Author: Ruchi Singla

A significant portion of the 400 kilograms of gold bullion stolen from an Air Canada cargo warehouse at Toronto Airport was reportedly transformed into jewellery in the basement of a local store. This revelation was made by the Peel Regional Police, who discovered smelting equipment in the premises capable of altering the form of gold bars into untraceable jewellery items. Operational Details In a jewellery store in the Greater Toronto Area, police uncovered a basement forge equipped with tools such as an oxy-acetylene torch, crucibles, metal tongs, and moulds. These tools are believed to have been used to melt down…

BriteCo has expanded its Appraisal Management Software to the Canadian market. This tool, initially released in 2018, is now accessible at no cost to qualified independent retail jewellers across Canada, covering all ten provinces and three territories. Features of the Software The software is a cloud-based platform that automates the jewellery appraisal process. It uses extensive data to assist jewellers in providing accurate valuations for jewellery and watches. The digital platform is designed to streamline appraisal operations and maintain a record of appraisals, facilitating easier access and management. “There are currently over 200,000 appraisals in the BriteCo Appraisal Management Software…

Ottawa police recently charged two individuals connected to multiple thefts at jewelry stores over the past year. These arrests, made on April 12, concluded a detailed four-month investigation, highlighting the police’s proactive stance against retail crime. Incident Details A series of seven incidents, beginning in late December 2023 and continuing into April 2024, involved various methods of theft, including both unarmed and armed robberies. Notably, a ‘smash and grab’ incident at Doucet Jewelry Store on April 8, which was recorded, significantly raised local and industry-wide concerns due to its brazen nature. Detailed Timeline of Thefts Arrests and Charges Two individuals,…

Richmond RCMP has recently issued warnings regarding an increase in jewellery fraud cases in the region.  With four incidents reported, the local law enforcement is urging businesses and the general public to be cautious of fraudulent activities involving fake gold and silver jewellery sales. “Unfortunately, these types of frauds resurface periodically in our community,” said Cpl. Adriana O’Malley, Richmond RCMP media relations officer. “We are issuing this public warning to bring awareness and educate people in the hopes of preventing further victimization.” The fraudsters in Richmond have been primarily using two methods to deceive their victims. The first method involves…

European Design is set to host an industry event in Toronto that will allow jewellery professionals to engage with the latest advancements in jewellery technology. Scheduled for May 27th and 28th at 55 Queen Street East, Toronto, ON, from 9am to 5pm, the showcase will feature top global manufacturers and offer attendees a unique platform to interact with leading-edge jewellery tools and technologies. Engage with Global Innovators Industry Leaders Present Participants will have the opportunity to meet with manufacturers from Italy, Germany, the USA, and Japan. Notable vendors such as Orotig and Legor from Italy, Busch from Germany, GRS from…

The Canadian Gemmological Association (CGA) is currently accepting submissions for its 2024 Emerging Artist Design Competition.  This annual event aims to highlight the creativity and skill of students and recent graduates from jewellery design and metalsmithing programs across Canada. With cash prizes on offer for the most compelling designs, the CGA seeks to support the next generation of jewellery designers in their professional development. Opportunity for Recognition and Reward Open to individuals currently enrolled in relevant Canadian post-secondary programs or those who graduated in 2019, 2020, or 2021, the competition offers a structured platform for new talent to showcase their…

White Rock Jewellers, located in the Semiahmoo Shopping Centre in Surrey, B.C., was the scene of a robbery early Monday morning.  This event marks the third such incident for the business, with owner Andy Nguyen estimating the cost of lost merchandise to exceed $100,000, with additional damage to the store’s property. Incident Overview Four individuals, dressed in dark hoodies and with their faces covered, broke into the store and broke glass display cases to steal a variety of items, including silver chains, gold, rings, bracelets, and pendants. The robbery, which lasted around two minutes, was recorded on the store’s security…

In a recent case unfolding in Toronto, Constable Boris Borissov faces accusations of exploiting his police role to commit crimes, including jewellery theft and fraud, as revealed in a trial that commenced this Monday. Borissov, with a 16-year tenure in the Toronto Police Service, is charged with a range of offences purportedly committed between 2020 and 2022, leading to his suspension with pay from February 2022. Crown’s Opening Statement Prosecutor Samuel Walker, in his opening remarks to Ontario Court Judge Mary Misener, highlighted the gravity of the allegations against Borissov. Walker outlined the officer’s alleged misuse of his position to…

January 2024’s retail data from the Canadian Jewellery Association reveals a nuanced landscape, marked by promising developments in specific sectors against a backdrop of broader economic considerations. The jewellery sector, in particular, stands out with significant growth, serving as a focal point for understanding evolving consumer behaviors and market trends. Overview of Retail Performance The onset of 2024 saw a 2.9% year-on-year increase in Canadian retail sales, signalling a positive, albeit complex, start to the year. This growth, however, contrasts with a significant month-on-month downturn, with overall retail sales experiencing an 18.6% decline from December, a month typically buoyed by…

Following an incident at a Markham jewelry store, five individuals, including three youths and two adults aged 18, are facing charges. The event, which took place near Yonge Street and Doncaster Drive on the evening of February 12, prompted a response from York Regional Police after reports of suspicious activity. Incident Details The police were alerted to the situation at approximately 5 p.m. Officers arriving at the scene detained three males, one of whom was found holding a hammer. Two suspects fled in a vehicle, later identified as stolen from a previous carjacking incident in the Toronto area. Further investigations…

Lucara Diamond Corp. has filed an updated technical report detailing the feasibility study for the underground expansion at the Karowe Diamond Mine in Botswana.  This report, titled “Karowe Mine – Botswana 2023 Feasibility Study Technical Report,” outlines the projections and expectations for the extension of the mine’s operational life and its impact on diamond recovery, revenue generation, and stakeholder benefits. Key Highlights and Implications The updated feasibility study showcases the ambitious plans to extend the Karowe mine’s life by 15 years through an underground expansion project (UGP). The mine, renowned for its large, high-value type IIa diamonds, is positioned in…

In a significant development within the Canadian jewellery industry, H&R Design Jewellery Ltd., led by Jack and Raffi Libarian, has acquired the Max Strauss Signature Collection from B&S (Canada) Inc. This strategic move marks a period of growth and innovation for H&R Design Jewellery, merging the distinguished Max Strauss brand with H&R’s innovative design ethos. Strategic Integration of Heritage and Innovation The acquisition incorporates the Max Strauss Signature Collection, known for its Designer Series and as the Product Line of the Year by Canadian Jeweller Magazine, into the portfolio of H&R Design Jewellery Ltd. This merger is seen not just…

York Regional Police arrested five teenagers following a robbery attempt at a jewellery store located at Yonge Street and Doncaster Drive in Markham. The operation also led to the recovery of a vehicle reported stolen in Toronto. Authorities were alerted around 5 p.m. about suspicious individuals near the store. Upon arrival, police detained three suspects; two initially fled but were subsequently apprehended. Further investigation connected the suspects to a vehicle stolen in a violent carjacking in Toronto. On February 21, the vehicle was located in Whitby, leading to more arrests. Search warrants in Ajax resulted in the seizure of a…