Recorded WebinarsMar 31, 2025
Watch: What Do We Mean When We Say ‘Recycled’ Gold?Three industry experts dive into the complexities of the material often marketed as an “ethical” alternative for metal in jewelry.
SourcingJan 25, 2024
6 Killed in Plane Crash En Route to Diavik Diamond Mine
Four of those who died in Tuesday’s crash were workers at the mine, while two were airline crew members.
Six people were killed and one survived after a plane carrying workers to the Diavik Diamond Mine in Canada’s Northwest Territories (pictured) crashed shortly after takeoff Tuesday.
Yellowknife, Canada—Six people were killed Tuesday when a plane bound for the remote Diavik Diamond Mine in Canada’s Northwest Territories crashed shortly after takeoff.
Rio Tinto, which operates the mine, said four of the individuals on board were workers at the mine while two were airline crew members.
Another Rio Tinto team member survived the crash and was treated at local hospitals.
“We are feeling numb with the devastating news that we have lost dear friends and colleagues,” Rio Tinto Chief Executive Jakob Stausholm said in a statement released Wednesday.
“I extend our deepest sympathy to the families, friends, and loved ones of those who have been affected by this tragedy. I am heading to the Northwest Territories to be with our team and to offer our full support. We will be working closely with authorities over the coming days, weeks and months, to support their efforts to understand the full facts of what has happened.”
The plane, a chartered Jetstream twin-turboprop operated by Northwestern Air Lease Ltd., crashed shortly after taking off from Fort Smith Airport in the Northwest Territories at 6:42 a.m. MST on Tuesday.
According to a report from Canada’s Transportation Safety Board (TSB), the aircraft “collided with terrain” shortly after takeoff, which caused a fire.
It crashed on the banks of the Slave River, less than a mile from the end of the runway.
A TSB spokesman said Wednesday that a team of four investigators are currently on-site at Fort Smith Airport collecting data, interviewing witnesses, and examining and photographing the wreckage and accident site.
He said the organization cannot share any additional information at this time.
According to a statement issued Wednesday by the coroner’s office, the Royal Canadian Mounted Police have notified the family members of the six people killed in the crash, though the names of the victims have not yet been released.
On Wednesday evening, the town of Fort Smith held a candlelight vigil for those lost in the crash, writing in the open invitation posted on its Facebook page, “The recent loss of many of our friends or family members on a flight to the diamond mine has hit all of us very hard. That’s why we gather tonight. We can comfort each other by prayer, song, and our heartfelt thoughts.”
The Northwest Territories Legislative Assembly flew its flags at half-mast Wednesday as a sign of respect and mourning for the victims of the crash and their families.
Assembly Speaker the Hon. Shane Thompson wrote, “This is devastating for Forth Smith and the territory as a whole.
“We will grieve this loss together. This tragedy will have a lasting impact on all our friends and family across the NWT.”
The Diavik Diamond Mine is located about 300 km (190 miles) from Yellowknife, the capital and largest city in Canada’s Northwest Territories, and is only about 200 km (124 miles) south of the Arctic Circle.
Because of the mine’s remote location, Rio Tinto has workers transported in and out via chartered flights.
Rio Tinto, which operates the mine, said four of the individuals on board were workers at the mine while two were airline crew members.
Another Rio Tinto team member survived the crash and was treated at local hospitals.
“We are feeling numb with the devastating news that we have lost dear friends and colleagues,” Rio Tinto Chief Executive Jakob Stausholm said in a statement released Wednesday.
“I extend our deepest sympathy to the families, friends, and loved ones of those who have been affected by this tragedy. I am heading to the Northwest Territories to be with our team and to offer our full support. We will be working closely with authorities over the coming days, weeks and months, to support their efforts to understand the full facts of what has happened.”
The plane, a chartered Jetstream twin-turboprop operated by Northwestern Air Lease Ltd., crashed shortly after taking off from Fort Smith Airport in the Northwest Territories at 6:42 a.m. MST on Tuesday.
According to a report from Canada’s Transportation Safety Board (TSB), the aircraft “collided with terrain” shortly after takeoff, which caused a fire.
It crashed on the banks of the Slave River, less than a mile from the end of the runway.
A TSB spokesman said Wednesday that a team of four investigators are currently on-site at Fort Smith Airport collecting data, interviewing witnesses, and examining and photographing the wreckage and accident site.
He said the organization cannot share any additional information at this time.
According to a statement issued Wednesday by the coroner’s office, the Royal Canadian Mounted Police have notified the family members of the six people killed in the crash, though the names of the victims have not yet been released.
On Wednesday evening, the town of Fort Smith held a candlelight vigil for those lost in the crash, writing in the open invitation posted on its Facebook page, “The recent loss of many of our friends or family members on a flight to the diamond mine has hit all of us very hard. That’s why we gather tonight. We can comfort each other by prayer, song, and our heartfelt thoughts.”
The Northwest Territories Legislative Assembly flew its flags at half-mast Wednesday as a sign of respect and mourning for the victims of the crash and their families.
Assembly Speaker the Hon. Shane Thompson wrote, “This is devastating for Forth Smith and the territory as a whole.
“We will grieve this loss together. This tragedy will have a lasting impact on all our friends and family across the NWT.”
The Diavik Diamond Mine is located about 300 km (190 miles) from Yellowknife, the capital and largest city in Canada’s Northwest Territories, and is only about 200 km (124 miles) south of the Arctic Circle.
Because of the mine’s remote location, Rio Tinto has workers transported in and out via chartered flights.
Editors' Picks
Sponsored by
More on Sourcing
The Latest
TrendsMar 31, 2025
Amanda’s Style File: Dripping in DiamondsDiamonds are not only one of the most prominent gemstones, but the birthstone for those born in April.
MajorsMar 31, 2025
Lashbrook Expands Into Luxury Golf Gifts With AcquisitionThe Utah-based company known for making wedding bands has acquired Doubloon Golf.
Brought to you by
The Heart of the Industry: Giving Bench Jewelers the Recognition They DeserveBench jewelers spend years honing their skills, Jewelers of America’s Certification validates their talents.
WatchesMar 31, 2025
Bulgari CEO Jean-Christophe Babin Will Also Head LVMH WatchesThe longtime luxury executive led one of LVMH’s watch brands, TAG Heuer, for 12 years before taking over Bulgari in 2013.
Weekly QuizMar 27, 2025
This Week’s QuizTest your jewelry news knowledge by answering these questions.
CrimeMar 28, 2025
2 Suspects Arrested in $1.7M Smash-and-Grab Robbery of NY Jewelry StoreAuthorities said the robbers fled with jewelry and 70 Rolex watches, later taking pictures of themselves posing with big stacks of cash.
CollectionsMar 28, 2025
Piece of the Week: Löf’s ‘The Valentine’ RingThe ring's design features contrasting lines influenced by work from architecture-inspired photographer Nikola Olic.
Brought to you by
Natural Diamonds Should Mean MoreNatural diamonds mean more than lab-grown, but when every cut is ideal, they all look the same. Customers want more—Facets of Fire delivers.
SurveysMar 27, 2025
Consumer Confidence Falls in March Amid ‘Gloomy’ OutlookThe Conference Board’s index fell as consumers continued to worry about the impact of tariffs, the labor market, and the price of eggs.
AuctionsMar 27, 2025
300-Year-Old Ring Linked to Witch Trial Judge Goes Unsold at Auction However, two medieval jewels surpassed estimates at Noonans Mayfair’s recent jewelry auction in London.
WatchesMar 27, 2025
Austin Butler Joins Breitling as Brand AmbassadorThe Oscar-nominated actor debuted in the campaign for the new “Top Time B31” collection, which introduced Breitling’s Caliber B31.
IndependentsMar 26, 2025
Bailey’s Fine Jewelry Acquires Fellow NC Independent JewelerThe family-owned retailer is the new owner of Morrison Smith Jewelers in Charlotte, North Carolina.
WatchesMar 26, 2025
Bulova Celebrates 150th Anniversary With Art Deco WatchesThe “150 Art Deco” collection features a Miss America timepiece and a pocket watch from the brand’s Archive Series.
MajorsMar 26, 2025
QVC Group Appoints New PresidentAlex Wellen, formerly CEO and president of MotorTrend Group, has taken on the role.
Events & AwardsMar 26, 2025
Jewelers of America Announces New Funding Initiative The Impact Initiative is part of the nonprofit association’s new three-year strategic plan.
AuctionsMar 25, 2025
Christie’s To Auction 35-Carat Sapphire, 13-Carat RubyThe ruby and the sapphire, which Christie’s calls a “once-in-a-generation masterpiece,” are part of the upcoming Hong Kong jewelry auction.
CrimeMar 25, 2025
Tiffany & Co. Earrings Swallowed Following Grab-and-Run Theft RecoveredThe two pairs of earrings, snatched from a Tiffany & Co. store in Orlando, Florida, are valued at a combined $769,500.
ColumnistsMar 25, 2025
The Smart Lab: Using Short-Form Videos to Sell More JewelryThe time to start experimenting with video content is now, writes columnist Emmanuel Raheb.
CollectionsMar 24, 2025
Pomellato’s Latest ‘Nudo’ Collections Revamp its Classic DesignFrom striking high jewelry to miniature fine jewelry, the new chapter continues to highlight gemstones featuring its signature 57-facet cut.
MajorsMar 24, 2025
4 Top Executives to Depart Signet Jewelers Amid TurnaroundThe jewelry giant is reducing its senior leadership by 30 percent as part of its new turnaround strategy.
WatchesMar 24, 2025
Sotheby's Now Offers Watch Repair ServicesThe auction house's partnership with online watch servicing platform WatchCheck makes repairs convenient and accessible, it said.
FinancialsMar 21, 2025
Swarovski Says Its Lab-Grown Diamond Sales Doubled in 2024The company also noted record sales in the United States and a strong performance in its jewelry category.
SourcingMar 21, 2025
BrankoGems To Hold Conference in MontanaThe event, set for June 13-15, will feature educational presentations and guided visits to the state’s sapphire mines.
TrendsMar 21, 2025
Piece of the Week: Marrow Fine’s ‘Til Death’ RingAfter the black enamel band became a best-seller for the brand, it has now launched an enamel ring personalization program.
IndependentsMar 20, 2025
Korman Fine Jewelry’s New Store Is Double the Size The Austin, Texas, jeweler’s new 11,000-square-foot store is set to open this summer.
Events & AwardsMar 20, 2025
JCK Rocks to Feature Snoop Dogg, Jason DeruloThe rapper and singer-songwriter will perform at Tao Beach on June 8.
TechnologyMar 20, 2025
Chris Ploof, Severine Ferrari Launch YouTube Video Series“Conversations with Chris Ploof” covers tips for men buying wedding bands, behind-the-scenes footage of Ploof in his studio, and more.
