Author: Ruchi Singla

The Canadian Jewellers Association (CJA) and the Quebec Jewellers Corporation (Corporation des bijoutiers du Québec, CBQ) have formalised a new alliance intended to strengthen support for the jewellery industry in Quebec. The partnership will see the CJA increase its presence in the province and assume responsibility for organising the long-running Expo Prestige trade show from 2025 onwards.Expanded Services and Bilingual SupportUnder the agreement, the CJA will take on a broader operational role in Quebec, with an emphasis on bilingual service delivery. A French-speaking staff member will be introduced, and all communications will be provided in both English and French. This…

Five individuals have been arrested in Montreal following a series of distraction thefts in which seniors were targeted for their jewellery. The arrests follow a series of similar incidents reported in cities across Canada, with police in Vancouver, Calgary, Ottawa and Toronto issuing public warnings earlier this year.Arrests and Ongoing InvestigationMontreal police confirmed that three men aged 34, 39 and 45 and two women aged 36 and 37 were apprehended on Tuesday and Wednesday of last week. Three of the suspects appeared in court on charges of theft under CAD $5,000. The remaining two were released under conditions and are…

Birks Group has secured an 18-month extension from the NYSE American following the approval of its compliance plan, allowing the company to retain its listing while working to meet ongoing financial requirements.Extension Granted Following Non-Compliance NoticeBirks Group has received confirmation from the NYSE American that its compliance plan has been accepted, extending its continued listing through 25 August 2026. The company had been under review after receiving a notice on 25 February 2025 citing non-compliance with Sections 1003(a)(i) and (ii) of the exchange’s Company Guide. These rules relate to minimum shareholders’ equity and operating performance standards.Compliance Plan Submitted and ApprovedIn…

Mountain Province Diamonds has reported a net loss of $34.4 million for the first quarter of 2025, reflecting reduced demand for rough diamonds and a decline in the volume of goods available for sale. This compares with a net profit of $6.9 million in the same period last year.Revenue fell by 51% to $44 million, while sales volume declined 55% to 426,000 carats. The average price per carat rose 3% to $72.Operational Transition Impacts ProductionThe company noted that the use of lower-quality ore during the transition period negatively affected output and sales.“As we worked through this transition, the lower quality…

The Government of the Northwest Territories (GNWT) has announced a series of targeted relief measures to stabilise its diamond mining sector, a key contributor to the territory’s economy. The initiative follows mounting financial pressures on the region’s three major diamond mines — Ekati, Gahcho Kué, and Diavik — operated respectively by Burgundy Diamonds, Mountain Province and De Beers (joint venture), and Rio Tinto.Sector Under Financial StrainThe diamond industry in the Northwest Territories accounts for approximately 20% of the territory’s gross domestic product (GDP) and employs more than 1,000 Northerners. However, a combination of declining global diamond prices, persistent inflation, supply…

Diamond production at the Diavik mine in Canada rose in the first quarter of 2024 as operations returned to standard levels following a temporary suspension in 2023. Operated by Rio Tinto, the mine produced 942,000 carats during the three months ending March 31, reflecting a 27% increase year on year and a 22% rise from the previous quarter.Production was paused in the same period last year to allow workers to observe a mourning period following a fatal plane crash. In addition, the mine experienced limited ore availability due to the shutdown of two kimberlite pipes.Recovery of Notable Yellow DiamondDuring the…

The Royal Canadian Mounted Police (RCMP) has issued a warning to the public following reports of distraction thefts involving imitation jewellery. These incidents, which have occurred in various locations across Alberta, involve individuals offering fake gold items in exchange for money, using the interaction as an opportunity to steal valuables from victims.Theft Pattern Targets Public AreasAccording to the RCMP, the scams typically take place in public spaces such as shopping centre car parks, petrol stations, and other high-traffic areas. Offenders often claim to be in financial difficulty and offer what appears to be gold jewellery in return for cash. In…

Swiss watchmaker Omega has expanded its e-commerce platform to Canada, allowing customers to purchase models such as the Speedmaster, Seamaster, Constellation and De Ville directly from the brand’s website.Increased Access in a Geographically Dispersed MarketThe move forms part of Omega’s wider digital strategy. Canada’s size and retail distribution limitations make online availability a practical step for reaching customers in areas without boutique coverage.Raynald Aeschlimann, president and CEO of Omega, stated:“Introducing online sales in Canada is a very important step for this market. Geographically, it’s a large country with many customers who don’t have easy access to our network of boutiques.”Implications…

The Natural Diamond Council (NDC) has launched the Diamond Learning Centre, a new free digital platform designed to provide accessible education on diamonds for jewellery professionals and enthusiasts. The platform launched in April, aligning with the Natural Diamond Council’s broader seasonal marketing efforts.Accessible at diamondlearningcenter.org, the site aims to improve knowledge of the differences between natural diamonds, laboratory-grown diamonds, and simulants. The platform is mobile-compatible and designed for independent use.Content and Learning StructureThe Diamond Learning Centre includes more than 25 short videos addressing frequently asked questions, as well as four self-paced educational modules covering:Users receive certificates upon completing each module.…

Rio Tinto has recovered a 158.2-carat yellow diamond from the Diavik Diamond Mine in Canada’s Northwest Territories—one of the largest yellow diamonds ever found in the country. The diamond is one of the rare yellow stones found at the site, with yellow diamonds accounting for less than 1% of the mine’s overall production.This recovery is one of only five yellow diamonds over 100 carats to be unearthed at Diavik in its 22-year history. It is among the largest gem-quality yellow diamonds found in Canada, second to the 552.74-carat yellow diamond recovered at Diavik in 2018, the largest diamond ever found…

Calgary Police are investigating a series of residential break-ins involving the theft of more than $2 million in high-value items, including jewellery and luxury watches. The offences took place between 26 February and 3 March in the neighbourhoods of Aspen Woods, Britannia, Upper Mount Royal and Crescent Heights. Police believe two to four individuals were involved.High-Value Goods Targeted from BedroomsAccording to investigators, the suspects entered homes through second-storey access points and targeted primary bedrooms, where jewellery, high-end watches and designer clothing were taken. All incidents are believed to have occurred between 6 p.m. and 10 p.m.Police believe the victims and…

Nearly 50 years ago, Birk launched a campaign marking national heritage. The campaign appeared as full-page advertisements in newspapers, reflecting on the country’s unity and resilience.The original advertisement read:”We are too young not to be enchanted with what’s ahead. Not naïve enough to be unaware of growing pains. And certainly not so old that we consider every setback a mortal blow. Our future is exciting because it is built on the kind of dialogue which must inevitably become constructive and progressive. Let us all look upon this moment as a gift to widen our ability to understand… and broaden our…

Toronto-based fine jewellery brand Mejuri has expanded its Canadian retail footprint with the launch of a new store at CF Carrefour Laval in Laval, Quebec. This marks the company’s 41st store globally and continues its strategy of establishing a presence in key shopping destinations.The opening aligns with Mejuri’s focus on increasing accessibility for customers in the Greater Montreal area. CF Carrefour Laval, one of Quebec’s major retail centres, attracts a high volume of both local shoppers and visitors, making it a strategic location for the brand’s physical expansion.Retail Experience and Store FeaturesThe Laval store includes the Mejuri Ring Bar, an…

Rio Tinto has reported a $127 million loss from its Diavik diamond mine in Canada for 2024, citing weak market conditions and “fixed cost inefficiencies” as contributing factors. This compares to underlying earnings of $26 million in 2023. The company’s diamond division generated $297 million in revenue, a 37 percent decrease from $444 million the previous year.Workforce Reductions and Operational ChangesIn September 2023, Rio Tinto offered voluntary separations to over 1,300 employees as part of cost-cutting measures ahead of the mine’s scheduled closure in 2025. The company has been adjusting its operations to manage expenses as production nears its end.Production DeclineDiamond…

Three individuals have been charged in connection with an attempted robbery at a jewellery store in Conestoga Mall, Waterloo. The incident occurred on the evening of 22 February 2025, when four masked individuals entered the shopping centre carrying duffle bags.Security Intervention and Police ResponseMall security noticed the group and intervened as they approached a jewellery store. As police arrived, the individuals attempted to flee on foot.Two suspects were arrested immediately, while a third was apprehended at a nearby business. A fourth suspect was initially detained but later released unconditionally. Another suspect escaped in an unidentified vehicle and remains at large.Charges…

Birks Group has announced a 4% year-on-year increase in net sales for its FY2025 Holiday Period, which spanned the eight weeks ending 28 December 2024. Comparable store sales also rose by 1.3% over the same period in the previous year.The company stated that third-party branded watches were a key driver of sales growth, exceeding figures from the prior year. E-commerce sales also increased during the holiday period, supporting overall sales growth.CEO Comments on PerformanceJean-Christophe Bédos, President and CEO of Birks Group, commented on the holiday trading results, stating:“Our teams have delivered good sales results this holiday period as compared to the…

Lisa Gozlan Jewellery has expanded its retail presence in Canada with the opening of two new stores and an upcoming location in Toronto. The Toronto-based brand, co-founded by Ryan and Lisa Gozlan, has recently launched locations at Square One Shopping Centre in Mississauga and in Vancouver’s Kitsilano neighbourhood. A new store at Toronto’s Yorkdale Shopping Centre is set to open in 2025.From E-Commerce to Physical RetailFounded in 2019, Lisa Gozlan Jewellery began as an online business and has since expanded into physical retail. The company gained early traction through social media, particularly during the pandemic, when demand increased for its signature…

Two more attempted jewellery store thefts at Conestoga Mall in early February continue a pattern of smash-and-grab robberies in Ontario’s Waterloo Region. The incidents are similar to multiple cases reported last year, with police continuing efforts to identify and apprehend those responsible.Latest Incidents at Conestoga MallThe first attempted robbery occurred on Saturday, 1 February, when six individuals entered the mall and appeared to target a jewellery store. A security officer spotted the group and intervened, prompting them to flee.On Monday afternoon, another group of six individuals entered the mall. This time, a security guard instructed store staff to lower the…

Mountain Province Diamonds reported a 20% drop in annual revenue for 2024, with sales falling to $195.2 million. The company, which operates the Gahcho Kué mine in Canada in partnership with De Beers, attributed the decline to weak rough diamond prices and subdued market demand. Mark Wall, CEO of Mountain Province, noted that 2024 represented a period of weaker performance for the global diamond market, which he described as being in a “down cycle.”Sales and Pricing TrendsDespite a flat sales volume of 2.7 million carats, the average price per carat dropped by 20% year-on-year, falling to $72. The significant price decline outweighed…

Michael Hill International has released its financial results for the first half of FY24, with the Canadian market showing modest growth despite challenging conditions for the jewellery retailer globally.Canadian Market PerformanceSales in Canada increased by 0.6% year-on-year to CAD 88.3 million. While growth was minimal, the region maintained stability compared to other markets, such as New Zealand, which faced significant declines.Group-wide, total sales rose by 4.1% year-on-year to CAD 330.5 million, driven by strong performance in Australia. Digital sales accounted for 8% of total revenue during the period.Daniel Bracken, Managing Director and CEO of Michael Hill International, said:“Whilst the first…

Canadian Olympic silver medallist and professional beach volleyball player Melissa Humaña-Paredes has partnered with Vancouver-based jewellery brand True Curated Designs to launch a limited-edition jewellery collection. The collaboration explores themes of strength, beauty, and environmental awareness, inspired by the athlete’s personal interests and the brand’s design principles.Origins of the PartnershipThe collaboration began when Tori Dundas, founder of True Curated Designs, noticed Humaña-Paredes training for the Paris Olympics while wearing jewellery from her brand. The initial interaction led to a collaborative effort that resulted in the Sol collection.Speaking about the collaboration, Humaña-Paredes explained the personal connection she feels to jewellery:“During the Olympics,…

De Beers Group has announced the recipients of its 2024 scholarships for Indigenous women pursuing studies in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) at Canadian colleges and universities. This year, three women from the Northwest Territories—Aubrey Sluggett, Symone Berube, and Madison Menacho-Melnyk—were selected from nearly 600 applicants to each receive a $4,500 scholarship.Supporting Indigenous Women in STEMThe De Beers Group scholarship programme supports Indigenous women entering STEM fields by offering financial assistance to first-year students. Recipients are chosen based on their academic goals, achievements, and community involvement.Nompumelelo (Mpumi) Zikalala, Managing Director for De Beers Group Managed Operations, emphasised the programme’s…

Star Diamond Corporation has confirmed the sale of a 70.7-million-share block previously held by a former partner in its Fort à la Corne diamond project to an international investor. The investor, who remains unnamed, has expressed interest in supporting the advancement of Star Diamond’s exploration efforts, including its Star-Orion South project in Saskatchewan, Canada.The development represents a key step for the company as it works to advance its exploration efforts following the departure of former joint-venture partner Rio Tinto in 2022.Strategic Developments Post-Rio Tinto ExitSince Rio Tinto’s departure, Star Diamond has focused on securing funding to progress its diamond exploration…

Halton Regional Police are investigating a smash-and-grab robbery that occurred on Saturday afternoon at the Mapleview Shopping Centre in Burlington. The Charm Diamond Centre was targeted by multiple suspects who, according to police, smashed display cases and fled with jewellery. All suspects wore face coverings, and no injuries were reported during the incident. The value of the stolen merchandise has not been disclosed, and no arrests have been made so far.Rising Jewellery Store Robberies in the GTAThe Burlington incident is part of a broader surge in daylight jewellery store robberies across Toronto and the Greater Toronto Area (GTA). Police data highlights…

Police have arrested six individuals following a smash-and-grab robbery at a jewellery store in Markham, Ontario. The suspects reportedly used hammers to smash display cases before taking merchandise. Law enforcement continues to search for six additional individuals believed to be involved.Details of the IncidentThe robbery occurred in the afternoon, with suspects smashing display cases before fleeing in a white Honda Civic, which was later involved in a collision at McCowan Road and Highway 7. The suspects abandoned the vehicle and fled on foot.Following a brief pursuit, police apprehended four suspects. Two others were discovered hiding in the washroom of a…

A spate of smash-and-grab robberies targeting jewellery stores across Ontario this week has resulted in numerous arrests and ongoing investigations. The incidents, which occurred in Hamilton, Markham, and Richmond Hill, highlight significant security challenges for jewellers in the region.Hamilton Robbery: Vehicle Used to Breach StorefrontOn Thursday, 5 December, a jewellery store in Hamilton’s Ancaster neighbourhood became the target of a violent robbery. According to Hamilton police, a vehicle was reversed through the store’s front window at approximately 8:50 p.m. The suspects, armed with a gun, injured the store owner while stealing jewellery after smashing display cases.The injured store owner was taken…

Birks Group Inc. announced its financial results for the 26-week period ended 28 September 2024, reporting net sales of $80.1 million, an 8.8% decrease compared to $87.8 million during the same period of Fiscal 2024. This $7.7 million reduction was primarily attributed to lower branded jewellery sales following the exit of a third-party jewellery brand from two stores.Comparable store sales decreased by 4.9% during the period. Excluding the impact of the third-party jewellery brand exit, comparable store sales increased by 7.5%, driven by strong performance in branded timepieces.Increased Losses Reflect Period ChallengesThe company reported a net loss of $3.1 million, or…

Star Diamond Corporation, a Canadian diamond exploration and development company, has announced its financial results for the third quarter of 2024 alongside updates to its mineral resource estimates.Financial PerformanceFor Q3 2024, Star Diamond reported a net loss of $1.4 million, up from a loss of $0.6 million in Q3 2023. This increase was primarily due to higher exploration and evaluation costs, as well as increased administrative expenditures.Year-to-date, the company recorded a loss of $3.9 million, nearly double the $1.8 million reported for the same period in 2023. The rise in expenses reflects the company’s expanded operations following its acquisition of…

The three diamond mines in Canada’s Northwest Territories – Diavik, Gahcho Kué, and Ekati – have come together to collaborate on a pendant, with proceeds from its auction supporting local families through the Adopt-A-Family program. Designed by Adamas Diamonds, the pendant reflects northern heritage and will be auctioned on 28 November 2024 at the MAX Awards during the Yellowknife Geoscience Forum.Symbolism in Design and DiamondsThe pendant design, inspired by a caribou antler motif, is significant to the Indigenous and local communities of the Northwest Territories. Crafted from 18-karat white gold, the pendant features three diamonds, each sourced from one of the…

Three suspects, including two minors, have been charged in connection with an armed robbery at a Mississauga jewellery store on September 8, 2024. The incident occurred at a jewellery store near Mavis Road and Britannia Road, where eight masked individuals wielded firearms and forced patrons and employees to the ground. They took jewellery and cash before fleeing in two stolen vehicles. No physical injuries were reported.Key Arrests in the InvestigationFollowing an extensive investigation by the Peel Regional Police’s Central Robbery Bureau, three individuals were identified and arrested. The suspects include:At the time of arrest, the 15-year-old was under a release order…