Diamond Education
The amount of information about diamonds and all aspects of fine jewellery online we believe to be a wonderful resource to empower clients, but this unfortunately comes with certain pitfalls & problems. Diamond information in particular has many different sources online with varying, even sometimes opposite, opinions & conclusions. Every source has different motivations, levels of education and ethical standards behind them as well.
If you are on a search for a diamond, we do recommend coming in and chatting with a member of our team. We love to chat about all aspects of diamonds! Our team is always keeping up with the latest in the industry and are all annually certified with the American Gem Society. There is a lot of information out there and we can help you determine which choice is the best for you.
If you are just starting your diamond journey, you may find some of the basics below from the Gemological Institute of America helpful to read before coming in.
We hope to see you soon!
OUR NEW PARTNERSHIP
The Natural Diamond Council (NDC) inspires and informs consumers about the incredible world of natural diamonds through its Only Natural Diamonds platform.
Diamond facts and misconceptions
Natural vs. Labgrown Diamonds
Watch the video below to learn more about some of the common misconceptions vs. facts regarding natural and labgrown diamonds!
The platform is the authoritative publisher on all things natural diamonds including celebrities and pop culture, epic diamonds and jewelry trends, engagements and weddings, and diamond buying guides.
The NDC supports the integrity of the natural diamond industry by providing transparency and insight on the progress of this sector and its commitments to further betterment. NDC is a global organization whose members’ operations span four continents and ten countries including Canada, South Africa, and Botswana. Their operations support the livelihood of 10 million industry employees and their families around the world.
The NDC operates in the US, China, India and Europe.
TRUE NORTHERN TREASURES
We are so thrilled to be able to offer our clients a stunning selection of Canadian diamonds. Keep reading to learn about the Maple Leaf Diamond difference.
CONFLICT-FREE AND ETHICALLY UNEARTHED
A diamond's journey from mine to finger is complex. Yet, every step of the way, Maple Leaf Diamonds' commitment to chain of custody processes - some of them voluntary - assures you the ethical and conflict-free status of the jewellery they craft.
The global jewellery industry works in partnership with the United Nations, governments, and non-government organizations to combat the use of diamonds to finance war or violence against legitimate organizations through the Kimberley Process. Established in 2003, this certification scheme ensures the legitimate origin of rough diamonds. Through the World Diamond Council's System of Warranties, all participants in the Kimberley Process must affirm the rough and polished diamonds they buy or sell are from legitimate sources.
While Canadian Maple Leaf Diamonds are in full compliance with the Kimberley Process, they go beyond this usual industry standard. Each Maple Leaf Diamond of 0.30ct or more comes with a certificate guaranteeing origin and that the stone is natural and untreated.
TRACEABILITY
To further ensure confidence in your purchase, Maple Leaf Diamonds' unique tracking system allows their diamonds to be traced back not just to the country of origin but the actual diamond mine from which they were sourced.
Maple Leaf Diamonds are part of the Canadamark hallmark program, and are mainly sourced at either the Ekati or Diavik mines in Canada's pristine Northwest Territories. Meeting strict requirements for responsible mining, Canadamark diamonds are tracked through independent and audited processes at every stage from mine to retail, assuring you that your diamond is authentically Canadian.
To identify your unique stone, Maple Leaf Diamonds laser-inscribes it on the girdle with a diamond identification number (DIN), which is then printed on its certificate of origin. By entering the DIN on their tracking webpage you'll be able to see exactly where your diamond was sourced.
With a Canadian Maple Leaf Diamond, you are assured the symbol of your love and devotion was mined ethically and in accordance with strict Canadian environmental labour laws.
ENVIRONMENTALLY CONSCIOUS
Canada's diamond mines are considered global leaders in sustainability. The Mining Association of Canada's standard, Towards Sustainable Mining, is a globally recognized sustainability program that supports mining companies in managing key environmental and social risks.
Before a project can begin, diamond mining companies operating in Canada are required to place money in escrow every year to be used for reclamation purposes once the mine closes. Over the life of the mine, these amounts can accumulate to hundreds of millions of dollars, and can only be used to restore the land to its previous state.
In just a few years, reclamation can remove nearly all traces of mining activity. For example, kimberlite ore, the rock in which diamonds are found, is processed using recycled water for the most part and without the use of harsh chemicals. After the diamonds are removed, the processed ore is kept so it can be returned to the earth from where it was extracted when the mine closes.
In addition to reclamation, governments and local communities closely monitor the impact of mining operations on animals who live near the mines. Wildlife monitoring programs are not only aimed at detecting potential effects related to mining, but also inform our understanding of the unique species that inhabit the tundra.
Sustainable development is another aspect to mining. In 2012, the Diavik diamond mine installed a 9.2MW wind farm, considered the northernmost in the world. Each year, this wind farm provides up to 10 per cent of the mine's energy needs and replaces about 900,000 gallons of diesel fuel. For this achievement, the Canadian Wind Energy Association awarded Diavik its Group Leadership Award.