bit about diamond rarity, you might want to explore the other factors that determine diamond value: the 4Cs of diamond quality.

The post Are Diamonds Rare? appeared first on GIA 4Cs.

If you’re thinking of proposing, then you’re probably looking at buying a diamond engagement ring. Your search will likely lead you to a jewelry store. Be prepared for some questions as the jeweler tries to help you narrow your choices. And be prepared with questions to ask the jeweler yourself as you make this important decision.

What wuestons will a jeweler ask?
1. Did you just start engagement ring shopping?
2. When do you plan to propose?
3. What is your engagement ring budget?
4. Are you familiar with the 4Cs of diamond quality?
5. Does she want a round brilliant or a fancy shape diamond?

6. What’s her ring style?
7. What color gold does she like?
8. What’s her ring size?

1. Did you just start engagement ring shopping?

More than just a question to break the ice, a jeweler will ask this to get an idea of where you are in the diamond buying process and how much knowledge you might already have. If you’ve just started shopping, don’t be afraid to say so. Any good jeweler will happily describe the steps to selecting an engagement ring and begin educating you about diamond quality, jewelry settings and more.

If you want to get a head start, research diamond engagement rings beforehand. Browse websites. Thumb through magazines. Talk to friends or family who know your beloved’s style.

2. When do you plan to propose?

Before you buy a diamond engagement ring, the jeweler will want to make sure there is sufficient time to create your perfect diamond ring. Engagement rings preset with diamond melee (called semi mounts) are ready to set with the diamond center stone of your choice. This can take anywhere from a few days to a week. A custom ring can take up to six weeks to make, so be sure to plan your proposal accordingly.

3. What is your engagement ring budget?

Many people are embarrassed to talk about money. Don’t be one of them. This is a legitimate question to help you navigate through a wide range of price points. When buying a diamond engagement ring, prices can run anywhere from $500 to $100,000 and more. And given the incredible selection available, it’s tempting to stray into territory beyond your wallet’s reach. Setting a budget – and sticking to it – is essential, and it’s one of the first topics your jeweler will bring up. Answer honestly and don’t feel intimidated. Remember: your goal is to get the best quality engagement ring for your money. A good jeweler will ask you these questions to help get you there.

4. Are you familiar with the 4Cs of diamond quality?

This is by far one of most important questions your jeweler should ask, because the price of your engagement ring is largely determined by the quality of the diamond center stone. The diamond’s color (or how colorless it is), clarity (how free from inclusions it is), cut (its shape and cutting style), and carat weight (its size) define the diamond’s overall quality and ultimately its price. The 4Cs provide essential facts that describe a diamond. Here’s a simple rule that can help you: the higher the quality of a diamond, the rarer it is, and the more expensive it will be.

Each “C” is assessed differently and contributes to a diamond’s overall look in a different way. This is where it can get confusing. A well-trained jeweler will not only explain the 4Cs to you, but she will help you understand the differences between apparently similar stones. Ask lots of questions so you can be confident in your engagement ring purchase.

Your jeweler may ask which of the 4Cs is most important to you and show you options that match. For instance, if a certain size is essential, you should know how carat weight affects the cost of a diamond. Large, beautiful, sparkling diamonds are more expensive per carat than smaller diamonds of the same quality.

A GIA Diamond Grading Report is invaluable when choosing a diamond. It provides an independent and unbiased diamond evaluation, including a full 4Cs assessment and more. GIA (Gemological Institute of America) created the 4Cs and is a nonprofit research and educational institution that neither buys nor sells diamonds.

5. Does she want a round brilliant cut or a fancy shape diamond?

Another question a jeweler is likely to ask you before buying a diamond engagement ring is, What is her favorite diamond shape? The round brilliant cut diamond is the most popular, with more than half of all brides wearing this diamond shape. It is beautiful and, if it is well cut, has unparalleled sparkle.

Even though the round brilliant is popular, take a look at other diamond shapes. Any shape other than round is called a fancy shape and each has its own charm. The marquise, for example, has an aristocratic heritage and elongated shape, like oval, which can make her finger look longer. Currently, emerald cuts and other rectangular cutting styles are trending.

If you’re not sure which diamond shape she prefers, look at the gems in her other rings to see if there is a favorite shape. Also, ask friends and family if they know which shape she likes best.

6. What’s her ring style?

Before buying a diamond engagement ring, your jeweler will ask questions about your beloved’s ring style. To uncover this, a jeweler may ask if she loves the latest fashions, or adores things antique. Maybe she likes bold pieces, or has a fondness for delicate jewelry. Perhaps she admires the diamond engagement ring of a favorite celebrity who just got engaged. Pay attention to these clues and you’ll be sure to find a ring she’ll love.

The jeweler may ask some questions about her lifestyle. Why? To help you find the right setting. If she prefers movies and museums, the jeweler might suggest a prong setting. It will show off the diamond, but could be more vulnerable to damage. If she’s the athletic outdoorsy type, a bezel setting might be a smart choice. It will show off the diamond while protecting it from accidental bangs and bumps.

7. What color gold does she like?

When buying a diamond engagement ring, you’ll have the option of selecting the metal, which is typically yellow, white or rose gold, platinum or a combination of metals. Yellow gold has been used in jewelry for thousands of years and was popular in antique and vintage jewelry, including Victorian era and Retro era diamond engagement rings.

Rose gold was also popular during the Victorian and Retro eras, and is currently trending. White metal was fashionable in Edwardian and Art Deco era diamond engagement rings, and it’s still going strong. Platinum or white gold are your two main white metal choices.

8. What’s her ring size?

You’ll want to make sure her engagement ring fits perfectly when you propose. A ring that’s too small or too large will mar the moment. If you’re planning to shop for the ring together, your jeweler will have a set of finger gauges to determine her exact ring size.

So what do you do if you want to keep the diamond engagement ring a secret and make sure it fits?

Here are two tips to help you estimate her ring size:

• Press one of her favorite rings (one she wears on her ring finger) into a bar of soap until it creates an impression. Bring this to the jeweler.
• Use a pencil to trace the inside of one of her favorite rings on a piece of paper. Bring this to the jeweler.

Our blog on How to Determine Ring Size is filled with other helpful tips – and pitfalls to avoid. Be sure to read it to ensure the ring will slip on her finger just right.

What to expect after buying a diamond engagement ring

A jeweler is likely to explain what kind of services they provide after buying a diamond engagement ring. Typically, they will recommend having the ring cleaned frequently and having the prongs checked at least once or twice a year to make sure they are holding the diamond firmly in place. Take advantage of these services, if they’re offered, because a loose or damaged prong can cause a diamond to fall out of its mounting.

After purchasing a diamond engagement ring, you should consider having it appraised and insured. An appraisal will provide the replacement value of the ring, which is used for insurance purposes. Appraisals should be done be an independent professional who has no stake in the sale. Getting the ring insured protects you should it ever be lost or stolen. It’s a smart move that can save you from potential heartache.

Now that you know what a jeweler is likely to ask you when buying a diamond, take a deep breath, and dive in. You’re sure to find the perfect engagement ring to symbolize your love.

Ready to propose but not ready to buy an engagement ring? A placeholder engagement ring might be just what you need. You’ll still need to visit a jeweler, though…

The post Buying a Diamond Engagement Ring? Questions a Jeweler Will Ask appeared first on GIA 4Cs.

 

Another year passes at Lauren B Jewelry with new styles and trends popping up every season! A look back at 2019 shows just how much tastes have changed, as well as designs that maintain consistent popularity. Let’s see what our clients liked best!

 

Tis’ the season for a new heartwarming client spotlight! At Lauren B., we do everything we can to make sure our clients have an easy and exciting ring shopping experience whether they have purchased in-store or are designing with us remotely. We are honored to be a part of each of your love stories and excited to help you with this next exciting chapter in your life!

Everyone show some #laurenblove to this month’s featured LB couple, Rad & Shannon!

 

It’s the beginning of a new decade – and that means new trends are coming! At Lauren B, we have a new roster of predictions for styles and center stones that we think clients will love!! Check out the following for more details on our top 5 upcoming engagement ring trends for 2020!