TechnologyJul 10, 2026
There’s a New Blind Box for Luxury Watches Collectibles platform Arena Club’s new Time Boxes could contain a Rolex or Patek Philippe watch.
SourcingOct 09, 2018
177-Carat Diamond Among the ‘Stars of the Arctic’
It is one of three sizable rough diamonds from the Diavik Diamond Mine in Canada headlining Rio Tinto’s current tender of rough 10.8 carats or larger.
The three diamonds dubbed the “Diavik Stars of the Arctic” are, from left to right, the 177.71-carat “Vega,” the 24.82-carat “Capella” and the 59.10-carat “Altair.” Rio Tinto is offering the diamonds via tender, with bids closing later this month.
London—The Diavik Diamond Mine in Canada has yielded three sizable rough diamonds—including one very rare yellow—and Rio Tinto will try to sell them this month.
Ranging in size from 24 to nearly 178 carats, the stones are headlining Rio Tinto’s current “Specials” tender, a sale of rough diamonds that are 10.8 carats or larger.
Known collectively as the “Stars of the Arctic,” the biggest of the three is “Vega of the Arctic,” a 177.71-carat rough diamond that Rio Tinto said is one of the largest and most valuable gem-quality diamonds to ever come out of Canada. (The biggest diamond ever mined in Canada weighed 187.7 carats and also came from Diavik.)
RELATED CONTENT: The Biggest Diamond in WashingtonThe “Capella” is a 24.82-carat yellow diamond. Rio Tinto said the discovery of a yellow diamond of this size is “very rare;” the mine only produces about five per year on average, making it less than 0.001 percent of Diavik’s annual production.
The last diamond, the “Altair of the Arctic,” is a 59.10-carat white gem-quality rough.
The 59.10-carat rough “Altair” diamond is 59 carats.
The yellow “Capella” rough diamond is nearly 25 carats.
A shot of the 177.71-carat “Vega of the Arctic,” the largest of the trio of rough diamonds dubbed the “Diavik Stars of the Arctic”
Rio Tinto is currently showcasing the stones to large diamond specialists in Israel and Antwerp. Bids will close on Oct. 25.
The Diavik Diamond Mine is a joint venture between Rio Tinto (60 percent ownership) and Dominion Diamond Mines (40 percent ownership). Production at the mine started in 2003, went underground in 2012 and is expected to extend through 2025.
This summer, mine operators opened a fourth pipe at Diavik, the A21. The $350 million addition is anticipated to be a key source of incremental supply for the next four years.
View this post on InstagramA post shared by National Jeweler (@nationaljeweler) on Oct 4, 2018 at 1:31pm PDT
Also this month for Rio Tinto, bids are closing on the2018 tender of red, violet and pink diamonds mined at Argyle in Western Australia, which the company brought to New York last week and includes the 2.28-carat fancy purplish-red “Argyle Muse,” pictured above.
More on Sourcing
The Latest
TrendsJul 10, 2026
Jade Trau Creates a Constellation of DiamondsThe “Constellation Plié” collar, our Piece of the Week, features diamonds arranged in a constellation of shining stars.
WatchesJul 10, 2026
Brilliant Earth Expands Into WatchesIn honor of its 20th anniversary, the jewelry brand has released a limited-edition collection of Swiss-made timepieces.
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.
CollectionsJul 09, 2026
Boucheron’s New High Jewelry Collection Is an Ode to the Human Touch“Human Being” highlights the similarities and differences between us through five sets of jewelry that celebrate fine craftsmanship.
Weekly QuizJul 09, 2026
This Week’s QuizTest your jewelry news knowledge by answering these questions.
WatchesJul 09, 2026
Damiani Group Finalizes Acquisition of Baume & MercierRichemont will continue to provide operational services for the watch brand for a period while the group prepares to integrate it.
AuctionsJul 09, 2026
Pharrell Williams’ Joopiter Hires Former Bonhams Exec to Head New Watch DivisionNate Borgelt will lead the digital auction house and content platform’s new division as head of watches.
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.
Events & AwardsJul 09, 2026
Halstead Names 2026 Grant WinnerEnoch Platero, founder and designer behind Enoch Michael, is the first Native American jeweler to win the award.
Events & AwardsJul 09, 2026
AGS, GIA Name 2026 Beatrice Shipley Scholarship WinnerAGS also announced the recipient of its “Women in Leadership” scholarship.
MajorsJul 08, 2026
Kendra Scott Joins ‘Shark Tank’ As Permanent Investor The founder of the billion-dollar jewelry and lifestyle brand will debut as a full-time “Shark” on the upcoming season of the show.
SurveysJul 08, 2026
Signet Jewelers Falls 5 Spots on NRF’s ‘Top 100’ Retailers ListPlus, why retailers should be ready to adjust as the U.S. population may decline this year for the first time since the Great Depression.
CrimeJul 08, 2026
Here’s What Thieves Stole From the Lalique Museum René Lalique’s “Woman Dragonfly With Open Wings” pendant, the first piece the museum acquired, was one of the jewels taken.
MajorsJul 08, 2026
Richline Group Promotes 2 ExecsArien Gessner and Moss Makhoulian have been elevated into newly created roles.
ColumnistsJul 07, 2026
Peter Smith: Diamond Branding and the Origin ParadoxA podcast prompted Smith to share his views on where origin fits into the natural diamond story and the viability of branded diamonds.
Events & AwardsJul 07, 2026
JA Announces 2026 Impact Initiative RecipientsThe association selected eight recipients for the funding program, which is in its second year.
TrendsJul 07, 2026
Amanda’s Style File: Ruby, White and Blue Whether celebrating America’s 250th birthday or the USA’s World Cup run, July birthstone jewelry can double as a patriotic accessory.
CrimeJul 07, 2026
Thieves Steal Millions in Jewels From France’s Musée LaliqueAround 20 pieces of jewelry were stolen from the museum dedicated to French jeweler and glassmaker René Lalique.
CollectionsJul 07, 2026
Robinson Pelham Is Partying Like It’s 1996The “Summer of ’96” campaign and collection celebrate the year the brand was founded for its 30th anniversary.
IndependentsJul 06, 2026
Bachendorf’s To Open Fifth Store In DallasThe new location is set to open this winter, featuring the retailer’s first rotating jewelry designer residency.
MajorsJul 06, 2026
Graff Names BTS Star Jung Kook as New AmbassadorThe pop artist appears in the latest campaign for the “Laurence Graff Signature” collection.
CollectionsJul 06, 2026
Pandora’s New Baroque Pearl Collection Is a Whimsical ‘Wonder’One-of-a-kind pearls take the shape of ice cream cones, frogs, submarines, and other imaginative charms.
SourcingJul 02, 2026
London Diamond Bourse Elects First Female PresidentCharlotte Rose said her election is “a sign that this is an industry capable of change.”
Supplier BulletinJul 02, 2026
Elevating Retail Showcases with Today's Necklace & Bracelet TrendsSponsored by Rio Grande Jewelry Supply
TrendsJul 02, 2026
Oscar Heyman’s Flag Brooch Celebrates AmericaThe American jewelry house, founded by Latvian immigrants, has been creating American flag brooches since 1917.
IndependentsJul 02, 2026
D. Geller & Son Partners with KSU Art Students on Store MuralThe artwork celebrates the Atlanta jeweler’s legacy and symbolizes its commitment to supporting local artists and its community.
Events & AwardsJul 02, 2026
Stratus Estate Buyers Offers Jewelers Turnkey Buying EventsIts team can evaluate jewelry and watches, as well as luxury handbags, artwork, and collectibles.
