IndependentsMay 11, 2026
Kansas Jeweler Closing After 70 YearsThe owners of Staats Jewelers are heading into retirement.
SourcingSep 28, 2020
Dominion Diamond Finds Buyer, Asks for Creditor Protection
The Washington Companies, affiliates of the company that currently owns Dominion, were the only bidders for the mining company.
The main camp at the Ekati Diamond Mine in Canada’s Northwest Territories is seen here in this file photo. A buyer has come forward for the mine’s troubled owner, Dominion Diamond Mines.
Calgary, Alberta—The company that operates the Ekati Diamond Mine has found a new-yet-familiar buyer and is asking for some more “breathing room” when it comes to repaying its debts.
After filing for insolvency protection in April, Dominion Diamond Mines ULC announced Sept. 16 it had struck a deal with Canadian Diamond Holdings LP and CA Canadian Diamond Mines UL, affiliates of current owner The Washington Companies.
The two subsidiaries have agreed to purchase it for $126 million, with $20 million made available to pre-filing trade suppliers.
Not included in the deal is Dominion’s share in the nearby Diavik Diamond Mine. Dominion is a 40 percent joint venture partner in Diavik, which Rio Tinto operates.
Both mines are located in Canada’s Northwest Territories, less than 200 miles from the Arctic Circle.
Canadian Diamond Holdings and CA Canadian Diamond Mines were the stalking-horse, and only, bidders for Dominion.
If completed, the deal will see the companies assume all of Dominion’s Ekati-related operating liabilities, including offering employment to most of the company’s employees.
The Ekati Diamond Mine has been on care and maintenance since mid-March, when Dominion said it was shutting it down due to COVID-19-related concerns, leaving hundreds out of work.
The mining company has not given an exact date on when production at Ekati will restart, though it has sold some diamonds through its Antwerp office, recent court filings show.
According to a report filed Sept. 23 by FTI Consulting Canada Inc., the monitor overseeing the company’s restructuring, Dominion netted $46 million from diamond sales earlier this month and was expected to bank $8 million more last week.
“However, it is uncertain how sustainable the gradual reopening will be,” FTI noted in the filing, adding that Dominion may consider selling more diamonds “should the economics be considered favorable.”
The company will use the net revenue from these diamond sales to pay back some of the money it has drawn under an interim financing facility.
Dominion’s sale to the two subsidiaries of The Washington Companies, which is subject to a number of conditions, is expected to close Nov. 7.
In the meantime, Dominion has asked for another extension of creditor protection, an injunction that prevents creditors from coming after the company for debts owed.
Originally set to expire May 2, the court extended the protection period to Sept. 28. Dominion is asking for a second extension to Nov. 7, the expected closing date of the sale.
Editors' Picks
Sponsored by
Dominion Chief Financial Officer Kristal Kaye noted in a Sept. 18 affidavit that the extension would give the companies the “necessary breathing room … as they continue to work toward their restructuring objectives.”
More on Sourcing
The Latest
TrendsMay 11, 2026
Former Macy’s CEO Joins Signet Jewelers BoardJeffrey Gennette, who retired in 2024 after 41 years with Macy’s, is the newest member of the jewelry retailer’s board of directors.
TrendsMay 11, 2026
Amanda’s Style File: Lucky May May babies are lucky to have emeralds, a gemstone admired for centuries, as their birthstone, writes Amanda Gizzi.
Brought to you by
How Modern Training Is Becoming a Competitive Advantage for Jewelry RetailersWith the trade and customer trust in mind, GIA® developed NextGem™ – on-demand training designed specifically for retail.
TechnologyMay 11, 2026
Clientbook’s New Tool Helps Jewelers Plan In-Store EventsThe new module allows retailers to plan, promote, and measure the success of events from a single dashboard.
Weekly QuizMay 07, 2026
This Week’s QuizTest your jewelry news knowledge by answering these questions.
Lab-GrownMay 08, 2026
NDC Publicly Criticizes Pandora Over ‘Misleading’ Natural Diamond ClaimsNDC said in an open letter that Pandora’s statements about the carbon footprint of lab grown versus natural diamonds are inaccurate.
TrendsMay 08, 2026
Rihanna Chooses ‘Desert Diamonds’ for 2026 Met GalaShe wore our Piece of the Week, Glenn Spiro’s “Old Moghul Golconda” earrings, featuring fancy brown-yellow diamonds totaling 51.90 carats.
Brought to you by
Discover Timeless Treasures: A Showcase of Antique Jewelry & Timepieces in Las VegasGain access to the most exclusive and coveted antique pieces from trusted dealers during Las Vegas Jewelry Week.
Events & AwardsMay 08, 2026
JA Announces 2026 CASE Award WinnersTwo pieces were named “Best in Show,” one from the retail category and one from the supplier category.
FinancialsMay 07, 2026
Brilliant Earth Appeals to Higher-Income Shoppers in Q1The jewelry retailer noted resilience among its higher-end customers while demand softened for its lower-priced offerings.
AuctionsMay 07, 2026
‘Spectacular’ Kashmir Sapphire Headlines Heritage Spring Jewelry SaleLed by the 6.59-carat sapphire, the sale garnered $9.7 million, a record total for a Heritage jewelry auction.
MajorsMay 07, 2026
Gannon & Scott Names New Regional Account ExecutiveIn his new role, sales specialist Billy Welshoff will focus on the eastern United States.
WatchesMay 07, 2026
Chrono24 Names New CEOJosé Gaztelu has been promoted to the role, which has been vacant since last year.
Events & AwardsMay 07, 2026
JA Accepting Applications for 2026 Scholarship ProgramIt has also opened the application period for the Seymour & Evelyn Holtzman Bench Scholarship through June 30.
FinancialsMay 06, 2026
Pandora to Add Carbon Footprint Info to Lab-Grown DiamondsThe company announced the change alongside its Q1 results, which showed that the jewelry brand’s year is off to a shaky start.
MajorsMay 06, 2026
Saks Global Begins Layoffs, Reorganization Plans Closer to ApprovalThe retailer will cut 16 percent of its corporate workforce as part of its plan to exit bankruptcy.
AuctionsMay 06, 2026
Steve McQueen’s Heuer Monaco Watch Heads to Sotheby'sOf the many examples used in the filming of “Le Mans,” this one is believed to have spent the most time on Steve McQueen’s wrist.
EditorsMay 05, 2026
This Ohio Designer’s Jewelry Made It to the Met GalaMegan Piccione dressed Lauren Wasser in layers of diamond jewelry, making her stand out in a crowd that included celebrities like Beyoncé.
SourcingMay 05, 2026
Doug Hucker Returns to His RootsFollowing decades of association leadership, the “semi-retired” colored gemstone expert is turning his focus to gemstone education.
Events & AwardsMay 05, 2026
AMNH to Showcase Famous Jewelry, Trophies in Sports HistoryThe museum’s new exhibition will feature one of Jesse Owen’s Olympic medals, Yogi Berra’s crown, Super Bowl rings, and more.
Events & AwardsMay 05, 2026
JIS Launches Brand Exposure ProgramThe new program provides access to media exposure and editorial opportunities for exhibitors and retailers.
CollectionsMay 04, 2026
Melanie Georgacopoulos Turns Pearls Into Light for ‘Eclipse’ CollectionThe “Eclipse” jewelry collection captures the fleeting moment where light and shadow align though onyx, diamonds, and freshwater pearls.
ColumnistsMay 04, 2026
The Key Mindset for Better Trade Show BuyingBuying discipline at trade shows starts with clarity about your inventory levels, Smith writes.
CrimeMay 04, 2026
Pawn Shop Manager Shot, Killed in FloridaLazaro Rodriguez Vega was murdered inside Cash Out Gold and Silver in Fort Pierce. A 20-year-old man has been charged in the case.
IndependentsMay 04, 2026
Zadok Jewelers, Austin Parks Foundation Support Wildflower PreservationA portion of every engagement ring sold in its Austin showroom will support the care and preservation of Austin’s wildflowers and green spaces.
TechnologyMay 01, 2026
Gemist, Saban Onyx Partner on Retailer-Focused Customization OfferingTheir partnership combines Gemist’s customization technology with Saban Onyx’s U.S.-based manufacturing capabilities.
SurveysMay 01, 2026
Consumer Confidence Inches Up in April Despite Rising Gas PricesRespondents were concerned about the Middle East conflict and how it will impact their finances.
