Are Canadian diamonds better?
I hear this question often, especially, when it comes to engagement and wedding rings. Here are some moments that I’d like to share with you.
QUALITY. Each stone is evaluated individually in a lab according to the 4c system. Any mine provides gems of different quality, regardless in what country it’s located.
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ETHICS & PRODUCTION CHAIN. Canadian diamonds are traced directly to the mine and there’s no violence involved at any stage of the production chain. Each stone has a special number, engraved on the girdle (the side facet) and a certificate. Canadian diamonds are mostly cut in India.
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PRICE. Canadian diamonds have a premium mark up (~15-20%, but can vary), compared to similar non-Canadian gems.
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ECOLOGY. I want to be honest with you - I can’t say that it’s 100% eco-friendly (though, you’ll find companies doing that). Just google how diamond mines look like, regardless, Canadian or not. I know that in Canadian mines they are implementing many eco practices, but the question is open and very hard to evaluate. I’m constantly keeping an eye on the new information in the industry on that topic.
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AVAILABILITY. Because of the additional bureaucracy and and franchise paid for each stone by the owner of the raw, Canadian diamonds are mostly available in bigger sizes. There are often certain limitations of what size and form might be available at the supplier at the given moment.
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We often talk about the « bad » factors of the diamond industry, forgetting that ~5 mln people have access to appropriate healthcare due to revenues from the diamond industry, and around 10 mln are indirectly or directly supported by the industry, often at the places where no other job alternative is available. I’ll write about it next time.
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To sum up, there are different factors involved, and the decision is always yours. As for me, my priority is to find THE BEST GEM responding to YOUR priorities and to be honest with you in terms of what is, actually, sustainable in the jewelry industry, without selling it as a marketing tool. I work with various suppliers and will be happy to answer your questions and get Your Diamond.
info@loftbijoux.com
Olga Leclair
loft.bijoux is a a jewelry atelier-boutique in Montreal. We offer all sorts of precious experiences - custom, engagement and marriage rings, transformation of old jewelry into new, ethical gems.