Author: Ruchi Singla

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 RewardOpen 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 work. The CGA…

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 OverviewFour 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 system and has…

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 StatementProsecutor 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 engage in…

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 PerformanceThe 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 holiday spending.…

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 DetailsThe 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 led to the…

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 ImplicationsThe 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 one of the…

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 InnovationThe 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 as a…

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 loaded handgun,…