Sourcing

First Diamond Recovered From Burgundy’s Ellendale Restart

SourcingSep 22, 2022

First Diamond Recovered From Burgundy’s Ellendale Restart

Burgundy also announced the retail launch of its diamond brand, Maison Mazerea.

20220922_Burgundy polished.jpg
Burgundy produced these polished diamonds at its facility in Perth. The Australian mining company recently announced the recovery of its first diamond at Ellendale and the retail launch of its diamond brand, Maison Mazerea. (Photo courtesy of Burgundy Diamond Mines Ltd.)
Perth, Western Australia—Burgundy Diamond Mines Ltd. is inching closer to reopening the Ellendale Mine in Western Australia, a once-significant source of yellow diamonds that’s been closed since 2015.

The Australian mining company said earlier this year it expects to start commercial production at the mine by the end of 2022.

On Sept. 8, the Australian mining company announced the recovery of its first diamond from Ellendale, a 1.51-carat fancy yellow octahedral (pictured below) found at the Blina alluvial project.

It reiterated its assertion that production will start in Q4.

A full-year production forecast is not yet available, though a spokesperson for the mine noted, “the recovery of the first diamond at Ellendale within the first weeks of operations is a very promising sign.”

20220922_Ellendale restart first diamond.jpg
Photo courtesy of Burgundy Diamond Mines Ltd.

Burgundy holds the rights to the Blina alluvial project as well as “key parts” of the Ellendale Mine. 

Burgundy Managing Director Peter Ravenscroft, a former Rio Tinto executive, said in an interview earlier this year that it plans to begin mining at Blina and expand from there.

Commenting on the find in a news release, he said: “The first diamond recovered at Blina is an example of the potential quality of product from the Blina alluvials and the wider Ellendale project, and we look forward to building toward commercial production of these exquisite fancy yellow diamonds.” 

Two weeks after finding that first diamond, Burgundy announced it had started selling diamonds under the brand name it created for Ellendale production, Maison Mazerea, at Australian independent Solid Gold Diamonds.  

Solid Gold has two stores, one in Perth, Western Australia, and the other in Adelaide, South Australia. 

Stage one of the partnership between the miner and the retailer has Solid Gold Diamonds selling engagement rings set with Maison Mazerea-branded diamonds. 

Stage two, which is set to launch next month, will see Burgundy and Solid Gold collaborate on a fine jewelry collection.

 Related stories will be right here … 

The diamonds currently being sold under the Maison Mazerea name are stones Burgundy purchased from other companies, including the approximately 350 carats mined at Ellendale in 209 that it bought in September 2021, and the 150 carats of fancy yellows from Arctic Canadian Diamond Company Ltd. it purchased in January.

Burgundy’s long-term ambition is to build what Ravenscroft describes as an “end-to-end” diamond company—it will mine yellow diamonds at Ellendale, have them cut at its facility in Perth by cutters from Rio Tinto’s now-closed Argyle Diamond Mine, and set into jewelry sold under the Maison Mazerea name.

It said it is working on developing sales agreements with other jewelers and watchmakers worldwide and anticipates future supply will be a mix of diamonds mined at Ellendale and stones purchased from other companies.

The mine spokesperson said it plans to hold a launch event for Maison Mazerea in New York in the coming months, adding that, “the U.S. market is a key market for Burgundy and Maison Mazerea.”

Editor’s note: The headline of this story was corrected post-publication to clarify that the 1.51-carat diamond was the first diamond that Burgundy Diamond Mines Ltd. recovered, not the first diamond recovered from the Ellendale restart overall.  

The Latest

Graff Fontainebleau Las Vegas
MajorsMay 28, 2025
Graff Unveils New Las Vegas Flagship

The 3,300-square foot location is the jeweler's largest store in North America.

Kim Kardashian
CrimeMay 28, 2025
8 Convicted in Kim Kardashian Jewelry Heist Trial

Aging and with myriad health issues, none will serve time for their roles in robbing the billionaire celebrity at gunpoint in 2016.

New York Liberty 2024 WNBA Championship Ring
CollectionsMay 28, 2025
NY Liberty’s 2024 Championship Rings Honor Historic Win

The WNBA team received rings imbued with meaning, from leaf motifs and its Liberty torch to the number of diamonds used.

Article Image 1.png
Brought to you by
Clienteling Isn’t a Buzzword. It’s an Essential Business Model.

More shoppers are walking out without buying. Here’s how smart jewelers can bring them back—and the tool they need to do it right.

Jewelers Board of Trade logo
MajorsMay 28, 2025
Andrew Rickard Named JBT President

A longtime executive at RDI Diamonds, Rickard has served on the JBT board for the past five years.

Weekly QuizMay 22, 2025
This Week’s Quiz
Test your jewelry news knowledge by answering these questions.
Take the Quiz
Logos for Manufacturing Jewelers & Suppliers of America and Jewelers of America
MajorsMay 27, 2025
MJSA to Become Part of Jewelers of America

The two organizations have signed an affiliation agreement that’s expected to be finalized in the coming weeks.

Al Capone Pocket Watch
AuctionsMay 27, 2025
Al Capone’s Patek Philippe Pocket Watch Back Up for Auction

The platinum and diamond watch is part of Sotheby’s upcoming Important Watches sale.

antique_Vegas_2024_by_headshot_stories_9454.jpg
Brought to you by
Las Vegas Antique Jewelry & Watch Show: Showcasing the Most Collectible Merchandise from Across the Globe

Gain access to the most exclusive and coveted antique pieces from trusted dealers during Las Vegas Jewelry Week.

Kat Florence Lumina
AuctionsMay 27, 2025
182-Carat Paraíba-Type Tourmaline Sells for $487K

Recovered in Mozambique, “The Kat Florence Lumina” was part of Bonhams’ Hong Kong jewelry auction held last week.

Mark Henry Gumdrop Bypass Ring
TrendsMay 27, 2025
Amanda’s Style File: Candy-Colored Gemstones

Get a taste of the delicious candy-like gemstones in this Amanda’s Style File.

Stock image of police cars with their lights on
CrimeMay 23, 2025
JSA Shares Holiday Weekend Security Tips Amid Spike in Burglaries

JSA’s Scott Guginsky provided a list of nine security measures jewelers should observe while locking up for the long weekend.

Bliss Lau Bright Ring
CollectionsMay 23, 2025
Piece of the Week: Bliss Lau’s ‘Bright’ Ring

From Lau’s “Love of a Kind” series, the engagement ring was inspired by the moon and holds a different meaning depending on how it is worn.

GIA pearl report
GradingMay 23, 2025
GIA Updates Pearl Classification System

The lab has adjusted the scale it uses for nacre grading.

GCALbySarine Diamond Journey Certificate_1872x1052.jpg
Supplier BulletinMay 22, 2025
How to Put Natural Diamonds Back in the Spotlight

Sponsored by GCAL by Sarine

The late West Virginia jeweler David Ettinger
CrimeMay 22, 2025
NY Jeweler Sentenced in Shoving Death of Colleague at IJO Show

David Walton will serve three years’ probation after an incident in a hotel bar led to the death of West Virginia jeweler David Ettinger.

Watches of Switzerland store in Mall of America
FinancialsMay 22, 2025
Watches of Switzerland’s Full-Year U.S. Sales Climb 14%

The retailer also provided an update on how the tariffs situation in the U.S. is affecting its business.

Jorge Adeler, Wendy Adeler, Valentina Adeler
IndependentsMay 22, 2025
Adeler Jewelers Celebrates 50 Years

The family-owned jeweler in Great Falls, Virginia, will be celebrating its golden jubilee with a year’s worth of events.

Jose Hess Design Awards 2025 Trophy
Events & AwardsMay 22, 2025
Jose Hess Design Awards Announce Judges

The nonprofit elected five judges who will decide the winners of its design competition.

MJSA 2025-2026 Buyer’s Guide
MajorsMay 22, 2025
MJSA Releases 2025-2026 Buyer’s Guide

This year’s edition includes articles on the favorite tools of notable designers, evaluating when to outsource production, and more.

Bulgari Invisible Violet Necklace and Rainbow Flow Necklace
CollectionsMay 21, 2025
Bulgari Highlights Its Colorful Past in Phenomenal ‘Polychroma’ Collection

The jeweler’s high jewelry collection features extraordinary gemstones, like a 241.06-carat emerald and the world’s fourth-largest spinel.

Industry analyst Edahn Golan
ColumnistsMay 21, 2025
Edahn’s Take: Analyzing the 2025 ‘$100 Million Supersellers’ List

In a special column for the State of the Majors, Edahn Golan breaks down what the top-performing fine jewelry sellers are doing right.

Beyoncé bolo tie necklace
MajorsMay 21, 2025
Beyoncé Dons Brilliant Earth Necklace During Cowboy Carter Tour

The bolo tie necklace is inspired by “Queen Bey” and set with a nearly 15-carat black diamond.

Annie Doresca
MajorsMay 20, 2025
Annie Doresca to Lead DCA as New CEO, President

Current Diamond Council of America President and CEO Terry Chandler is set to retire in January 2026.

QVC Group logo
FinancialsMay 20, 2025
QVC Group to Voluntarily Delist from Nasdaq

The company's Series A shares will continue to trade following a reverse stock split while its Series B shares will be delisted.

National Jeweler columnist Peter Smith
ColumnistsMay 20, 2025
Peter Smith: Leading Through Change

Communicating clearly with your staff is key to navigating turbulent times, writes columnist Peter Smith.

Luis Morais Miami Beach Flagship Interior
IndependentsMay 20, 2025
Luis Morais Opens Flagship, Launches Collection Celebrating 25 Years

The “Inner Journey” collection debuted as the brand celebrated its 25th anniversary, with designs inspired by Morais’ journey.

Exterior of Tanishq Santa Clara Storefront
MajorsMay 20, 2025
Tanishq Opens Seventh U.S. Store

Tanishq is expanding its presence in the United States with a new store in Santa Clara, California, which is its largest in the country.

×

This site uses cookies to give you the best online experience. By continuing to use & browse this site, we assume you agree to our Privacy Policy