Canadian diamonds emphasize ethics and community support

Representatives from Canada's natural diamond industry recently gathered in London to promote their diamonds, which come from the Northwest Territories. The event included officials from mining companies and jewelry brands, along with actress Lily James and Indigenous community leaders. The diamond market is facing challenges, with prices for both natural and lab-grown diamonds falling significantly. Despite this, Canadian producers are emphasizing their collaborative efforts with Indigenous communities and sustainable practices. A new report by the Natural Diamond Council highlights that Canada is the third-largest diamond producer globally. The diamonds are 3.5 billion years old, but mining only began in the country in 1998, allowing for modern, ethical practices from the start. The Northwest Territories, known as Denendeh, is home to many Indigenous languages and communities. The diamond mines there have contributed approximately 27.7 billion Canadian dollars to the economy since 1996, with a significant portion benefiting Indigenous-owned companies. David Kellie, CEO of the Natural Diamond Council, stated that Canadian diamonds are symbols of ethical luxury. Boodles, a British jeweler, showcased diamonds sourced from the Diavik mine, which prioritizes renewable energy and community support. The event featured various jewelry brands, all aimed at showcasing the journey of diamonds from ethical mines to beautiful pieces of jewelry.