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

Alexandra Rosier gold and opal Eternal Love Hands necklace
TrendsJun 02, 2023
Take a Peek at Couture’s Newest Design Talents

This year’s Design Atelier is full of gems.

Saboo Fine Jewels emerald and titanium earrings
CollectionsJun 02, 2023
Piece of the Week: Saboo Fine Jewels’ Emerald Earrings

They’re a testament to the power of excellent design.

Holly Wesche, Stan Razny, Ingrid Razny, Candy Udell
IndependentsJun 02, 2023
These Are the 2023 Retailer Hall of Fame Inductees

This year’s honorees include one of Florida’s largest independent jewelers and two multi-store independents in the Chicago and New York areas.

LAB230043_Dossier_NJ_1872x1052_V1.jpg
Brought to you by
The Next Step for GIA Diamond Reports

The most trusted diamond report, available in print or the GIA App.

Jane Taylor letter pendants
TrendsJun 01, 2023
See 50+ Jewels Debuting at Couture in Las Vegas

The industry’s most influential contemporary designers are showcasing their latest jewelry designs.

Weekly QuizJun 02, 2023
This Week’s Quiz
Test your jewelry news knowledge with this short test.
Take the Quiz
35-carat lab-grown diamond created by Maitri
Lab-GrownJun 01, 2023
35-Carat Lab-Grown Diamond Going on Display in Vegas

Created by Maitri Lab-Grown Diamonds and graded by IGI, it’s slightly bigger than the record-setting lab-grown diamond GIA just examined.

Bottom Line Marketing Chief Growth Officer Gus Garcia and CEO Jackie Brooks
MajorsJun 01, 2023
Bottom Line Marketing Announces Restructured Leadership, New Service Offerings

The marketing agency has integrated its first C-suite.

Cover-WN19-Back-&-Front_V5-RGB-(1)_Community.jpg
Brought to you by
Beyond Borders: Crucial Factors in Colored Stone Origin Determination

Navigate origin determination with Continuing Education seminars offered by the GIA Alumni Collective™.

20230306_JohnnyCupcakes.jpg
Events & AwardsJun 01, 2023
Meet JCK’s 2023 Keynote Speaker

The jewelry trade show also will debut educational content centered around social media.

Lauren K gold and gemstone rings
TrendsMay 31, 2023
Here’s a Sneak Peek of New Jewelry to Check Out at JCK

Luxury kicks off today, with the full show in swing on Friday.

A pearl pendant and a pearl ring
CollectionsMay 31, 2023
Verragio’s Debut Fine Jewelry Collections Honor Company Heritage

One of the three new collections was inspired by the legend of a woman who traded her mansion to Cartier for two strands of natural pearls.

Rob Ballew
MajorsMay 31, 2023
Signet Jewelers Names New Head of Investor Relations

Rob Ballew will be tasked with communicating the jewelry giant’s plans and financial performance to investors.

Mobile mock-up screens of the new LUX Digital Vault app from Jewelers Mutual Group
MajorsMay 31, 2023
Jewelers Mutual Launches App for Retailers, Introduces New Brokerage

With the app, customers receive a 15-day insurance offer on new purchases while their coverage needs are being evaluated.

Rendering of Lightbox lab-grown diamond store in House of Showfields
Lab-GrownMay 30, 2023
Lightbox Is Testing Out a Trendy Concept Shop in Brooklyn

It is in House of Showfields, a bazaar-style retail space in the borough’s Williamsburg neighborhood.

Attendees at the JCK Las Vegas show
Events & AwardsMay 30, 2023
These Are the Can’t-Miss JCK Talks Education Sessions

From consumer trends to retail technology, these are the JCK Talks sessions that should be on attendees’ radar.

Constance “Connie” Barber Mellon’s David Webb Elephant Clip-Brooch
AuctionsMay 30, 2023
Sotheby’s to Auction Mellon Family Jewelry

Signature pieces from Cartier and David Webb will appear in the June jewelry auction.

Georgie Gleim, Shelly Sergent, and Molly Peterson
Events & AwardsMay 30, 2023
24 Karat Club of Southern California Recognizes 3 Honorees

They will be celebrated at the annual dinner dance and gala in the fall.

Historic and modern photos of diamond grading GIA
GradingMay 26, 2023
State of the Diamond Industry: AI and the Future of Diamond Grading

Gemologists have long used machines in diamond grading but technology has made it possible for them to “learn” how to do it on their own.

Supplier Spotlight Webinar John Pollard and Garry Holloway
Recorded WebinarsMay 26, 2023
Watch: Diamond Cut Quality: The Final Frontier Part 2

Supplier Spotlight Sponsored by IGI

My Next Question webinar series episode on selling lab-grown diamonds
Recorded WebinarsMay 26, 2023
Natural and Lab-Grown Diamonds: What It’s Like to Sell Both

Watch retailers Jeffery Bolling and Bobby Bengivengo discuss employee training, customer education and the sticky subject of future value.

Models wearing Calvin Klein watches and jewelry
FinancialsMay 26, 2023
Movado Sales Slip in Q1 Amid Inflation Woes, Tough Comps

The company has plans to revamp the Movado brand and offer less expensive watches this year.

Bulgari necklace set with 118.35-carat unheated Sri Lankan sapphire
AuctionsMay 26, 2023
Piece of the Week: A Bulgari Sapphire and Diamond Necklace

Set with a 118-carat unheated Sri Lankan sapphire, it just sold for $3.4 million at Phillips jewelry auction in Hong Kong.

noamcarver-videoimage.png
Supplier BulletinMay 25, 2023
RAE Fine Jewelry Collection Debuting at JCK Luxury 2023

Sponsored by Noam Carver

Graphic of phishing scheme
TechnologyMay 25, 2023
State of Retail: Why Jewelers Need to Invest in Cybersecurity Now

As cybercrime incidents threaten the industry, jewelers need to know what they’re up against and the best ways to protect their businesses.

Louis Anthony Jewelers remodeled exterior
IndependentsMay 25, 2023
Louis Anthony Jewelers Is Remodeling and Expanding

The Pittsburgh jeweler is redoing the lighting and showcases, and adding a full hospitality bar as well as new shop-in-shops.

Stanley Zale new principal consultant Hill & Co.
MajorsMay 25, 2023
Stanley Zale Joins Hill & Co. as Principal Consultant

Zale has more than 40 years’ experience in the diamond industry, including 17 years as Stuller’s VP of diamonds and gemstones procurement.

 Welcome to Fabulous Las Vegas Nevada sign
Events & AwardsMay 24, 2023
New To-Dos in Las Vegas During Jewelry Market Week 2023

The Strip is full of new restaurant and entertainment offerings.

×

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