Finding the origin of your engagement ring diamond.
The truth is that few buyers know where their diamond comes from. For the informed buyer, the focus is typically on the 4 C’s with little regard for where the diamond came out of the ground. The 4 C’s are grades applied to the colour, clarity, cut and carat weight—attributes which determine the value of a diamond. But what about the origin? Why is this so important?
The importance of diamond origin
Most people understand that diamonds were formed billions of years ago. Natural diamonds were formed under immense pressure, at high temperature beneath the Earth’s surface. For many buyers, this is all that is known about the origin of their natural diamond.
Despite the introduction of the Kimberley Process to help stem the circulation of controversial ‘Blood Diamonds’ there is still a lot of uncertainty about where most diamonds come from. The majority of buyers are perfectly satisfied if their diamond includes certificate evaluating the quality and cut of their stone. Very few people question where their diamond came out of the ground. Despite best efforts from retailers to apply written reassurances relating to their supply chain, the System of Warranties lacks any in-depth reassurance relating to the diamond origin and the treatment of the workforces involved in mining and cutting the diamonds.
Buying a diamond with a known origin
Buying a diamond with a known origin is not so difficult. CanadaMark is not just a brand, but a system for determining the mine of origin for a diamond. Canadamark diamonds differ from other diamonds in the following assurances.
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- They are responsibly mined in Canada’s Northwest Territories, with respect for the sustainability of the natural environment and northern people
- Tracked through independent, audited processes at every stage from the mine of origin to the polished stone
- Natural and untreated
- Polished to meet specific quality standards
Canadian diamonds vs CanadaMark diamonds
Diamonds labelled as ‘Canadian’ sound very reassuring, but there is little evidence to prove their origin unless they are a part of an audited system to track the rough diamond from the mine to the polished diamond. CanadaMark does exactly this. Each diamond carries a unique serial number.
Showing the CanadaMark number microscopically added to the diamond’s girdle. (Image Copyright Serendipity Diamonds 2017).
Buyers know the mine of origin and the original rough diamond weight. The CanadaMark system not only tracks the diamond but gives assurance to the entire process relating to the sourcing of that diamond. From environmental studies and regeneration to energy management. Considerations for water stewardship, local jobs and community support are just part of this system of corporate social responsibility.
How to buy a CanadaMark diamond
If you’re reading this and you are a member of the public or a member of the jewellery industry, we can help supply you with a CanadaMark diamond, or with a CanadaMark diamond engagement ring.
Since 2015 we have been working directly with Dominion and their partners to supply CanadaMark diamonds from the UK. All of our certified CanadaMark diamonds include a CanadaMark card and GIA certification. Furthermore, diamonds have both the GIA certificate number and CanadaMark serial number microscopically engraved on the girdle of the stone.
In 2016 we introduced CanadaMark melee diamonds to offer small diamond sizes with the same assurances. Melee diamonds start from just over 1mm in size and above. Small CanadaMark diamonds do not include the CanadaMark card, but they arrive with us under an unbroken seal which we leave intact when we supply members of the jewellery industry.
CanadaMark melee diamonds at Serendipity Diamonds.
We can provide CanadaMark diamonds in place of many of our diamond options available on our main website. Buyers should contact us, noting any diamond specifications they are interested in. We can advise on CanadaMark diamonds available to meet their requirements with the additional reassurance of origin.
We have some examples of CanadaMark engagement rings available to view online. Most designs can also be made in 100% Fairtrade Gold (White, or Yellow) for complete traceability all materials sourced for the engagement ring.
About Mark Johnson
My name is Mark and I'm founder at Serendipity Diamonds. By day you'll find me working in our showroom—in a variety of roles. My work (which I love) ranges from photographing jewellery, to writing blog posts and helping clients with my colleagues Drina, Emily and Debbie.
