EditorsJun 22, 2026
15 Pieces of Jewelry That Brought Us Joy in Vegas Whether they evoked nostalgia, wonder, or laughter, these jewels put a smile on our faces.
SourcingOct 23, 2013
New projects improve diamond supply outlook
Amid industry concerns about the dwindling supply of diamonds, a number of announcements surfaced this week regarding new projects that will open up additional sources for mining the stones.
New York--Amid industry concerns about the dwindling supply of diamonds, a number of announcements surfaced this week regarding new projects that will open up additional sources for mining the stones.
On Tuesday, De Beers Canada and Mountain Province Diamonds announced that the Canadian federal government had approved development of the Gahcho Kué diamond mine in the Northwest Territories.
The Minister of Aboriginal Affairs and Northern Development, Bernard Valcourt, put his stamp on the project, which will pave the way for the Mackenzie Valley Land and Water Board to begin processing applications for water and land-use permits.
“The minister’s approval confirms that the plans for the development and operation of the Gahcho Kué diamond mine will benefit the economy and residents of the Northwest Territories and enhance Canada’s position as a premier diamond producer,” De Beers Canada CEO Tony Guthrie said in a statement.
Located 280 kilometers (174 miles) northeast of Yellowknife, Northwest Territories, the mine is a joint venture project of De Beers (51 percent) and Mountain Province (49 percent). Gahcho Kué will employ nearly 700 people during its two-year construction process and approximately 400 while operating. It’s predicted to produce an average of 4.5 million carats per year over its 11-year life.
De Beers also has started construction of a new underground mine below its open-pit Venetia Mine in Limpopo Province, South Africa. The company has invested $2 billion in the project, which will extend the life of Venetia beyond 2040.
Underground production is slated to begin in 2021. De Beers expects the mine to produce an estimated 96 million carats over its lifetime. It will create 8,000 jobs directly, as well as 5,000 more through the supply chain.
“There can be no greater vote of confidence by our shareholders in South Africa and De Beers than the decision to build an underground mine of the future here at Venetia, one of a handful of world-class diamond mines around the world,” said Philippe Mellier, CEO of the De Beers Group.
“With production set to continue into the 2040s, Venetia will support South Africa’s mining economy for generations to come and make diamond moments possible for millions of people around the world.”
Meanwhile, Canada’s Dominion Diamond Corp. announced Wednesday that it has filed an application with the Wek'éezhìi Land and Water Board for a new land use permit and water license to expand its Ekati Diamond
Editors' Picks
Sponsored by
Mine to include the Jay and Cardinal kimberlite pipes (the Jay-Cardinal project).
The application is the first step in the regulatory approval process for the project. Environmental assessment approval is anticipated before the end of 2015, after which construction would begin, allowing for the anticipated release of diamond-bearing kimberlite to the process plant by 2019.
The Jay and Cardinal kimberlite pipes are located in Lac du Sauvage in the southeastern portion of the Ekati mine property. Drilling at the Jay site to date has produced 78 million carats of indicated resource and 13 million carats of inferred resource.
Dominion has identified the Jay-Cardinal project as “the cornerstone of (the company’s) strategy for building a long-term, sustainable Canadian diamonds business.”
The project has the potential to extend the operating life of the Ekati Diamond Mine for another 10 to 20 years past the current scheduled closing date in 2019.
Dominion Diamond Corp., formerly Harry Winston Diamond Corp., purchased the Ekati Diamond Mine from BHP Billiton in April, following the sale of the retail arm of Harry Winston to Swatch Group a month earlier.
The application is the first step in the regulatory approval process for the project. Environmental assessment approval is anticipated before the end of 2015, after which construction would begin, allowing for the anticipated release of diamond-bearing kimberlite to the process plant by 2019.
The Jay and Cardinal kimberlite pipes are located in Lac du Sauvage in the southeastern portion of the Ekati mine property. Drilling at the Jay site to date has produced 78 million carats of indicated resource and 13 million carats of inferred resource.
Dominion has identified the Jay-Cardinal project as “the cornerstone of (the company’s) strategy for building a long-term, sustainable Canadian diamonds business.”
The project has the potential to extend the operating life of the Ekati Diamond Mine for another 10 to 20 years past the current scheduled closing date in 2019.
Dominion Diamond Corp., formerly Harry Winston Diamond Corp., purchased the Ekati Diamond Mine from BHP Billiton in April, following the sale of the retail arm of Harry Winston to Swatch Group a month earlier.
More on Sourcing
The Latest
Events & AwardsJun 22, 2026
Plans Announced for New Trade Show in BaselScheduled for April 2027, Basilia will be the first watch and jewelry trade show held in Basel since the collapse of Baselworld in 2020.
Events & AwardsJun 22, 2026
Gem Awards Opens 2027 Nomination PeriodSubmissions for the milestone 25th annual Gem Awards will be accepted across three categories from now through July 31.
Brought to you by
Wedding Band Trends 2026: Personalization Takes Center StageColored gemstones, artisan finishes, mixed metals, and meaningful details are shaping demand in bridal jewelry.
WatchesJun 22, 2026
Snoopy Inspires New ‘Flying Ace’ Ball WatchThe beloved beagle dons his aviator outfit for the new Engineer Master II Snoopy Flying Ace timepiece.
Weekly QuizJun 17, 2026
This Week’s QuizTest your jewelry news knowledge by answering these questions.
AuctionsJun 18, 2026
Paraíba Tourmalines Sell for $3.4M at Sotheby'sThe recent high jewelry auction, which also featured the sale of a 10-carat blue diamond, was “a celebration of color.”
CollectionsJun 18, 2026
Michelle Obama Wears Almasika Earrings Symbolizing Feminine PowerShe wore the “Le Cauri Endiamanté” earrings, our Piece of the Week, in the Obamas’ first dual portrait for the Obama Presidential Center.
Brought to you by
Building the Future of Jewelry Retail: DCA Expands Education, Leadership Development, and Workforce SolutionsDCA is preparing the next generation of professionals by supporting workforce development, leadership growth, and career advancement.
PodcastsJun 17, 2026
Episode 6: Las Vegas 2026-Trends, Traffic, Broken BathroomsCouture’s Michelle Orman joins Amanda Gizzi and Michelle Graff for this special post-Market Week episode of My Next Question.
GradingJun 17, 2026
SSEF Issues Warning on Refilled EmeraldsThe lab is seeing emeralds with filler added post-testing enter the market, accompanied by reports that indicate little to no treatment.
WatchesJun 17, 2026
Patek Philippe’s ‘Visionary’ Leader Philippe Stern Dies at 88 The third generation of the Stern family to head Patek Philippe, he navigated the “quartz crisis” and preserved the brand’s independence.
MajorsJun 17, 2026
James Avery to Revamp In-Store Retail ExperienceThe Texas-based jeweler is gradually rolling out a new experience-forward layout in its stores.
MajorsJun 17, 2026
Seahawks’ Super Bowl Ring Blends Meaningful Design, Technical CraftsmanshipThe Super Bowl LX champions were honored with diamond and blue sapphire rings by Jason of Beverly Hills.
Policies & IssuesJun 17, 2026
Community for Ethical Jewelry Names New Executive DirectorMarianna Smirnova previously spent a decade working with the Responsible Minerals Initiative, in addition to other relevant roles.
MajorsJun 16, 2026
5 Things to Know About the 2026 NBA Championship TrophyThe New York Knicks took home the Larry O'Brien Trophy crafted by Tiffany & Co.
TrendsJun 16, 2026
Post-Vegas Jewelry Trend Report: Big Beads, Western Flair, White MetalsAssociate Editor Natalie Francisco lists the trends she spotted during Jewelry Market Week that will dominate the second half of 2026.
MajorsJun 16, 2026
Sasha Primak Hires New Design DirectorThe manufacturer has tapped Alicia Arnold, the former director of custom design at Tiny Jewel Box.
IndependentsJun 15, 2026
DeBoulle Diamond & Jewelry to Renovate Dallas FlagshipThe revamped, elevated space will feature a two-story Patek Philippe atelier and a rooftop patio for parties.
WatchesJun 15, 2026
G-Shock, Coca-Cola Partner on Bottle-Inspired WatchThe special-edition piece marks the 140th anniversary of the iconic beverage brand.
TrendsJun 15, 2026
Amanda’s Style File: Tiny Charms Are TrendingHere are 13 small charms to inspire your layered looks this summer.
AuctionsJun 12, 2026
16th-Century ‘Hogback’ Diamond Ring Going Up for Auction in LondonFound by a metal detectorist, the ring likely belonged to a wealthy, possibly royal, owner, said Noonans.
CollectionsJun 12, 2026
Chouette Designs To Launch Collection Celebrating All Types of LoveOur Pride Month Piece of the Week, the “Margaux” ring, is part of the wife-and-wife team’s new “Lovestoned” collection.
Events & AwardsJun 12, 2026
CBG Announces Plans for Phoenix ShowThe group has named the keynote speaker and announced a new pavilion for its next event, which is slated for September.
EditorsJun 11, 2026
This Was the Best Animal Jewelry in Las Vegas From lions and hippos to snails and fish, Senior Editor Lenore Fedow wrangles her picks for cutest jewelry critters in Las Vegas.
MajorsJun 11, 2026
Former Cartier Creative Director To Head Chanel’s Jewelry Creation StudioMarie-Laure Cérède will join Chanel as the new director of its jewelry creation studio, starting in October.
Lab-GrownJun 11, 2026
Smiling Rocks’ ‘Wish Jar’ Generates 100+ Wishes in Las Vegas At the JCK show, the lab-grown diamond brand teamed up with Jewelers for Children to support Make-A-Wish India.
SourcingJun 11, 2026
Signet Jewelers Exec Joins Diamonds Do Good BoardIlana McCabe is Signet’s vice president of public relations and brand communications.
