Events & AwardsJun 01, 2026
Design Atelier Brands Have a Big Night at Emotional Couture Design AwardsThe show started by honoring Mildred Marcano, ended with a tearful Beth Anne Bonanno, and recognized a dozen-plus designers in between.
SourcingOct 15, 2020
Ekati Deal Falls Apart, Leaving Workers To Wonder What’s Next
The future of the diamond mine is in question as owner Dominion Diamond scrambles to try to put together a new deal.
An aerial shot of the Ekati Diamond Mine in Canada’s Northwest Territories. A deal to sell the mine to two affiliates of its current owner, The Washington Companies, has fallen through, leaving the mine’s future in question. (©2017 Dominion Diamond Mines)
Calgary, Alberta—The proposed sale that could have saved Dominion and its Ekati Diamond Mine has fallen apart, leaving hundreds of employees to wonder if they’ll ever get back to work.
Dominion Diamond Mines ULC announced via press release Friday that its insurers, Aviva Insurance Company of Canada, Argonaut Insurance Company and Zurich Insurance Company Ltd., could not come to an agreement with the two companies angling to buy the mine, Canadian Diamond Holdings L.P. and CA Canadian Diamond Mines ULC.
Canadian Diamond Holdings and CA Canadian Diamond Mines are affiliates of Dominion’s current owner, The Washington Companies, and submitted the only bid only bid to buy the company, which filed for insolvency protection in April.
The impasse means the deal is effectively dead and Dominion will have to try to find another way to restart operations at the mine.
“Management is working with our financial and legal advisors to determine the best path forward given this sudden change,” a Dominion spokesperson told National Jeweler via email on Wednesday.
“Our top priority is to restart the mine and recall our furloughed workers—that is our primary focus at this time.”
Ekati has been on care and maintenance since March, a decision the company attributed to COVID-19. The company filed for insolvency protectionthe following month.
The Dominion spokesperson did not supply a number when asked how many workers have been laid off as a result of the mine shutdown, but the Union of Northern Workers (UNW) said Ekati employed 396 members of Local 3050 before it was mothballed. (This figure does not include non-union workers or contractors.)
Only about 40 union members are working there now, doing care and maintenance.
UNW issued a statement of its own Tuesday, claiming details of the failed sale were communicated via the press release distributed country-wide on Friday before management or the union had the chance to tell workers.
The union decried the uncertainty and lack of transparency it says have been a constant throughout the sale process and that have taken a “financial and emotional toll” on its members, who depend on the mine to support their families and communities.
UNW President Todd Parsons said there doesn’t seem to be any accountability on the part of the corporations to act in the best interests of its workers.
“The pandemic has had a devastating impact on many sectors and it’s very frustrating, as
a union, to have to sit on the sidelines and watch billion-dollar corporations play monopoly with people’s lives,” he said.
Following news that the sale had fallen through, interim Dominion CEO Pat Merrin, who is chief operating officer of The Washington Companies, stepped down, Dominion confirmed.
Chief Financial Officer Kristal Kaye and Chief Operating Officer Mike Welch are heading the company, with support from independent Chairman Brendan Bell.
Dominion will remain in creditor protection until Nov. 7, barring an extension.
More on Sourcing
The Latest
CollectionsMay 29, 2026
Cultus Artem’s Necklace Is the Oasis in Las Vegas’ DesertThe “River of Heaven” necklace, our Piece of the Week debuting at Couture, combines 26 salt and pepper diamonds spaced by Tahitian pearls.
IndependentsMay 29, 2026
Meet the 2026 Retailer Hall of Fame InducteesThis year’s inductees include second-, third-, and fourth-generation jewelers.
Brought to you by
All Eyes on Gold Prices. Alternatives to Look For. And What to BEWARE of in VegasAs gold prices rise, today’s retailers are looking for alternatives at prices that will appeal to wider audiences.
Events & AwardsMay 28, 2026
JCK Announces Jesse Itzler as 2026 Keynote SpeakerThe author, speaker, and entrepreneur will give his presentation, “Spiritual Billionaire,” on Saturday morning.
Weekly QuizMay 28, 2026
This Week’s QuizTest your jewelry news knowledge by answering these questions.
Events & AwardsMay 28, 2026
JCK Rocks To Ride With NellyThree-time Grammy award-winning artist Nelly is set to perform at the annual event at Tao Beach on Sunday night.
MajorsMay 28, 2026
Signet Jewelers to Buy The Clear Cut Signet will integrate the online-only, natural diamond-focused jeweler into Blue Nile, which it wants to position as a higher-end retailer.
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.
CollectionsMay 28, 2026
Meet The 17 Newcomers to Couture’s Design AtelierThese up-and-coming jewelry brands are bringing their distinct aesthetic and unique point-of-view to the Design Atelier for the first time.
GradingMay 28, 2026
GCAL By Sarine Launches 8X Cushion CutThe lab’s proprietary diamond cut grade has been expanded to include the popular fancy shape.
Events & AwardsMay 27, 2026
5 Security Tips for Las Vegas Jewelry Market Week 2026This year, it’s what could happen outside of show hours that worries JSA Executive Vice President Scott Guginsky.
ColumnistsMay 27, 2026
What Jewelers Can Learn From Luxury Fashion’s Digital PlaybookHigh-end fashion houses know how to emotionally connect with customers online. Retail jewelers should take note, Emmanuel Raheb writes.
Events & AwardsMay 27, 2026
Couture’s ‘The Iridescence’ Will Showcase 7 Emerging Jewelry DesignersThe designers are the third cohort of mentees from the show’s Belonging @ Couture mentorship program.
ColumnistsMay 26, 2026
The Key Mindset for Better Trade Show BuyingBuying discipline at trade shows starts with clarity about your inventory levels, Smith writes.
Events & AwardsMay 26, 2026
12 JCK Talks Sessions to Add to Your Las Vegas ScheduleThe trade show’s education series returns, with sessions on retail trends, AI, watches, marketing, corporate responsibility, and more.
Events & AwardsMay 26, 2026
CBG Brings Its Curated Designer Project to Las Vegas ShowThe Curated Designer Project has expanded to highlight eight independent jewelry designers during CBG’s Las Vegas show.
TrendsMay 26, 2026
Amanda’s Style File: A Cooldown Is ComingBring a cool tone to your summer jewelry with these white metal pieces.
Events & AwardsMay 22, 2026
Instore Buys JA New York ShowThe deal closed this week, which means Instore will produce the JA NY show slated to take place this fall.
FinancialsMay 22, 2026
Richemont’s Jewelry Brands Lead the Charge in Q4The company’s jewelry sales were up in Q4 and the fiscal year, with Richemont raising prices in part because of the cost of gold.
CollectionsMay 22, 2026
Leigh Maxwell Celebrates 5 Years at Couture With ‘Bauble’ CollectionThe “Bauble” capsule collection of colorful one-of-a-kinds includes our Piece of the Week, the “Bauble” earrings, featuring rose zircon.
MajorsMay 22, 2026
Stuller’s New Packaging, Display Catalog Is Out The updated catalog has a newly dedicated section for gift wrapping.
PodcastsMay 21, 2026
Episode 5: Sotheby’s Frank Everett Puts the Auction Market in PerspectiveEverett covers colored stones’ surging popularity, the mellow return of the “Mellon Blue,” and his “The Devil Wears Prada” doppelgänger.
IndependentsMay 21, 2026
Springer’s Jewelers’ New Flagship Will Serve Next-Gen Luxury ShoppersFourth-generation CEO Lilly Mullen wants to emphasize experience, connection, and personalized service.
Events & AwardsMay 21, 2026
JA Announces Nina Pugliese Memorial ScholarshipThe new award, created in partnership with Henne Jewelers, honors the late designer’s legacy through supporting jewelry education.
SourcingMay 21, 2026
Botswana, Angola Join WFDBThe addition of the diamond-producing countries as nation affiliated members broadens the federation’s global representation, WFDB said.
CrimeMay 20, 2026
NYPD Warns of Jewelry Swap Scams Targeting SeniorsThe NYPD is warning elderly New Yorkers to keep their jewelry hidden when walking outside to avoid being a target.
IndependentsMay 20, 2026
Adornment & Theory’s New Store Feels Like Home Designer Viviana Langhoff has realized her dream of owning a space for her Chicago jewelry store that looks and feels like her brand.
