Three of the other alleged perpetrators will stand trial next March, while two remain on the lam and one was deported late last year.
Court OKs Sale of Ekati Diamond Mine
Two wealth management firms are acquiring substantially all the assets of the mine’s owner, Dominion Diamond.

Calgary, Alberta—A Canadian court has approved the sale of Dominion Diamond Mines ULC to a pair of wealth management firms, paving the way for the Ekati mine to reopen in early 2021.
The Alberta Court of Queen’s Bench approved the sale of Dominion to DDJ Capital Management LLC and Brigade Capital Management LP on Monday.
Under the terms of the deal, the firms acquire substantially all Dominion’s assets—which include the Ekati Diamond Mine in Canada’s Northwest Territories—while taking on $70 million in debt and providing a $70 million working capital facility that ranks behind the first-lien lenders.
DDJ and Brigade also agreed to fulfill Dominion’s obligations to: its employees, including their pensions; the Canadian government, including restoring the land at Ekati; and its Impact Benefit Agreement partners and other Indigenous groups and Northern communities.
In addition to Ekati, Dominion has a controlling interest in the Lac de Gras diamond exploration project just south of Ekati and Diavik.
The company also has a 40 percent stake in the nearby Rio Tinto-operated Diavik Diamond Mine, but that mine is not part of the sale. Dominion and Rio Tinto are involved in a separate legal battle regarding their partnership in Diavik.
Dominion Diamond filed for insolvency protection in April.
The company originally planned to sell itself to affiliates of its current owner, The Washington Companies, but that deal fell through over the objections of Dominion’s insurers.
Dominion announced the terms of its new deal with the wealth management firms last week. Both DDJ Capital Management and Brigade Capital Management serve as investment advisors to holders of the company’s second-lien notes.
The sale is subject to regulatory approval and other customary closing conditions and is expected to close by Feb. 1, though the parties have the option to extend the deadline if needed.
Dominion has said it is “making all efforts” to restart operations at Ekati by the end of January. The mine has been on care and maintenance since mid-March.
The Latest

Unseen for more than seven decades, the fancy intense pink diamond was the star of Christie’s Geneva jewelry auction.

The curated selection is available online and at its showroom in Austin, Texas.

With over 50 years experience in the trade, DSF Antique Jewelry offers quality, craftsmanship, condition, and remarkable variety.

The next generation understands what makes the 126-year-old retailer special, said CEO and Co-President Elise Greenberg.


The 6-carat CVD-grown pink diamond was “deliberately modified” to mimic the appearance of a natural rough diamond, the lab said.

An incorrect AI-generated ad or product description can cost your store valuable consumer trust.

With customization becoming more expected in engagement ring shopping, the Bridal Builder makes the process tangible.

These nine individuals and brands are up for a Gem Award in the Jewelry Design, Media Excellence, and Retail Innovation categories.

The incident, which happened in Miami-Dade County, serves as a reminder to jewelers of the dangers of selling and storing jewelry at home.

GIA Analytical Microscopist John Koivula curated the collection of 2,665 crystals, gems, and minerals over a 60-year span.

The “Eclipse” collection, the brand’s first high jewelry line, centers its alligator motif in diamond and spinel jewels.

From a Betta fish brooch to a “dragon’s trove” of zircon eggs, here are seven pieces that’ve stuck with Associate Editor Lauren McLemore.

Groundbreaking New Mexico Governor-elect Deb Haaland wore the earrings, our Piece of the Week, when she declared victory on Tuesday.

Jost goes on an epic journey, traversing rough seas and encountering a cyclops, to discover the perfect holiday gift.

Sponsored by GCAL by Sarine

From shrinking budgets to AI elves, here are five takeaways from holiday reports by Bain, Adobe, Mastercard, NRF, and insights from YouGov.

The designers combined their talents for Little Pet Portraits, hand-painted miniatures of our best friends set in a piece of jewelry.

Its non-bridal fine jewelry remains the star of the show, recently launching new collections inspired by Elizabeth Taylor and Jane Goodall.

“Joy: The Swarovski Musical” features Ariana Grande as the leading lady in scenes inspired by classic musical montages.

The lab will bring back its complimentary next-day service for some reports starting next week.

A Pennsylvania woman failed to declare a ring and a bracelet, discarding the boxes and receipts to conceal the purchases, officials said.

New collections and relevant marketing pushed the company forward, while Pandora’s lab-grown diamond sales continue to lag.

The citywide celebration, slated for Nov. 16-22, is set to host more than 175 events, including live jewelry-making demos.

Lanessa Elrod, former president and CEO of Louis Vuitton Americas, has stepped into the role as the retailer celebrates 125 years.

A replica of one of the most powerful objects in the Marvel Cinematic Universe, the glove is heading to auction next month in Abu Dhabi.

Klein, who had his own marketing agency and worked for Gabriel & Co. and Trans American Diamond, is remembered as a kind man.





















