SourcingMar 22, 2022
De Beers Unveils New Marine Mining Vessel in NamibiaSourcingMar 31, 2022
Production at Mine Famous for Its Yellow Diamonds Slated To Restart
Burgundy Diamond Mines said it will begin commercial production at Ellendale before the end of 2022.
PHOTO Rough from the Ellendale mine that Burgundy Diamond Mines Ltd. purchased from a former Ellendale customer in 2021. Burgundy is in process of buying mining claims in and around Ellendale from Gibb River Diamonds. (Photo courtesy of Burgundy Diamond Mines Ltd.)
PHOTO Polished diamonds Burgundy produced at its facility in Perth. (Photo courtesy of Burgundy Diamond Mines Ltd.)
Perth, Australia—One of the companies trying to revive Ellendale, the Australian mine that once produced half the world’s yellow diamonds, expects to start commercial production later this year.
Burgundy Diamond Mines Ltd. said last week a state-of-the-art bulk sample plant has been shipped to Perth, Western Australia, from South Africa and will be transported to Ellendale for installation and commissioning by the end of the second quarter.
The company will conduct bulk sampling—the process of taking a massive sample in order to evaluate the makeup and potential worth of a mineral deposit—until Q4, with commercial production expected to kick off before the end of 2022.
Burgundy has not yet established final production forecasts, CEO Peter Ravenscroft, a former Rio Tinto executive, told National Jeweler via email, but will start production at the Blina alluvial deposit and plans to expand from there.
He said the company will cut and polish all yellow diamonds from Ellendale at its facility in Perth. The facility is built around “master craftsmen” who used to cut stones from another mine famous for its colored diamonds: Rio Tinto-owned Argyle.
Also like Argyle, Burgundy plans to create an “ultra-luxury” brand to market its yellows from Ellendale, much the same way Rio Tinto created—and kept—the Argyle Pink Diamonds brand.
The Ellendale brand is set to be unveiled in Paris in July alongside a collection of yellow diamond jewelry created by Burgundy’s first partner, Paris-based Bäumer Vendôme.
Related stories will be right here …
Burgundy Diamond Mines Ltd. said last week a state-of-the-art bulk sample plant has been shipped to Perth, Western Australia, from South Africa and will be transported to Ellendale for installation and commissioning by the end of the second quarter.
The company will conduct bulk sampling—the process of taking a massive sample in order to evaluate the makeup and potential worth of a mineral deposit—until Q4, with commercial production expected to kick off before the end of 2022.
Burgundy has not yet established final production forecasts, CEO Peter Ravenscroft, a former Rio Tinto executive, told National Jeweler via email, but will start production at the Blina alluvial deposit and plans to expand from there.
He said the company will cut and polish all yellow diamonds from Ellendale at its facility in Perth. The facility is built around “master craftsmen” who used to cut stones from another mine famous for its colored diamonds: Rio Tinto-owned Argyle.
Also like Argyle, Burgundy plans to create an “ultra-luxury” brand to market its yellows from Ellendale, much the same way Rio Tinto created—and kept—the Argyle Pink Diamonds brand.
The Ellendale brand is set to be unveiled in Paris in July alongside a collection of yellow diamond jewelry created by Burgundy’s first partner, Paris-based Bäumer Vendôme.
Ellendale is located in the West Kimberley region of Western Australia, about 400-500 km (250 to 310 miles) west of Argyle, which closed in November 2020 after 37 years of production.
Formerly owned by Kimberley Diamonds Ltd. and perhaps best known as the mine that supplied Tiffany & Co. with its yellows, Ellendale has been shuttered since 2015.
In late 2019, the Australian government awarded mining claims for the site to two companies, Gibb River Diamonds and another Australian company, India Bore Diamond Holdings.
Burgundy is buying the mining claims that used to belong to Gibb River Diamonds under terms of a $5 million deal reached in March 2021.
Ravenscroft said Burgundy holds the rights for the Blina alluvial deposit and “key parts” of the previous Ellendale Mine leases, including the mine pits (E9 and E4) and stockpiles, as well as the alluvial deposits to the north of E9.
In March 2021, Burgundy made an initial payment of AU$1.7 million ($1.3 million) and issued 4 million Burgundy shares to Gibb River Diamonds.
The company said last week it has made the second payment, AU$1 million ($751,000) and 5 million shares, with a final payment of AU$4 million ($3 million) and 7 million Burgundy shares due March 23, 2023.
If and when Ellendale restarts, it will be Australia’s only operational diamond mine.
Editors' Picks
Sponsored by
More on Sourcing
The Latest
CollectionsJan 24, 2025
Piece of the Week: Ashley Zhang Jewelry’s Lunar New Year NecklaceThe one-of-a-kind necklace was designed in celebration of the Chinese New Year, as 2025 is the Year of the Snake.
Recorded WebinarsJan 24, 2025
Watch: Fine Jewelry Market Predictions for 2025 “My Next Question” guests Sherry Smith and Edahn Golan share their 2025 forecasts, from sales and marketing to what retailers should stock.
Policies & IssuesJan 24, 2025
These Designers and Retailers Are Raising Money for LA Wildfire Relief From raffles to auctions to donations, the industry is working to aid charities in Los Angeles amid the raging wildfires.
Brought to you by
3 New Year’s Resolutions for Jewelry Lovers The new year feels like a clean slate, inspiring reflection, hope, and the motivation to become better versions of ourselves.
CrimeJan 23, 2025
4 Men Arrested After Allegedly Plotting to Kidnap JewelerThe suspects are accused of planning to kidnap a Miami jeweler and rob him of his cryptocurrency.
Weekly QuizJan 23, 2025
This Week’s QuizTest your jewelry news knowledge by answering these questions.
CrimeJan 23, 2025
Security Guard Killed in Armed Robbery at Namibian Diamond Co. Francis “Gosh” Eiseb, 58, was a senior protection officer for Namib Desert Diamonds, also known as Namdia, in Windhoek, Namibia.
Events & AwardsJan 23, 2025
Plumb Club Announces Speaker Lineup for Symposium ‘25The second annual learning forum for retailers is slated for March 13 at City Winery in Pier 57 in New York City.
Brought to you by
A Diamond Is Forever Celebrates "Forever Present" Holiday CampaignA Diamond is Forever hosted a holiday celebration in honor of their new marketing campaign, ‘Forever Present.’
SourcingJan 23, 2025
Fancy Color Research Foundation Names New CEORoy Safit took over the role on Jan. 1.
ColumnistsJan 22, 2025
On Data: How Did Independent Jewelers Fare in 2024? Sherry Smith shares data on the year gone by, including the breakdown between natural and lab-grown diamond sales.
Policies & IssuesJan 22, 2025
Jewelers Mutual Steps Up Aid for LA Jewelry BusinessesThe company also is matching donations made to Jewelers of America and the Diamond Council of America’s Jewelers Relief Fund.
Events & AwardsJan 22, 2025
JA Seeking Nominations for Its Next ‘20 Under 40’ ClassNow in its fourth year, the program is expanding to include a list of “20 Under 40” for jewelry suppliers.
SurveysJan 22, 2025
Holiday Sales Hit Record High, Says NRFCore retail sales during the 2024 holiday season surpassed the National Retail Federation’s forecast.
CollectionsJan 22, 2025
Foundrae’s New Collection Channels the Power of NowThe “Reach for Life” collection uses feather and arrow motifs to invite growth and inner curiosity.
ColumnistsJan 21, 2025
Peter Smith: Sales Training’s Dirty Little SecretPeter Smith pulls back the curtain on the often misinterpreted, and sometimes maligned, world of sales training.
TrendsJan 21, 2025
Amanda’s Style File: Decadent Mocha MoussePantone’s 2025 Color of the Year takes the form of jewelry through gemstones and enamel that look just as delicious as mocha mousse.
SourcingJan 21, 2025
Diamonds Do Good Adds 2 Board MembersJulia Hackman Chafé and Monica Elias have joined the organization’s board of directors.
FinancialsJan 17, 2025
Richemont’s Jewelry Sales Rise 14% in Holiday QuarterThe company, which owns Cartier and Van Cleef & Arpels, had a record Q3, with sales topping $6 billion.
CollectionsJan 17, 2025
Piece of the Week: Picchiotti’s Transformable ‘Classic Blue and Green’ NecklaceThe necklace features a sapphire drop weighing more than 9 carats that detaches to transform into a ring.
MajorsJan 17, 2025
Tiffany & Co., CFDA Name First Winner of Jewelry Designer AwardJameel Mohammed, founder of Afrofuturist brand Khiry, will receive a cash prize and a one-year paid fellowship with Tiffany & Co.
IndependentsJan 16, 2025
Lux Bond & Green to Open Sixth LocationThe 127-year-old jeweler is planning to open a new store in Mystic, Connecticut.
WatchesJan 16, 2025
Timex Launches Collection of National Park WatchesThe watches’ dials feature artwork celebrating the vibrant energy and unique landscapes of six of America’s national parks.
AuctionsJan 16, 2025
Elizabeth Taylor’s Diamond Line Bracelet Going up for Auction Offered by U.K. auction house Woolley & Wallis, the yellow diamond bracelet was a gift from Taylor’s good friend Michael Jackson.
Events & AwardsJan 16, 2025
JCK Las Vegas 2025 Open for RegistrationThe jewelry trade show returns to The Venetian Expo and The Venetian Resort in Las Vegas from June 6 to 9.
EditorsJan 15, 2025
The Jewelry I’d Bid On in Christie’s Iris Apfel AuctionAssociate Editor Natalie Francisco highlights her favorite fashion jewelry pieces from the upcoming “Unapologetically Iris” auction.
MajorsJan 15, 2025
Macy’s to Close 66 Stores as Part of Turnaround StrategyThe closures are part of the retailer’s plan to close 150 locations over a three-year period.
Policies & IssuesJan 15, 2025
JVC Debuts Guide to Americans with Disabilities Act ComplianceThe online guide is available for free and written with the jewelry industry in mind.
