For centuries the world’s only known source of diamonds was India. In the eighteenth century diamonds were discovered in Brazil and in the next century Cecil Rhodes and the De Beers company would make millions from diamond mining in South Africa. Diamond hunters have always been trying to strike the next big deposit and after the successes in Asia, South Africa and South America attention was turned towards North America and in particular the vast swathes of untouched wilderness in Canada. The first Canadian diamond wasn’t discovered until 1920, and then accidentally, when a worker uncovered a 33 carat stone while digging a rail between Ottawa and Toronto. Hope was briefly ignited but prospectors battled many more hard years in unforgiving conditions with little success. For a long time the fabled diamond fields of North America remained elusive.
Significant diamond mines were first discovered in the North Western territories of Canada in the early 1990s. Today one third of the world’s diamonds are sourced from Canada and annual output exceeds that of South Africa in monetary terms. The climate and terrain of the North Western territories are harsh and unforgiving – one reason the diamonds remained untapped for so long – but also beautiful and nearly unspoilt. Diamond mining firms in Canada have strived to create a balance between running a commercially successful operation with financial benefits for the whole community, whilst maintaining the ecological balance of the area. Canada has strict environmental laws in place to prevent lasting ecological damage resulting from mining. In this way the flora and fauna surrounding the mines, including caribou and grizzly bears are not harmed and are even protected with revenue from the industry. The local Inuit and Mètis peoples have been represented from the very beginning of operations and the mines have brought prosperity in taxes and jobs to the people of the Northwest territories many of whom are themselves, the descendents of prospectors.
Canadian diamonds are traced from the time they are mined from the earth, right through cutting and polishing and their sale to distributors. In this way there can be no interference or cross contamination with diamonds that are not ethically sourced. At The Inspired Collection we always use diamonds of the highest quality. Offering you Canadian diamonds as an option is another way we ensure our high standards of quality and responsibility are upheld.
To read more on the quality of the Canadian Diamonds we use in The Inspired Collection engagement rings see our Diamonds and Certification Guide.
The Inspired Collection now provides the option to use beautiful conflict-free Canadian Diamonds from Sirius Star. Click here to read more on these special diamonds from Canada.
