Author: Ruchi Singla

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…

Tracy and Beth Day Chief, founders of Buffalo Rock Mining and members of the Kainai Nation, have acquired ammolite jewellery specialist KORITE.With extensive experience in the ammonite fossil industry and a focus on sustainable practices, the Day Chiefs plan to bring forward these values in KORITE’s operations. Established in 2008 on the Blood Reserve in Alberta, Buffalo Rock Mining has now expanded its role in the global gemstone market, integrating ammolite’s unique appeal with Indigenous perspectives on environmental responsibility.New President Appointed to Drive GrowthFollowing the acquisition, Buffalo Rock Mining appointed Amarjeet Grewal as KORITE’s new President. Grewal, who brings over…

Toronto-based Malleable Jewellers recently announced an improvement in its B Corp certification score for 2024, highlighting the company’s dedication to social and environmental standards. Known for its ethical sourcing and sustainability initiatives, Malleable updated score reflects an increase of 14.5 points, bringing it to a total of 101.2.Malleable Official Statement on CertificationIn their official announcement, Malleable Jewellers commented:“We are excited to announce that our B-Corp score for 2024 has increased to 101.2! Malleable first became B-Corp certified over 3 years ago, and our mission to improve has bumped our score up by 14.5 points in that time! Our commitment to…

The Canadian Jewellers Association (CJA) recently held its annual Industry Summit on 21 October at The St. Regis Toronto, an event aimed at fostering connections, education, and recognition within Canada’s jewellery sector. The summit attracted significant attendance and featured various educational sessions, networking opportunities, and the presentation of the CJA Awards, sponsored by the De Beers Group.The event featured the donation of ‘Pristine,’ a Canadian diamond painting by artist and jewellery designer Reena Ahluwalia, valued at US$5,000. The artwork was offered as the main raffle prize, with proceeds benefiting the CJA’s initiatives. “Pristine” was awarded to Negin Tadayyon of C.D. Barcados…

In a cross-border case of diamond investment fraud, Canadian citizen James Gagliardini has been sentenced to 56 months in U.S. federal prison for orchestrating a $21 million scheme through his company, Paragon International Wealth Management Inc. From 2013 until its shutdown in 2018, Paragon misled around 200 investors, many elderly, into spending significant sums on pink diamonds that were promoted as high-value investments. Telemarketing tactics were used to gain trust, but many investors received neither promised returns nor diamonds.Paragon International: Inside the Diamond Investment SchemeFounded in Toronto, Paragon International promoted itself as a diamond investment firm focused on colored stones. Under…

HRA Group, in collaboration with Dialog, has launched a comprehensive diamond recutting and repair service at its Toronto facility. This service aims to provide efficient and cost-effective diamond recutting options for retailers in North America.New Service OfferingHRA’s service offers a range of diamond recutting and repair options designed to reduce costs for retailers. It addresses inefficiencies and high costs in current recutting processes, providing jewellers with a more streamlined option.The service leverages HRA’s technical expertise, handling each step from secure shipping to the facilitation of GIA recertification, allowing retailers to focus on other aspects of their business.Key Service FeaturesThe diamond recutting…

Rio Tinto has reported a substantial reduction in diamond output for the third quarter of 2024, primarily due to operational challenges at its Diavik mine in Canada. A subsidence event in July caused disruptions in underground ore deliveries, resulting in a marked decrease in production levels.Third Quarter and Year-to-Date Production DeclinesThe Diavik mine, one of Rio Tinto’s key diamond production sites, saw a 28% drop in rough diamond production in Q3 2024, yielding 542,000 carats compared to the same period in 2023. The company’s year-to-date figures also reflect a significant decrease, with total output standing at 1.98 million carats in the…

Hartman Jewellers, in operation in Elmira since 1927, will close at the end of the year, just short of its 100th anniversary. Co-owners Lisa Mulligan and Stephen Meyer attributed the decision to concerns over safety and peace of mind following recent incidents, including a break-in that placed financial and emotional strain on the business.June Break-in and ArrestsOn June 18, Hartman Jewellers experienced a break-and-enter incident that resulted in approximately £4,000 in damages and stolen merchandise. The break-in involved two suspects targeting the store’s display cases. Mulligan described the experience, saying, “[The suspect] violently went through it. Took some sterling silver…

Rio Tinto has announced the start of commercial production at its A21 underground mine, part of the Diavik Diamond Mine in the Northwest Territories. This marks the beginning of a new phase of operations at the site, which will extend the mine’s life until at least early 2026. The transition to underground production at A21 follows a $40 million investment made in February 2023, with a second phase recently approved with an additional $17 million committed.Transition from Open Pit to UndergroundThe A21 pipe, which was first commissioned in 2018 as an open-pit mine, is the final pipe developed at Diavik. Rio…

Brosway Italia has entered the Canadian market through a partnership with Hudson’s Bayas part o its efforts to expand internationally. The brand is known for its Italian fashion jewellery, which blends contemporary designs with a focus on craftsmanship. Its inclusion in Hudson’s Bay marks Brosway Italia’s first foray into Canada’s department store sector, allowing it to reach a broader audience.Expanding the Brand’s Retail PresenceBrosway Italia continues to expand globally, with its entry into Hudson’s Bay marking another step in its growth within the fashion jewellery market. This partnership provides the company with a platform to introduce its collections to Canadian consumers,…

Burgundy Diamond Mines has formally requested assistance from the Northwest Territories (NWT) Government in light of the ongoing challenges faced by the global diamond industry. In a letter to NWT Premier R.J. Simpson, the company outlined the financial and regulatory pressures that are affecting the long-term viability of the Ekati diamond mine, which Burgundy acquired in 2023.Declining Market Conditions and Rising PressuresSince its acquisition of Ekati, Burgundy has introduced cost-saving measures, increased operational efficiency, and adjusted sales strategies to improve the mine’s economic outlook. However, The company faces challenges from a 20% drop in diamond prices and a slow recovery in…

The Natural Diamond Council (NDC) has published its inaugural “Diamonds of Canada” report, highlighting the significant contributions of Canada’s diamond industry to the global market. This is the first in a planned series of detailed studies focused on diamond-producing regions, as well as current trends and industry data.Canada’s Growing Presence in the Global Diamond MarketAccording to the report, Canada has become the world’s third-largest diamond producer since the opening of its first mine in 1998. The country now supplies 14% of the world’s diamonds, with most of its production centred in the Northwest Territories (NWT). The report provides an in-depth look…

Authorities in Prince Edward Island are actively pursuing a suspect believed to be responsible for the theft of high-value jewellery, totalling $43,000, from Charm Diamond Centres in two separate incidents. The thefts occurred in the cities of Charlottetown and Summerside, prompting a coordinated manhunt by local police forces.Details of the TheftsThe first theft took place at the Royalty Crossing mall in Charlottetown. A man, under the pretext of viewing two rings valued at $18,000, allegedly made off with the jewellery while store staff were distracted. Surveillance footage captured the suspect fleeing in a black BMW 300-series, which was later discovered to…