La Maison d’Or’s Journey to Canada’s First Diamond Mine
At La Maison d’Or (LMD), every diamond tells a story, and for Brent Harden, President and Certified Gemologist at LMD, that story recently took him to the rugged, awe-inspiring wilderness of Canada’s Northwest Territories.
His journey to the Ekati diamond mine, the very first diamond mine in Canada located to the north-east of Yellowknife, wasn’t just about seeing where these beautiful gems begin their journey to our clients’ fingers; it was about experiencing firsthand the deep connection between Canada’s diamond industry and the people, land, and traditions that make it truly special.
A Spark of Inspiration
“What inspired this journey was the success story of the Ekati diamond mine,” Brent shared. “It’s a story of empowerment for the people of the Northwest Territories, how they take control of their destinies and feel proud to contribute to Canada.” For Brent, it was a chance to understand, on a deeper level, how diamonds help shape communities and create opportunities in Canada’s North.
With full production beginning in October 1998, Maple Leaf Diamonds, one of Canada’s premier sources of diamonds, mines many of its diamonds from Ekati, alongside other mines in the Northwest Territories.
Ekati is also renowned for producing world-class gems. The 78-carat Ekati Spirit was discovered in 2010 in the mine and was sold in 2011 for over 6 million dollars. Also, in 2022, Ekati made history with Canada’s largest fancy vivid yellow diamond to date: a 71.26-carat stone, recovered from the mine's Misery pipe. Tiffany & Co. bought the exquisite diamond and crafted it into two diamonds, one over 15 carats and the other over 20 carats.
Picture via Tiffany & Co
Ethical Sourcing In Ekati
Diamonds from the Ekati mine aren’t just beautiful, they carry a promise that is important to so many. “A diamond’s journey from mine to finger is complex,” Brent explained, “but every step of the way, Maple Leaf Diamonds’ commitment to chain of custody processes, some of them voluntary, ensures the ethical and conflict-free status of the jewellery they craft.”
While Canadian diamonds comply fully with the Kimberley Process, a global certification scheme designed to stop the trade of conflict diamonds (Conflict diamonds are natural rough diamonds that are used to fund armed conflicts by rebel movements and their allies against legitimate governments), Maple Leaf Diamonds go even further. Each diamond of 0.30ct or more comes with a certificate guaranteeing its natural, untreated origin, backed by an industry-leading tracking system.
Brent was impressed by how seriously Canadian mines take sustainability. Before any project begins, mining companies must place money in escrow each year to fund reclamation when the mine closes. It’s about leaving the land as close as possible to its original state.
Even wildlife monitoring programs are in place to protect the region’s unique ecosystems.
From Mine to Market
Brent traced the fascinating journey of a diamond from rough to refined: “Diamonds are mined at Ekati and sorted in a small, unassuming building in Yellowknife. From there, they’re sent to Mumbai, India, where they’re expertly cut, then shipped to major distribution hubs like Antwerp, New York, Los Angeles, Tokyo, Hong Kong, and Toronto.”
A Piece of Canada’s Heart
Supporting Canadian operations like Ekati is deeply important to La Maison d’Or. “The North can’t grow food; it needs to develop its mineral wealth,” Brent explained. “When our clients buy a Maple Leaf Diamond, they literally own a piece of Canada. A jewel that they can treasure forever.”
For clients, this means their engagement ring isn’t just a symbol of love, it’s a tangible piece of the Canadian story. “I can share my personal experience with them because I’ve seen exactly how their diamond goes from the mine to their finger,” Brent said. “It’s a family heirloom that carries the pride of our nation.”
Tackling Traceability
Diamond traceability matters, not just for authenticity but also for trust. “Clients want to know that their diamond is truly theirs, that it was ethically sourced,” Brent explained. Maple Leaf Diamonds’ unique tracking system goes beyond standard industry practices, linking each diamond back to the specific mine where it was unearthed.
Each Maple Leaf Diamond is laser-inscribed with a Diamond Identification Number (DIN), ensuring its origin story is preserved and can be verified by the customer online. This level of traceability reinforces the bond between the diamond, its owner, and Canada’s natural beauty.
Growing Demand for Canadian Diamonds
As consumers become more conscious of where their products come from, Brent sees the demand for Canadian diamonds growing. “People want to know where their food is grown, where their items are manufactured, and of course, where their diamonds come from,” he said. “Supporting Canadian has never been more important, and we’re proud to help our clients do that.”
If Brent had to describe his visit in just one word? “Exciting, breathtaking, fun, and a real sense of pride in our nation and its people,” he said.
Reflecting on his experience, Brent added, “Our society could learn a lot from the wisdom and strength of the local Dene people. I hope clients can sense that pride and commitment in every diamond we sell.”
At La Maison d’Or, every diamond tells a story, and now, thanks to Brent’s journey, that story is richer than ever.
Tell your story with La Maison d’Or here and browse our exquisite Canadian diamonds: https://lamaisondor.com/collections/maple-leaf-diamonds