Author: Angela Oliffe

Sara Yood will step into the role of CEO at the Jewelers Vigilance Committee (JVC) after Tiffany Stevens stepped back from her role. Stevens, who has led the organisation since 2017, is moving to an undisclosed new position. Yood, currently serving as deputy general counsel, will officially begin her new role on June 24.Transition in LeadershipStevens’ departure marks the end of a seven-year tenure during which she significantly impacted the JVC’s policies and operations. Under her leadership, the organisation navigated various regulatory challenges and expanded its influence within the jewellery industry.Yood brings over a decade of experience with the JVC, having…

The Women’s Jewelry Association (WJA) marked a significant expansion into Canada with the announcement of its first Canadian chapter, WJA Toronto, on February 7, 2024. This development, underscored by the election of its 2024 Board of Directors, including Co-Presidents Alanna Campbell and Shelbey Dodds, represents a noteworthy advance for the Canadian jewellery industry, offering new opportunities for professional growth, networking, and industry support.A Successful LaunchThe genesis of WJA Toronto followed a collaborative event in September 2023, organized with the Canadian Jewelry Association at the Arcadia Studio in Toronto. The event drew an enthusiastic response, with over seventy-five attendees and numerous…

Angela Betteridge has been reappointed as the Chair of the Canadian Jewellers Association (CJA) Board of Directors for the 2023-2025 term at CJA’s Annual General Meeting at the Toronto Hilton. Betteridge, President of Angela Betteridge Jewellery in Kelowna, B.C., boasts an extensive career covering various industry facets, including diamond exploration, mining, sales, advertising, and marketing​​​​.Strategic Direction Under BetteridgeIn her message on the CJA website, Betteridge emphasizes the CJA’s focus on positive change, signaling a progressive direction for the Association. The CJA team is set to introduce new initiatives, member benefits, and webinar content. Additionally, efforts continue in Government Relations and…

Diamond mining remains a critical industry for many economies, including Canada’s. Recent data assembled by Sam Parker, utilizing resources from the Kimberly Process and insights from Dr. Ashok Damarupurshad, sheds light on the world’s rough diamond production landscape in 2022.Production by WeightRussia led the charge in 2022, mining close to 42 million carats of rough diamonds. Following Russia, Botswana and Canada secured the second and third spots with 24.8 million and 16.2 million carats respectively. This data underscores the significant role Canada plays in the global diamond mining sector.RankCountryRough Diamond Production (Carats)1Russia41,923,9102Botswana24,752,9673Canada16,249,2184DRC9,908,9985South Africa9,660,2336Angola8,763,3097Zimbabwe4,461,4508Namibia2,054,2279Lesotho727,73710Sierra Leone688,97011Tanzania375,53312Brazil158,42013Guinea128,77114Central African Republic118,04415Guyana83,38216Ghana82,50017Liberia52,16518Cote D’Ivoire3,90419Republic of Congo3,53420Cameroon2,43121Venezuala1,66522Mali92Total120,201,460Canada’s PositionCanada’s…

Three women from the Northwest Territories have recently completed an 11-day paid work placement at the Gahcho Kué Mine, marking a significant milestone in the Building Forever: Women’s Pre-Trades Program.This initiative, a collaboration between De Beers’ Gahcho Kué Mine, the Government of the Northwest Territories, and the Native Women’s Association of the Northwest Territories, is designed to encourage and prepare women for careers in the trades industry, challenging traditional industry normsParticipant ExperiencesParticipants Raeleen Mantla, Justina Moosenose, and Teresa Weyallon Zoe have shared inspiring stories from their time at the mine in July. Raeleen, from Behchokǫ̀, discovered a renewed interest in…

The Canadian Gemmological Association (CGA) has extended the submission deadline for its Emerging Artist Design Competition to July 15, offering an opportunity for students and recent graduates to showcase their innovative jewelry designs. The competition, now in its fifth year, celebrates creativity and originality, with a judging panel evaluating entries based on material incorporation, innovation, wearability, and quality of work and finishing. Prizes include monetary awards for the top three positions, with the winners being recognized at the CGA Annual Conference in October

Danish jewelry brand Pilgrim has inaugurated its premier storefront in Toronto, housed within the bustling CF Toronto Eaton Centre. This development is a part of Pilgrim’s larger ambition of strengthening its footprint in the Canadian market, following its existing outlets in Montreal, Laval, Quebec City, and Ottawa.A Glimpse into Pilgrim’s LegacyEmbarking on its journey in 1983 under the aegis of Annemette Markvad, Pilgrim’s inception was fueled by the idea of offering delightful yet affordable handcrafted jewelry. The brand’s trajectory saw its Canadian debut around eight years ago, steered by the North American CEO, Robert Hayes. Pilgrim’s ethos resonates with a…

Wholesaler European Design Jewellery is set to host the Toronto Test Drive Event on May 29 and 30, inviting jewelry industry professionals to explore the latest tech tools. Hosted at 55 Queen St. East, attendees will be able to witness live demos of welders and engravers, test new products, and gain insights from experts. Six suppliers including Orotig, Busch, and GRS will be showcasing their latest equipment. The event also features discounts, prize competitions, and a chance to pre-order upcoming tools. A special machine is slated for unveiling during the event, adding to the anticipation among attendees

Vancouver-based jewelry brand, True Curated Design, has embraced a fresh narrative in the jewelry domain with the unveiling of its gender-neutral collection. This endeavor, dubbed “The True Gender Neutral Collection,” signifies a departure from conventional gender-specific designs, offering a blend of contemporary aesthetics and versatility.Evolving From Custom to UniversalInitially rooted in crafting custom engagement and right-hand rings, True Curated Design transitioned into the realm of pragmatic fine jewelry a few years back. The latest collection stems from a spontaneous moment when designer Tori Dundas found her boyfriend adorning her sparkly gold chain, igniting the idea of creating a line that…