Author: Ruchi Singla

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…

Birks Group Inc officially opened its new concept store at the Royalmount shopping centre. The 500-square-foot boutique on 5th September.Designed by the French firm Landmark Architecture, the store’s concept draws inspiration from Canada’s natural landscapes and heritage, blending tradition with modernity.Design Inspired by Canada’s Natural BeautyThe design of the new Birks store aims to reflect the Canadian landscape through its use of refined aesthetics. Soft curves, warm tones, and advanced lighting are key elements in creating an atmosphere that represents themes of refinement, charm, and brilliance. Birks’ signature blue hues are featured throughout the space, referencing Canada’s landscapes and the…

Waterloo Regional Police have arrested two men in connection with a break-in at Hartman Jewellers, a jewellery store in Elmira, Ontario, which occurred in June. The suspects, aged 52 and 46, were apprehended earlier this week and have been charged with break and enter to commit theft.Incident Details: The Break-In and TheftThe break-in took place on the morning of 18th June, between 3:30 a.m. and 4:00 a.m., at a store located near Arthur Street South and Church Street East. According to the police, the suspects initially visited the store around 3:30 a.m., and returned approximately 30 minutes later, having changed their…

Montreal’s upcoming Royalmount retail and lifestyle district has confirmed the addition of 14 globally recognised jewellery and watch brands, further solidifying its position as a luxury shopping destination. Rolex Leads the WayRolex will open its largest Canadian boutique at Royalmount, operated by Raffi Jewellers, further expanding its presence in the country. This will be the largest Rolex location in Canada, positioning Montreal as a significant hub for luxury watches in North America. TimeVallée Enters CanadaTimeVallée will open its first Canadian store in partnership with Maison Birks, offering brands such as Cartier, Panerai, Jaeger-LeCoultre, and Piaget.Maison Birks will also launch a new boutique…

Mountain Province Diamonds Inc. has announced an updated life of mine (LOM) plan and revised mineral resource and reserve estimate for its Gahcho Kué mine in Canada’s Northwest Territories. The mine, a joint venture between De Beers Canada Inc. (51%) and Mountain Province (49%), is expected to yield a significantly higher diamond output due to engineering advancements that allow deeper ore extraction. This update extends the mine’s operational lifespan and provides revised projections on production and revenue.Increased Production and Extended Mine LifeThe Gahcho Kué mine is now projected to produce 36.3 million carats annually, an increase from the previous estimate of 30.8…

Mejuri has announced the opening of a new store at Square One Shopping Centre in Mississauga, marking its continued expansion in Canada. The brand, founded in 2015 by Noura Sakkijha, has made a significant impact in the jewellery market with its focus on affordable luxury and minimalist designs.Mejuri’s Growth in the Jewellery MarketMejuri, which began as an online-only retailer, has steadily grown its physical presence, with 29 stores now spread across Canada, the United States, and the United Kingdom. This latest addition in Mississauga reflects the brand’s ongoing strategy to bridge the gap between online and in-store experiences for its customers.Since…

A robbery took place at the Peoples Jewellers store in Pickering Town Centre on Wednesday, with three suspects targeting the premises in broad daylight. The incident occurred at approximately 5:50 p.m. and was captured on video, later shared on social media. The suspects, all wearing masks and hoodies, were seen smashing display cases and stealing a range of jewellery, including gold and diamond pieces, before fleeing the sceneDetails of the RobberyAccording to Durham Regional Police, the suspects entered the jewellery store from within the mall and began smashing glass display cases using what appeared to be a hammer. The robbery,…

Toronto Police are seeking an unidentified man suspected of stealing a watch worth $43,000 from a jewellery store in downtown Toronto. The incident occurred on July 24 at approximately 5:20 p.m. in the area of Bay and Bloor Streets.Details of the TheftAccording to Constable Ashley Visser, the suspect entered the store and requested to try on a watch. “A man walked into a jewellery store (and) he requested to try on a watch,” Visser stated in a release. The man then fled the premises without paying for the item.Suspect Description and Appeal for InformationInvestigators have identified a suspect and released…

Mountain Province Diamonds saw a decline in revenue for the second quarter of 2024, reporting sales of C$56.8 million, a 5% decrease from the same period last year. The drop was mainly due to a 39% decline in the average price per carat, which fell to C$102. Although sales volume increased by 55% to 557,361 carats, the lower prices outweighed these gains.Market Conditions and CEO’s InsightsMark Wall, CEO of Mountain Province Diamonds, highlighted the market challenges affecting the diamond industry. “The diamond market continues to be softer than anticipated,” Wall stated. “At a macro level, the return of demand in…

Birks Group reported a 13.7% year-over-year sales growth for its fiscal year ending March 30. This increase brought net sales to CAD $185.3 million and gross profit to CAD $73.6 million. Despite these gains, the company recorded a net loss of CAD $4.6 million, which is an improvement over the previous year’s net loss of CAD $7.4 million.The increase in sales was driven by demand for watches and jewellery, alongside investments in customer experience and product development.Comparable Store Sales and Operating IncomeFor the full fiscal year, Birks Group saw a 7.5% increase in comparable store sales and an 8.2% improvement…

Toronto-listed Star Diamond Corporation has announced its intention to purchase the remaining 50% interest in the Buffalo Hills diamond project, located in Alberta, from TSX-V-listed Canterra Minerals. This acquisition will grant Star Diamond full ownership of the asset.Reassessment Reveals Valuable Diamond TypesEarly last year, Star Diamond revisited the Buffalo Hills project, which had previously undergone bulk sampling in 2010. CEO Ewan Mason stated that this reassessment unveiled promising findings, including the presence of Type IIa diamonds and fancy yellow diamonds with high modelled prices. He remarked, “It became clear to us that further work needed to be done, and with…

Winnipeg jewellers are being urged to alert their clients to a surge in gold scams that have recently plagued the city. Local jewellery appraisers and Winnipeg police report that these scams have resurfaced, with diverse victims falling prey to fraudulent schemes.Scam Details and Victim ProfilesGerry Gordon, owner of Gerry’s Jewellery Appraisals, has encountered multiple scam victims with consistent stories in recent months. These incidents typically occur near bank machines, where scammers share convincing tales of financial distress and persuade victims to exchange cash for what appears to be genuine gold jewellery, which is later revealed to be counterfeit.”I wouldn’t say…

Toronto police are seeking three suspects in connection with an armed robbery at a jewellery store at the intersection of Yonge Street and Dundas Street East. The robbery, involving the discharge of a firearm, occurred on December 13, 2023.Incident DetailsThe robbery was carried out by a group of eight men travelling in two stolen vehicles. Seven suspects entered the jewellery store wearing masks. One suspect fired a handgun at a glass door, while others used hammers to smash display cases. During the robbery, one of the suspects assaulted a victim with a handgun. The suspects fled the scene with the…

The Gahcho Kué diamond mine has now surpassed C$2 billion in procurement spending with businesses in the Northwest Territories (NWT) since its construction commenced in 2015. This milestone represents 61% of the total C$3.2 billion spent on procurement for the mine, highlighting the project’s commitment to local economic development and Indigenous engagement.Economic ContributionsDiamond mining remains the largest contributor to the NWT’s Gross Domestic Product (GDP), with Gahcho Kué playing a pivotal role. According to the NWT Bureau of Statistics, diamond mining accounted for C$588 million of the territory’s C$4.25 billion GDP in 2023. The mine’s spending with NWT businesses reached its…

Luxury jewellery brand Bulgari, part of the LVMH Group, has unveiled its Canadian flagship store on Bloor Street West in Toronto. Located at The Colonnade, this store is the sole location in Canada offering Bulgari’s high jewellery collection, along with a variety of exclusive products and unique design elements.Store Design and Unique FeaturesSpanning over 3,000 square feet, the Bloor Street store boasts a distinctive curving glass facade inspired by Bulgari’s iconic Tubogas, reflecting the brand’s signature craftsmanship. The facade also incorporates white marble elements echoing the entrance portals of Bulgari’s historic flagship in Rome. Inside, visitors are greeted by a spacious…

On June 5, 2024, the Bank of Canada (BoC) announced a reduction in the key interest rate by 25 basis points, bringing it down to 4.75%. This marks the first policy rate cut in over four years, making Canada the first G7 nation to reduce interest rates amidst ongoing inflationary pressures.Impact on Retail TradeThis decision is expected to have significant implications for the retail sector – lower interest rates can lead to reduced borrowing costs for businesses and consumers, potentially boosting retail spending.The reduction in the key interest rate could lead to lower prime lending rates from Canada’s major banks. This,…

Toronto police have released a video seeking the public’s assistance in identifying suspects involved in an armed robbery at a jewellery store in North York earlier this month. The incident occurred on the afternoon of May 16 at CF Fairview Mall, situated at Sheppard Avenue East and Don Mills Road.Incident DetailsAccording to police reports, five suspects travelled to the mall in a vehicle, with four entering the building. Surveillance footage shows an employee opening the door for a man, identified by police as one of the suspects. The man, after entering the store, holds the door open for a second…

Canadian Jeweller Magazine has announced the dates and venues for this year’s Time & Shine Jewellery Trade Shows – the largest jewellery and watch trade shows in Canada. The Edmonton event is scheduled for July 21-22 at the Edmonton Metro Convention Centre, followed by the Toronto show on August 18-19 at the International Center. These events are set to provide a platform for suppliers and retailers in the jewellery industry to connect, explore new products, and establish business relationships.Key Industry GatheringOlivier Felicio, CEO of Canadian Jeweller Magazine, emphasised the importance of these events, stating, “Time & Shine Trade Shows are pivotal events…

On Thursday, 23rd May, a downtown Guelph jewellery store was the target of a robbery, resulting in the theft of approximately $200,000 worth of merchandise. The incident occurred at Knar Jewellery in St. George’s Square shortly before closing time. Three suspects, armed with hammers, forcibly entered the store, smashed display cases, and fled the scene within minutes.Details of the IncidentGuelph Police received a report of the robbery in progress just before 5 p.m. According to John Van de Kamer, the general manager of Knar Jewellery, the store’s door, which is typically locked, was opened to allow a well-dressed man entry. This…

Police have disclosed surveillance images of individuals suspected in a recent theft from a jewellery store, where approximately $20,000 in jewelry was stolen. The incident took place at a jewellery store located in the Queen Street East and Balsam Avenue area of Toronto’s east end, with the theft occurring shortly after 6 p.m. on April 30.Details of the IncidentAccording to police reports, three individuals—a man, a woman, and a male youth—entered the jewellery store and executed the theft. The trio managed to flee the scene in an undisclosed direction shortly after stealing the high-value items. Authorities have yet to release…

In a significant consumer rights case that has captured widespread attention, Rogelio Villarreal, a 27-year-old doctor from Tamaulipas, Mexico, successfully purchased a pair of rose-gold, diamond-studded earrings valued at over $19,000 for just $19 due to a pricing error on Cartier’s website. This unusual transaction has spotlighted the enforcement of consumer protection laws in Mexico and their implications for international luxury retailers.Incident DetailsThe earrings, typically priced at 237,000 Mexican pesos, were mistakenly listed for 237 pesos. Villarreal, intrigued by the drastic price difference while browsing through a social media advertisement, proceeded with the purchase. Upon realisation of the error, Cartier attempted…

Mountain Province reported a downturn in diamond sales from its Gahcho Kué mine in Canada for the first quarter. The company noted a 31% decrease in revenue year-on-year, amounting to $66.1 million over the three months ending March 31. Additionally, there was a slight 2% drop in sales volume, recorded at 938,310 carats, and the average price per carat decreased by 29%, to $95.Economic Influences and Production MetricsThe reduction in Mountain Province’s revenue can be attributed to several factors currently affecting the global diamond market. These include broader economic difficulties, a surplus of diamonds in the midstream sector, and reduced demand from…

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 DetailsIn 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 the nearly pure…

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 SoftwareThe 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 from thousands of…

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 DetailsA 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 TheftsArrests and ChargesTwo individuals, a 23-year-old man and a…

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 emotional manipulation, where…

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 InnovatorsIndustry Leaders PresentParticipants 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 USA, and Japanese…